The Hampton Roads Shipping Association (HRSA) is a non-profit, civic, and trade organization founded in 1971 to promote the interests of the Port of Hampton Roads and to further the common interests of business establishments within the Port, particularly those who hire waterfront labor. The Association assists the membership in the solution of maritime problems; maintains harmony between management and labor; fosters just and equitable principles and practices between labor and management; promotes safety; and works for the betterment, expansion, and prosperity of the port with an emphasis in the field of labor relations.

With the cooperation of labor partners in the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), HRSA has accelerated the implementation of their electronic hiring system. Each day HRSA employers post their work orders and ILA members are dispatched from their homes and on their phones to go directly to their job. This has greatly reduced the number of in-person contacts, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19, while improving the competitiveness of the port and the quality of life for our waterfront labor.

The region’s economic prosperity is closely tied to the competitiveness of the port. The HRSA is pleased to work with their ILA partners to create and maintain a labor environment that has allowed for past and future port growth.

HRSA says that Hampton Roads is a great place to do business because the maritime community has a culture of collaboration and cooperation that does not exist in other ports.  This collegial relationship also exists between businesses and the government agencies HRSA works with, providing them with a competitive advantage.

When asked what will drive the future of the Port, HRSA officials state that Port growth will be driven by deeper channels and new cargo capacity. Additionally, the development of offshore wind and the expansion and modernization in shipbuilding and ship repair present a generational opportunity for growth. HRSA believes the maritime industry is in the strongest position ever to drive growth in the region’s economy. Expansion and modernization in shipbuilding and ship repair offshore wind presents a generational opportunity for growth. HRSA believes that Hampton Roads the maritime industry is in the strongest position ever to drive growth in the region’s economy.

Part of HRSA’s purpose is to work for the prosperity of the port and believe that supporting the work of the Alliance is one of the best ways to invest in port growth and related economic development.