It's WINDSday | August 30, 2023

Celebrating the Power of Wind, Clean Energy and a Green Environment

In Hampton Roads, we’re used to big things in our harbor, like city-sized aircraft carriers and merchant vessels bearing 16,000 or so containers. But frankly, “we ain’t seen nothing yet.”

This fall the first of 176 massive (360 foot long) monopiles will arrive and deposit their loads at Portsmouth Marine Terminal, causing heads of drivers exiting the Midtown Tunnel to turn and eyes to gawk. In the spring, contractors will begin installing them 27 miles off our coast. Imported blades (each longer than a football field) plus nacelles and transition pieces will follow.

Ensuring that the ships carrying those components, plus others unique to offshore wind, can come and go while meeting stringent government regs, and finding fuel, housing, and supplies, is the job of longstanding local firms like Capes Shipping Agencies in Norfolk.

Bobby Scott, Director, Business Development; Steve Hagen, Vice President;

Mike Coleman, President & CEO; Pete Hansen, Director, Operations

“We and our competitors are the control tower for ship owners and charterers,” says President Mike Coleman. “Whether they are in China or Europe, we’re their office in Hampton Roads.” And they prefer as few glitches as possible because time is money. “They do not want their investments sitting here any longer than necessary, delayed from arriving or leaving by logistical problems, questionable credentials or some other issue. They want agents like us to solve problems, and given time zone differences, we’re available 24/7/365 to do so.”

Capes is now the agent for DEME Offshore, the international company that Dominion Energy has hired to transport and install those monopiles and three offshore substations.

"Three years ago we were hired to assist vessels surveying the ocean floor,” says Steve Hagen, VP/GM of Capes Shipping. “That led to some very intense training that prepared us for what’s coming.”

The sheer size of the offshore “fleet,” including Dominion Energy’s Charybdis now under construction in Texas, and their cargoes will be a challenge for everyone, including the FAA and Navy, because there are flight paths to consider. “Thanks in part to the Virginia Maritime Association, we have a well-functioning port where we tend to work collaboratively,” says Pete Hansen, Cape Shipping’s Operations Director. “But offshore wind is a whole new industry with players unfamiliar with our port. We feel we are as ready as anyone to be the eyes and ears for ship owners.”  

As we say at WINDSdays, bring it on.  

Want to learn about business opportunities in offshore wind?

The Business Network for Offshore Wind and the City of Virginia Beach are holding a one-day training event on Thursday September 21 at the Brock Center. Admission is free for any Virginia company. CLICK HERE to register.

You may not know Harshad Barot, but you certainly recognize the Ambassador Inn and Suites, the first hotel you see when you enter the resort area at the end of the VB Expressway.

The Mumbai, India native, who arrived on these shores in 1983, starting as a busboy at a Maryland Marriott, bought the 2.6-acre property and its 109 rooms at auction in 1994 and has owned it ever since, despite off and on interest from the city to purchase it for a headquarters hotel to serve the VB Convention Center next door.

“It’s a perfect spot for one, right at the gateway to the beach,” says Barot, who seemingly knows everyone on city council and serves on a host of local boards from TowneBank to VB Vision to Virginia’s Small Business Advisory, appointed by Governor Youngkin. Of course, the price must be right. “I hope it will happen,” says Barot, an unabashed fan of his adopted city and country. “America is the land of opportunity.”

In the meantime, Harshad has found dedicated entrepreneurs to lease his restaurant space.

Anan Herrera, backed by Hassan Msalek, who owns Bella Pizza on the Boulevard, has infused Mexican dishes like he made at Plaza Azteca for 20 years with tastes from his native land. “I’m from Guatemala,” says Anan, whose son and wife (who is from Guadalajara, Mexico) are on the team at the casual lunch/dinner spot. Ironically, Anan’s first American job was also as a busboy.

We rate El Charro’s fajitas, quesadillas and other dishes “muy bueno” and a great deal.

Anan Herrera and Harshad Barot

Take the family, and if you have friends seeking a VA Beach experience without the oceanfront prices, have them consider the WINDSday-friendly Ambassador. Harshad will leave the light on for them. 

Faith Pitt, Guest Service Representative

Have you heard about the Railyard District along Hampton Boulevard, four blocks of restaurants, offices, retail and other attractions around 24^th-25^th Streets?

Norfolk-based Meredith Corporation is a partner in the effort to reinvent ten crumbling industrial buildings, some a century old. Among the first tenants, besides Afterglow Brewing, is Nothing Bundt Cakes, the fourth in the region of a Vegas-based baker of cakes and other sweets. “My dad, an Air Force vet, built the first one over in Newport News, then two in Virginia Beach and now this one in Norfolk,” says daughter Dana, an ODU grad who grew up on the Peninsula. “I was a high school math teacher for five years, before deciding to join the Bundt team.”

Julie Krentz, General Manager; Dana Whitaker, Owner; Faith Pitt, Guest Service Representative

Dana is pumped about the Railyard District. “There will be green space, concerts, a farmer’s market, and it’s right on the Elizabeth River Trail. I think it’s going to be very popular.” And given that the Fairwinds Landing project, which will include several major offshore wind companies is close by in Lamberts Point, the District should attract its share of WINDSday fans too. 

Our friends at Symphonicity will present a fun, free concert this Thursday night at the 31^st St (Neptune’s) Park at 7:30.

Billed as Classic Comedy, it will feature skits, humorous selections by Mozart and Beethoven, and a variety of cartoon classics.

The all-volunteer orchestra was at Neptune’s Park this past week with blues harmonica maestro Bobby Blackhat and his band. They will reprise that excellent (and also free) show this Friday night, 9/1, at Mt. Trashmore, 7pm. Bring your own chairs and refreshments to both programs. 

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