Charleston, SC - July 20, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported growth of container volume and breakbulk tonnage at its Charleston facilities and significant increases in rail volume at Inland Port Greer during the 2016 fiscal year that ended June 30.
SCPA handled 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during FY2016, an increase of 1.4 percent over the previous year. As measured in pier containers, or box volume, nearly 1.1 million boxes moved across the docks of the Port's container terminals in FY2016.
"Container volumes this fiscal year were quite moderate compared to last year, reflective of uncertainty and a general slowing of the world economy," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "However, import loaded volumes were five percent ahead of last year, marking a bright spot in volume development, and export loaded volumes were flat despite challenging markets. Our non-containerized cargo segments performed well, and we saw record-setting growth at Inland Port Greer. Looking ahead, the Port expects container volumes to increase as a result of the upsizing of ships with the Panama Canal expansion. Today, 16 of our 26 weekly container ship services now employ vessels larger than could pass through the Panama Canal prior to expansion."
In the non-containerized cargo segment, Charleston breakbulk tonnage exceeded planned volumes by 33 percent with 901,974 pier tons handled during the fiscal year. Roll-on/roll-off cargo within the breakbulk sector grew significantly, and SCPA achieved the highest finished vehicle volume ever handled at the Columbus Street Terminal. In FY2016, 274,426 vehicles moved across SCPA docks, an increase of 8 percent over the previous year.
Inland Port Greer achieved a record year of volumes, with 91,698 rail moves handled during FY2016. The facility's customer base continues to grow, with 57 percent higher volume this fiscal year compared to last year.
"Our port has made significant progress on key projects this fiscal year, including harbor deepening, Leatherman Terminal construction and the Wando Terminal wharf project," said Pat McKinney, SCPA Board Chairman. "We are well-positioned to meet the changing needs of our industry and remain focused on increasing growth while completing the necessary improvements to our facilities and infrastructure to be competitive into the future."
Board Action
The Board authorized a $23.6 million purchase for two new ship-to-shore cranes for the Wando Terminal in order to serve the growing size of vessels calling Charleston. The cranes are scheduled to be commissioned at the end of 2017 in conjunction with the completion of the Wando wharf strengthening project. Next month, the Terminal will receive the first delivery of larger cranes to be commissioned for use this fall.
The Board also approved the purchase of 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes for the Wando Terminal and 12 empty container handlers for Wando, North Charleston Terminal and Inland Port Greer.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.
Media Contact:
Erin Dhand
Manager, Corporate Communications and Community Affairs
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8121
edhand@scspa.com