July 12, 2000

Project Cargo in Charleston

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston recently dedicated a new 100-acre breakbulk terminal with plans to strengthen its project cargo business.

"The new Charleston Navy Base terminal has greatly expanded our project cargo capacity," said S. Craig Lund, the Ports Authority's national accounts manager.

Less than a year ago, the South Carolina State Ports Authority finalized a lease on the former Charleston Naval Shipyard, which was closed in the mid-90s. The Ports Authority acquired a long-term agreement for 100 acres of high ground, three piers and a 60,000-square foot warehouse.

Over the past year, improvements to the terminal include dredging of berths to 36 feet, new Customs-certified perimeter fencing and a new fender system. This basically gives Charleston a brand new facility with substantial laydown areas for project cargo business.

"The South Carolina State Ports Authority is aggressively seeking new business to utilize this facility," said Lund. "While outbound Ex-Im financed shipments have been somewhat slow, I would expect these to turn around by later this year or in early 2001," said Lund.

"Considering this rebound and the expanded flexibility and capacity our Navy Base terminal offers, I would say Charleston is definitely well-positioned for the future," said Lund.