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Port of Newport News

USNNS🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port of Newport News

This major US East Coast port is situated on the James River estuary, leading to Hampton Roads. It handles bulk cargo, including coal and grain, and is a significant facility for shipbuilding and repair, featuring large drydocks.

Background
Newport News is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 186,247. Located in the Hampton Roads region, it is the fifth-most populous city in Virginia and 140th-most populous city in the United States. The city is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the northern shore of the James River to the river's mouth on the harbor of Hampton Roads.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
13ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A

History

Established
1881

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USNNS
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-5
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Marina
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
US-VA
Area
US East Coast
Latitude
37.0843°
Longitude
-76.5230°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
8300 →
GeoNames ID
7274590 →
Wikidata
Q335017 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.nnva.gov →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Newport News?+
The approach to Newport News is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Point of Shoals Lighthouse at 6.3 NM to the W. Other aids include Deepwater Shoals (6.7 NM NW), Newport News Middle Ground (10.5 NM SE), Norfolk Entrance Reach Range Rear (10.5 NM SE), Nansemond River (11 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Newport News?+
The Port of Newport News is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Newport News?+
You can track vessels near Newport News (USNNS) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USNNS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Newport News?+
The Port of Newport News operates in the UTC-5 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.