Container shipping company to expand North American headquarters in Richmond

Ocean Network Express, a global container shipping company, plans to invest $2.5 million to expand its North American headquarters in Richmond and create 129 new jobs.

Ocean Network Express formed in 2017 after three companies —  “K” Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and NYK Line — spun off and combined their container shipping operations. Ocean Network Express opened an office in January at 8730 Stony Point Parkway in Richmond, says David Mills, a senior vice president of the company.

The Stony Point office is 62,000 square feet, Mills said. Ocean Network Express’ global headquarters are in Singapore. Its fleet has 240 container vessels, and the company has offices in 90 countries. 

Mills said Ocean Network Express plans to add a net 129 jobs to the Richmond market from January. He said Ocean Network Express currently has 216 employees in Richmond. Most of the company’s current employees came over from the companies that combined operations to form Ocean Network Express, Mills said.

Ocean Network Express is eligible to receive funding from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program in the amount of $750 per job for a total of up to $96,750, says Suzanne Clark of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The state program is not an up-front incentive. Funds are distributed after an employee has been with the company for 90 days, Clark says.

The office of Governor Ralph Northam announced Ocean Network Express’ plans on Wednesday.