Archives: News Entries

CHARLESTON, SC — MARCH 10, 2021 — South Carolina Ports maintains efficient operations, fluid terminals and available berths for customers while supply chains remain strained during the global pandemic.

Congestion at other ports caused delays and fewer ship arrivals, resulting in lower than expected volumes in February. SC Ports remains fluid and uncongested with efficient operations amid supply chain challenges.

SC Ports anticipates a continued rebound in fiscal year 2021 and noted strength with inland ports and vehicles in February.

SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports had strong cargo volumes, particularly Inland Port Greer, which had a record February. Inland Port Greer reported 14,418 rail moves, up nearly 5% year-over-year. Inland Port Greer has handled 102,772 rail moves thus far in fiscal year 2021, up nearly 3% year-over-year.

Inland Port Dillon reported 2,823 rail moves in February and 24,593 rail moves fiscal-year-to-date, up 7.4% year-over-year.

“As retail imports continue to boom during the pandemic, the ability to quickly move goods from ships to the hinterland via rail is paramount,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “Cargo owners benefit from SC Ports’ fast import transit to population centers — with intermodal imports arriving at the rail heads within 24 hours — and overnight rail service to Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.”

Vehicle volumes remained steady as automakers continue to see strong demand globally. SC Ports handled 17,555 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in February. Thus far in fiscal year 2021, SC Ports has handled 165,528 vehicles, up nearly 11% from the same time the year prior.

SC Ports moved 182,269 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) across the Port of Charleston’s Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in February. The Port has handled more than 1.61 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2021, from July through February.

SC Ports handled 101,609 pier containers — which account for cargo boxes of any size — in February, bringing the fiscal-year-to-date total to 897,910 pier containers.

“By investing more than $2 billion in terminal infrastructure, we are able to deliver unmatched vessel and cargo fluidity to our customers,” Newsome said. “We remain focused on providing congestion-free terminals and available berths to keep the supply chain fluid.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC — MARCH 5, 2021 — South Carolina Ports COO Barbara Melvin has been recognized as the 2021 SCMA Woman of the Year for her enduring support of the state’s manufacturing sector.

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance presents this prestigious award each year to an outstanding woman in South Carolina for contributions to the state’s manufacturing industry.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by SCMA, a highly respected organization whose members’ imports and exports are entrusted to our care. Manufacturing is a critical part of our state’s economy, and I am proud that our work at SC Ports supports this industry every day,” Melvin said. “I accept the SCMA Woman of the Year Award on behalf of our SC Ports team and the broader maritime community, and I hope that we will continue to see more women excelling in the manufacturing and logistics industries.”

Melvin is one of the only women in the country serving as COO of a port. In her role, she works to ensure the Port of Charleston remains globally competitive as a top 10 U.S. container port.

She manages many crucial infrastructure projects, including the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which will soon launch operations, and the $558 million Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which will soon give South Carolina the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.

“Barbara has held many leadership positions at the port over the past 23 years, which has given her a deep understanding of port operations and the maritime community,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “Barbara has a great ability to understand complex projects with insight and intellect, and she invests time to know her team. She is instrumental in our success at SC Ports, which further supports our state’s thriving manufacturing sector.”

South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector and SC Ports are intrinsically linked. SC Ports moves goods, tires and vehicles for advanced manufacturers throughout South Carolina.

As port cargo volumes doubled over the past decade, the state’s advanced manufacturing employment doubled as well, according to a study by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

“Barbara’s knowledge and support of the manufacturing industry is invaluable. Through her critical work with SC Ports, she supports manufacturers across all industry sectors throughout our state,” said Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “Barbara leads with enthusiasm and is dedicated to ensuring the strength of South Carolina’s world class ports system. We are thrilled to present Barbara with the 2021 SCMA South Carolina Woman of the Year Award.”

Melvin was honored during a virtual awards ceremony. Previous award recipients include BMW Manufacturing Communications Manager Sky Foster and Nephron Pharmaceuticals CEO Lou Kennedy.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC – FEB. 26, 2021 – South Carolina Ports welcomes two more massive ship-to-shore cranes to Wando Welch Terminal.

The new cranes are part of SC Ports’ strategic investment plan to modernize operations and upgrade infrastructure to handle more cargo and bigger ships at the Port of Charleston.

“As a result of our significant investments in terminal infrastructure, we offer unmatched vessel and cargo fluidity at a time that it is sorely needed in major U.S. ports," SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said.

The new cranes have 155 feet of lift height above the wharf deck and 212 feet of boom outreach, enabling them to service container vessels up to 24 containers wide.

The cranes arrived in Charleston on Wednesday aboard the Zhen Hua 27 after a two-month journey from Shanghai-based manufacturer ZPMC. They first docked at Columbus Street Terminal before making their way to Wando Welch Terminal Thursday.

The cranes will be assembled and commissioned behind the wharf for several months and then begin working ships this summer.

As vessel sizes increase, SC Ports has consistently invested in bigger cranes to efficiently handle the taller, wider stacks of cargo on mega container ships.

By the end of 2021, Wando Welch Terminal will have 15 cranes with 155 feet of lift height working vessels; with this latest crane arrival, Wando Welch Terminal now has 13 cranes of that size.

“Taller cranes with wider reach greatly increase our big-ship capabilities,” Newsome said. “These impressive cranes from ZPMC ensure SC Ports will remain globally competitive as we work the largest, cargo-laden ships already calling the Port of Charleston and U.S. East Coast.”

SC Ports’ infrastructure investments and the ongoing Charleston Harbor Deepening Project will enable Wando Welch Terminal to handle three 14,000-TEU ships simultaneously this year.

“Our infrastructure investments enable SC Ports to efficiently work mega container ships, ensuring the swift movement of goods to market,” Newsome said. “We remain on track to achieve 52 feet of depth in Charleston Harbor and continually invest in our infrastructure, which will give SC Ports the ability to work 19,000-TEU vessels — a capability few U.S. ports have today."

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

 

CHARLESTON, SC — FEB. 16, 2021 — South Carolina Ports welcomed six hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes to the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal this weekend.

The new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes are the final pieces of cargo-handling equipment to arrive for the new container terminal, which will open in North Charleston, S.C., at the end of March.

The cranes arrived on the Nowowiejski vessel, which is owned and operated by Chipolbrok. The cranes were fabricated by Shanghai-based manufacturer ZPMC and loaded for the journey to Charleston. The ZPMC USA team will commission the cranes before they are put into service.

The six new RTG cranes will join the 19 RTGs already on the site, making a total of 25 hybrid RTGs for Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal. These cranes will efficiently move and stack cargo boxes around the 47-acre container yard.

“This is a very exciting delivery for SC Ports as we now have all the major cargo-handling equipment on the site,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “The Leatherman Terminal’s impressive new equipment will provide efficient, reliable service to our customers.”

The Leatherman Terminal’s 25 new hybrid RTGs are a big part of SC Ports’ environmental efforts to maintain and improve air quality, as well as minimize emissions from port operations. The new RTGs run 100% on electric battery power, meaning diesel only runs when the batteries need to be recharged, which effectively reduces idling time. The batteries are expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 70% when compared to conventional diesel port cranes.

The new fleet of hybrid RTG cranes will join five new ship-to-shore cranes, which stand on the 1,400-foot berth. The ship-to-shore cranes have 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck and an outreach of 228 feet, enabling them to work the biggest container ships calling the East Coast.

The Leatherman Terminal’s Phase One will add 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston when it opens in March. At full build-out, the three-wharf terminal will double SC Ports’ current capacity by adding 2.4 million TEUs of throughput capacity.

“The Leatherman Terminal can handle more cargo and bigger ships, including a 19,000-TEU vessel,” Newsome said. “Global companies need access to well-run ports with cargo capacity. The Leatherman Terminal will be a significant economic driver for South Carolina, further supporting growth of existing businesses and attracting new investments to the state.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC — FEB. 9, 2021 — South Carolina Ports saw steady volumes at the start of 2021.

SC Ports handled 216,265 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in January, up 2.5% year-over-year. SC Ports has handled more than 1.43 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2021, which began July 1.

SC Ports moved 121,236 pier containers — which account for cargo boxes of any size — in January, up nearly 2% from a year ago. The port has handled 796,301 pier containers fiscal-year-to-date.

SC Ports had 12,189 vehicles roll across its docks at Columbus Street Terminal in January. The Port of Charleston has handled 147,936 vehicles thus far in fiscal year 2021, up nearly 13% year-over-year.

Inland Port Greer — SC Ports’ rail-served inland port in the Upstate of South Carolina — sustained momentum with a record January. Inland Port Greer reported 13,401 rail moves last month, up 16% year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon — SC Ports’ rail served inland port in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina — reported 2,870 rail moves in January.

SC Ports ensures the efficient movement of cargo between South Carolina and global markets, serving as a vital economic engine for the Southeast. Port operations generate a $63.4 billion economic impact in South Carolina each year and account for one in 10 jobs in the state.

To continue growing above market, SC Ports has invested more than $2 billion to build timely, world-class infrastructure, including opening Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and deepening Charleston Harbor to 52 feet in 2021.

“Companies rely on South Carolina Ports to have efficient operations, big-ship capabilities and ample capacity as we move their cargo to and from global markets,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “Our major infrastructure projects are coming online at the right time as we grow and diversify our cargo base in the booming Southeast market, ensuring South Carolina remains globally competitive for decades to come.”

SC Ports finished 2020 with a record December and recently updated its forecast as volumes continue to rebound during the pandemic.

“Our SC Ports team and the entire maritime community continue to show up every day during a pandemic, working to keep the supply chain fluid to ensure the swift delivery of goods to hospitals, businesses, manufacturers and consumers,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “We are grateful to every essential worker who keeps freight moving.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

Charleston, S.C. — Feb. 3, 2021 — The Keith Corporation and South Carolina Ports Authority are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the largest speculative industrial facility ever built in the Charleston region — a 1,019,200-square-foot, cross-dock industrial building in the Charleston Trade Center.

The Charleston Trade Center is situated off the Nexton Parkway interchange along Interstate 26 in Summerville, S.C. It is one of the Lowcountry’s premier Class A industrial campuses, offering unrivaled port and interstate proximity, as well as already in-place site infrastructure and tax incentives available through a FILOT agreement.

The new speculative building is located about 30 miles from the Port of Charleston. It has been specifically designed to capture port-reliant users with features including: 40-foot clear height, 120 fully equipped dock doors, two drive-in doors, ESFR fire protection, LED lighting, and expansive parking for cars and trailers. The project site is located on the front 62.32 acres of Charleston Trade Center, which is highly visible from Interstate 26.

Work on the industrial building is underway with a projected opening in the fourth quarter.

“We feel like the timing is excellent for a speculative project of this size in Charleston, given the expansion and competitive attributes of SC Ports’ facilities,” said Alan Lewis, Managing Partner of The Keith Corporation’s Industrial Development. “The Charleston market remains an incredibly attractive place to do business, and our new speculative building will provide industrial tenants access to both the Port of Charleston and the booming Southeast market.”

SC Ports is a top 10 U.S. container port, offering reliable service, efficient operations, ample capacity and big-ship infrastructure to customers. In 2021, SC Ports will open the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and achieve the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.

“Industrial tenants can benefit from this modern facility located in a very attractive real estate market, as well as from proximity to the state-of-the-art Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which will soon launch container operations,” said Micah Mallace, SC Ports’ Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “South Carolina Ports is excited to partner on the marketing efforts for this building with The Keith Corporation, which has extensive experience in developing industrial facilities in Charleston. We look forward to welcoming port-dependent tenants to the building later this year.”

Frampton Construction Co. LLC will be the general contractor for the project; the regional full-service construction firm provides planning and design support, preconstruction and construction services. Marketing will be handled by JLL’s Lee Allen and Kevin Coats, and by SC Ports. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture completed the building design.

The new building will join four existing buildings also developed by The Keith Corporation on the Charleston Trade Center campus, including: IFA, a German automotive supplier; RPM, an importer of coffee beans; Curtiss-Wright, a diversified product manufacturer; and a fully leased 136,500-square-foot, multi-tenant building.

About The Keith Corporation

The Keith Corporation is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate firm. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., TKC has projects in 35 states, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Developing over $3 billion worth of commercial real estate over the course of 300 projects, totaling in excess of 27 million square feet for a highly diverse clientele, The Keith Corporation has developed a reputation based on expertise, accountability, and total client satisfaction on projects.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC — JAN. 19, 2021 — South Carolina Ports Authority has significantly updated its fiscal year 2021 forecast following several months of strong volumes and a continued rebound.

The new plan projects that SC Ports will handle 1.385 million pier containers in fiscal year 2021, ending June 30. This is up from the original projection of 1.235 million pier containers and, if achieved, would surpass the fiscal year 2019 volume record of 1.364 million pier containers handled.

The new forecast also projects the port handling 243,595 vehicles and a combined total of 176,073 rail moves at inland ports in fiscal year 2021.

Several months of much higher-than-expected volumes at SC Ports, including a record November and December, propelled this updated forecast. SC Ports has seen month-over-month strength across multiple business segments since September, including with containers, vehicles and inland ports.

A robust consumer economy continues to drive volume growth as many invest in home goods, furniture and electronics during the pandemic.

“SC Ports has provided essential supply chain service throughout the pandemic. Our maritime community’s expertise and dedication is unparalleled,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “We are excited to update the fiscal year 2021 forecast following several months of growth as we prepare for a very exciting year, which includes opening the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and deepening Charleston Harbor to 52 feet.”

The SC Ports Authority Board of Directors also unanimously approved today new management positions, which will begin Feb. 1.

Paul McClintock will become SC Ports’ Senior Vice President of Export Projects. McClintock joined SC Ports in 2009, during which SC Ports’ cargo volumes have doubled. He served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for 11 years, specializing in identifying and recruiting new cargo to flow through the Port of Charleston. He has more than 35 years of experience in maritime and supply chain logistics.

“Paul McClintock has expertly led our marketing and sales team for more than a decade as we attracted new business, diversified our cargo base and doubled port volumes. He successfully identified market trends ahead of competitors, enabling us to grow above market,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “His experience and expertise are perfectly suited to take on the new role of Senior Vice President of Export Projects, which will help attract more cargo to the port and provide enhanced balance for ocean carriers.”

Micah Mallace will become SC Ports’ Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Mallace joined SC Ports in 2011 and most recently served as Director of National Accounts. Mallace has been crucial to the port’s growth, including his role in attracting Walmart to build its seventh import distribution center on port-owned land in Dorchester County, S.C.

“Micah Mallace has consistently proven his capabilities, working to increase the port’s share of retail and consumer goods volumes, with a focus on winning new third-party logistics and distribution center investments,” Newsome said. “He was crucial in attracting Walmart to build its nearly 3-million-square-foot distribution center in Ridgeville, S.C., which will boost port volumes by 5% and propel us to do business with other global retailers. We are excited for him to lead our efforts to further grow and diversify our cargo volumes.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC — DEC. 11, 2020 — — South Carolina Ports welcomed today 15 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes to the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal.

The arrival of this new cargo-handling equipment is significant as SC Ports prepares to welcome the first cargo ship to the Leatherman Terminal in March.

“It is always an exciting day when new cranes come through Charleston Harbor,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “The Leatherman Terminal’s impressive new equipment will provide reliable service to our customers and environmental benefits to the region.”

The 15 hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes arrived in North Charleston, S.C., on the Zhen Hua 15. This is a record-setting shipment for Shanghai-based manufacturer ZPMC — it marks the most rubber-tired gantry cranes loaded by ZPMC onto one vessel bound for the United States.

The 15 cranes will join four RTGs that arrived last month, and an additional six RTGs will arrive early next year — making a total of 25 hybrid RTGs that will service the Leatherman Terminal container yard.

SC Ports will also receive eight empty container handlers this month; they are produced by Finland-based Kalmar for use in the Leatherman Terminal container yard.

SC Ports recently welcomed five ship-to-shore cranes from ZPMC to the Leatherman Terminal’s new 1,400-foot berth. The new ship-to-shore cranes have 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck and an outreach of 228 feet, enabling them to work the biggest container ships calling the East Coast.

“With each equipment arrival, we take a step closer to realizing the Leatherman Terminal,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “Our SC Ports Engineering Department and numerous project partners perform an unbelievable amount of work and coordination on the site every day to make our March opening possible.”

The RTG cranes were fabricated by ZPMC and then shipped across the Pacific Ocean and through the Panama Canal before making their final leg of the journey to Charleston. Once the cranes are offloaded onto the Leatherman Terminal, the ZPMC USA team will commission the cranes over the next few months before they are put into service.

Crane operators will then run the RTG cranes within the 47-acre container yard, efficiently moving and stacking cargo boxes on the Leatherman Terminal.

Energy-efficient RTGs

As part of the construction of the container terminal, SC Ports has undertaken one of the largest environmental and community mitigation packages in South Carolina. SC Ports recognizes the importance of maintaining and improving air qleatheruality in surrounding communities, as well as minimizing emissions from port operations.

The Leatherman Terminal’s 25 new hybrid RTGs are a big part of SC Ports’ environmental efforts.

The ZPMC-built RTGs will use battery-hybrid technology; a smaller diesel generator charges the batteries and the cranes operate on battery power.

The new RTGs run 100% on electric battery power, meaning diesel only runs when the batteries need to be recharged, which effectively reduces idling time. The batteries, supplied by Corvus Energy, are expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 70% when compared to conventional diesel port cranes.

The cranes will use regenerative braking energy, which is captured and stored as electricity when a container is lowered. The recaptured energy reduces the amount of power required from the generator.

Additionally, a smaller generator — which runs fewer total hours — greatly reduces maintenance costs for the hybrid RTGs and significantly lowers fuel consumption and particulate matter, greenhouse gas, and other air emissions from exhaust.

This significant investment in new equipment demonstrates SC Ports’ commitment in striving to be the greenest port in the Southeast.

More capacity, capabilities

The Leatherman Terminal’s Phase One will add 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston when it opens in March.

At full build-out, the three-berth terminal will double SC Ports’ current capacity by adding 2.4 million TEUs of throughput capacity.

“The Leatherman Terminal’s 1,400-foot berth, five ship-to-shore cranes and 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes will provide efficient, reliable service to our customers,” Newsome said. “The Leatherman Terminal will have ample capacity and the ability to handle a 19,000-TEU vessel, enabling more cargo to flow in and out of the Southeast.”

The $1 billion Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal complements efforts to modernize Wando Welch Terminal and deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. These investments will enable SC Ports to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously in 2021.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

CHARLESTON, SC — DEC. 7, 2020 — As global trade continues to rebound, South Carolina Ports’ container volumes show strength with a record November.

SC Ports handled 207,066 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in November, up 12% year-over-year. SC Ports has handled more than 1 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2021, which began July 1.

SC Ports moved 114,899 pier containers — which account for cargo boxes of any size — in November, up 10% from a year ago. SC Ports has handled 558,380 pier containers fiscal-year-to-date.

SC Ports’ strategic position in the quickly growing Southeast is advantageous for cargo owners, particularly global retailers. Consumer demand remains healthy, seen with loaded imports up nearly 13%.

“SC Ports had a truly remarkable month with a record November for containers handled, as well as impressive results in our vehicles and inland ports segments,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “We also recently celebrated Walmart breaking ground on its near-port, 3-million-square-foot import distribution center in Ridgeville, S.C., which will boost port volumes by 5% once it is operational.”

Vehicles remain a strong segment for SC Ports with 20,838 vehicles handled at Columbus Street Terminal in November, up 4.5% year-over-year. SC Ports has handled 114,519 vehicles in fiscal year 2021, up more than 15% from the same time a year ago.

SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports had a strong November with a combined total of 14,324 rail moves. Inland Port Greer reported 11,247 rail moves in November, up 20% year-over-year, and Inland Port Dillon had a record November with 3,077 rail moves, up nearly 28% from last year.

“SC Ports is well-positioned to handle increasing cargo volumes brought on by both the ongoing recovery and the booming Southeast market,” Newsome said. “Our strategic infrastructure investments are coming online at the right time. We look forward to opening the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March.”

The $1 billion Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal complements efforts to modernize Wando Welch Terminal and deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. These investments will enable SC Ports to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously in 2021, as well as a 19,000-TEU vessel.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.