THE US port of Virginia is to temporarily close the Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) in order to consolidate traffic at two other terminals, effective from May 4. "In light of market conditions, we find it prudent and necessary to take steps to consolidate our ocean carrier services at [Virginia International Gateway] and [Norfolk International Terminals], and adjust our gate hours," the port authority said in a statement, reported New York¡¦s Maritime Executive. Once the terminal closes, three service loops operated by the 2M Alliance will shift from PMT to Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT). Their berth windows will be maintained as scheduled at their new assigned locations. The last call at PMT will be the containership Winner on April 25. ¡§We just don¡¦t have the volume to keep it open,¡¨ port spokesman Joe Harris told the local Daily Press. ¡§It¡¦s easier to move that volume to other terminals." At NIT, VIG and three adjacent equipment yards, the truck gate opening hours will be changed from 0600 to 0700 hours.