The Virginia Port Authority has reported continued strong growth in cargo volumes in February, when 7.9 percent more 20-foot equivalent containers (TEUs) were handled compared to the same month last year.

The Port of Virginia handled 169,390 TEUs in February, an increase of 12,340 from last February, a news release stated.

The month’s container total was 96,404, and the general cargo tonnage, which includes containers and breakbulk, was 1,439,330.

“Though February isn’t normally a high-volume month, this was the second-best February in our history in terms of TEUs and general cargo tonnage,” said Rodney Oliver, the authority’s interim executive director.

“Our rail containers were up 17 percent for the month and almost 14 percent for the calendar year. I’m optimistic about what lies ahead, given the early-season success we’ve had.”

So far this year, TEUs are up 5.4 percent, at 16,806, compared with the same period last year, the release states.

Meanwhile for February, the authority reported an 11.4-percent increase in barge cargo volume, nine (6 percent) fewer ship calls, vacuum infusion process container volume down 184 units or 6 percent, and vehicles down by 1,890 units or 48 percent.