Charleston, SC - October 20, 2000 - On the strength of U.S. imports from Asia and Europe, container volume through the Port of Charleston increased 11% in the third quarter to 417,558 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units).
"While exports to South America and Asia are expected to remain healthy, they simply can not match the U.S. economy and our demand for foreign goods," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "Imports from Asia and Europe should continue to lead the way."
Through the first nine months of the year, the Port of Charleston has moved 1,218,851 TEUs, also an increase of 11% from the same period last year. Year-to-date, loaded import TEUs are up 13% while loaded export containers increased 10%.
To handle the increasing volume, this year the Ports Authority's capital plan calls for nearly $50 million in new equipment and improvements to existing terminals. Six new RTGs are currently under construction for deployment at the Wando Welch Terminal and five new seven-high stackers are on order. Two super-post panamax container cranes were recently delivered and two additional units will be delivered within two weeks. All four will be operational within two months.
The South Carolina State Ports Authority operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Port Royal. The Port of Charleston is currently the nation's fourth busiest container port, moving cargo valued at $80 million every day.