Workforce
Hampton Roads is home to a workforce of nearly 900,000, replenished annually by over 15,000 highly trained and disciplined personnel as they exit the military. In fact, 1 in 7 people in Hampton Roads are veterans.
Hampton Roads Maritime Training System
Hampton Roads is at the heart of America’s shipbuilding and repair strength. To meet the workforce needs of this critical industry, the Hampton Roads Maritime Training System (HRMTS) works collaboratively with businesses, training providers, educational institutions, and community organizations to enhance and grow the talent pipeline in the maritime sector. HRMTS is projected to produce 10,000 annual graduates beginning in 2027 and has a 94% placement rate for graduates into industry.
The Port
of Virginia
Hampton Roads is a global trading powerhouse with the world’s largest natural harbor and the deepest port on the East Coast. The Port of Virginia is America’s most modern gateway and a significant economic force supporting jobs and commerce across Hampton Roads, Virginia and Mid-Atlantic. It is 3rd largest port on the East Coast, with 50-foot channels and no overhead restrictions. Connected to 200+ countries through 30 shipping lines, it provide direct access for imports and exports to major world markets, solidifying Hampton Roads position as a global trading powerhouse. A RORO (Roll on/Roll off) facility is located in Newport News providing direct access for imports and exports to major markets around the world.
$1.4 billion invested in modernization, capacity building, and global readiness
3.5M million TEUs annually
1 in 10 jobs in Virginia are tied to port activities
transportation & Connectivity
The region is served by CSX & Norfolk Southern and is augmented by short line rail partners. On-dock rail is offered at two of the Port of Virginia’s terminals.
An integrated network of interstates and highways connect Hampton Roads to major U.S. markets. Over $12.5 billion will be spent by 2027 to improve the region’s infrastructure. I-64 provides a loop around Hampton Roads before heading west to Richmond. Routes 58 & 460 serve as direct connectors to north-south Interstates I-85/I-95. Route 13 reduces a trip to the Northeast by 90 miles by providing a short-cut through Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Two airports, Norfolk International and Newport News/Williamsburg International, serve Hampton Roads. Located within 30 minutes of most business and residential areas, they serve more than 4.9 million passengers annually.
America’s Military Metro
Hampton Roads proudly hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of military power. The region has several specialized military installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, Fifth Coast Guard District, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Naval Air Station Oceana, which serves as the East Coast Master Jet Base.
Hampton Roads also plays a key role on the international stage as the home of Allied Command Transformation, the only NATO headquarters in North America, and NATO Joint Force Command, both of which are critical support facilities and essential symbols of the Trans-Atlantic link.
