Archives: News Entries

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 8, 2020 — S.C. Ports Authority’s September volumes reflect the strongest year-over-year activity since the pandemic hit, showing a continued recovery and strength in containers, vehicles and inland port moves.

SC Ports handled 195,101 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals — a record September for SC Ports and a slight increase year-over-year. SC Ports handled 580,912 TEUs in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

SC Ports handled 107,816 pier containers, which measures boxes of any size, in September, down 2% year-over-year. This brings the fiscal year total thus far to 323,495 pier containers.

Vehicles remain a strong business segment for the Port of Charleston with 21,702 vehicles handled at Columbus Street Terminal in September, down less than 2% year-over-year. Fiscal-year-to-date, vehicle volumes are up 25% with 73,044 vehicles handled since July.

SC Ports’ Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon had a busy September as cargo activity increased. Cargo owners needing access to the Port of Charleston benefit from the flexibility and predictability provided by these rail-served inland ports.

Inland Port Greer had 12,994 rail moves in September, up 4% year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon reported 3,108 rail moves in September, up 27% year-over-year. Combined, the inland ports had 16,102 rail moves in September, up 8% from a year ago.

“September volumes outperformed expectations as we see an uptick in cargo flowing through our marine terminals and inland ports. We will continue to operate well-run terminals, as we have throughout the pandemic,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “We remain highly focused on capturing more retail goods and e-commerce cargo, such as with Walmart’s new 3-million-square-foot distribution center in Dorchester County, S.C.”

SC Ports also had the record-setting CMA CGM Brazil call on the Port of Charleston in September. The 15,072-TEU vessel showcased SC Ports’ big-ship capabilities, efficient operations and deep harbor.

SC Ports has invested $2 billion into modernizing infrastructure, including upgrades to Wando Welch Terminal and building Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which will open in March. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is also fully funded and on schedule to achieve a 52-foot depth in 2021.

“The ability to seamlessly handle the CMA CGM Brazil highlights SC Ports’ deep harbor and modern capabilities,” Newsome said. “We have pursued an amazing amount of infrastructure in a short period of time. In 2021, we will have the deepest harbor on the East Coast, and we will celebrate the opening of Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal.”

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 – OCT. 6, 2020 – Construction of SC Ports’ Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is progressing toward a March 2021 opening, marking the country’s first container terminal to open since 2009.

The Leatherman Terminal will add more capacity and big-ship capabilities to South Carolina, further enhancing critical supply chain assets for businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Phase One will add 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston. At full build-out, the three-berth terminal will double S.C. Ports’ current capacity by adding 2.4 million TEUs of throughput capacity.

“Everybody understands how much value this will add to South Carolina. This is a true team effort, and you can see it every day on the site,” said Butch Weber, SC Ports' Engineering Project Manager. “It is remarkable to see it all coming together.”

The site, situated on the former Navy Base along the Cooper River in North Charleston, S.C., is being transformed into a world-class container terminal.

Following years of planning and a complex construction process, the Leatherman Terminal will be ready to welcome container ships in less than six months.

“This project has been a massive undertaking as it includes every discipline of engineering,” said Lucy Terza, SC Ports’ Engineering Project Manager. “There are so many moving parts working in concert ahead of the opening of Phase One.”

The SC Ports’ engineering team has worked with many contractors on the site, including HDR Inc., Banks Construction Co., Samet Corp., Cape Romain/McLean A Joint Venture and Cape Romain Contractors Inc.

“The teams behind the Leatherman Terminal have deployed innovative engineering and excellent on-site coordination throughout this entire project,” said Walter Lagarenne, SC Ports’ Director of Engineering and Permitting. “From day one, we’ve had amazing collaboration, enabling us to keep this massive project on schedule and on budget.”

Nearly 80% of the dollars spent on construction contracts were awarded to SC-based firms.

“Phase One construction is going to be completed in about 32 months, with the site work and the buildings being finished in about 18 months — quite a feat for a project of this magnitude,” Lagarenne said. “This container terminal is built by South Carolinians, for South Carolinians.”

 

Construction milestones

A critical component of Phase One — the 1,400-foot wharf — is complete. It is designed to handle up to 19,000-TEU vessels with five of the tallest ship-to-shore cranes on the East Coast.

The cranes — with 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck and a reach of 228 feet — are making the journey to Charleston now on two vessels. They are scheduled to arrive in late October. Shanghai-based ZPMC fabricated the cranes. ZPMC USA will complete assembly and test the cranes upon arrival.

Twenty-five hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes are also set to arrive later this year on three vessels, including four that will arrive with the ship-to-shore cranes. ZPMC is completing fabrication and testing of the remaining 21 RTG cranes, preparing them to be shipped in mid-October and early November.

The overall site development of the Leatherman Terminal is approximately 75% complete. Construction of the refrigerated container racks, which will enable SC Ports to handle more refrigerated and frozen goods for customers, is 85% complete.

Many of the terminal’s buildings, such as the Terminal Operations Building and the Vessel Operations Building, have taken shape on the site. Work on buildings and canopies is about 75% complete overall, with completion slated for late December or early January.

Construction of the Port Access Road by the S.C. Department of Transportation is progressing as well; this road will provide truck drivers with a direct connection between Interstate 26 and the Leatherman Terminal.

SC Ports is in the final year of a six-year capital improvement plan, a culmination of years of strategic infrastructure planning and $2 billion in investments. 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.

“SC Ports has planned and invested to ensure the right infrastructure is coming online at the right time,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “Tomorrow is here.”

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 – SEPT. 21, 2020 – South Carolina Ports Authority celebrates the arrival of the biggest container ship to ever call the U.S. East Coast — the 15,072-TEU CMA CGM Brazil — making Charleston the last U.S. port of call before it heads overseas.

The CMA CGM Brazil can carry 15,072 containers of cargo. It measures 1,200 feet long — equivalent to the length of the Eiffel Tower.

The CMA CGM Brazil worked its way down the East Coast and arrived in Charleston Sunday morning, saving the deepest port for last. Charleston’s deep harbor and wide channels, combined with SC Ports’ efficient operations, can seamlessly handle the loaded vessel. It is scheduled to depart from Wando Welch Terminal today around 4 p.m.

“We welcome the CMA CGM Brazil to Charleston and extend a big congratulations on this landmark record ship,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “This points to the success of our long-term strategy of investing in port infrastructure and deepening our harbor to accommodate the largest vessels visiting the East Coast. We have planned well for our customers’ growth.”

The CMA CGM Brazil’s visit is very significant for SC Ports and for South Carolina, showcasing big-ship capabilities and global competitiveness. Larger ships carry more cargo, further supporting port-dependent businesses and jobs throughout the state and the Southeast.

“We are very excited to welcome the 15,072-TEU CMA CGM Brazil to SC Ports. Our efficient operations and modern ship-to-shore cranes ensure we can efficiently work vessels of this size,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “Our SC Ports team and the broader maritime community take great pride in the vital work of keeping freight moving.”

The CMA CGM Group said the deployment of the Brazil signifies CMA CGM’s commitment to supporting the U.S. economy by maintaining strong relationships with U.S. ports and customers. The CMA CGM Group stressed that timely infrastructure investments at East Coast ports made this milestone possible.

SC Ports has invested $2 billion in infrastructure to handle more cargo and bigger ships.

Wando Welch Terminal has undergone extensive upgrades, including new ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height above the wharf deck, enabling SC Ports’ crane operators to work larger ships.

SC Ports is on track to open Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March, the country’s first container terminal in a decade that will further boost SC Ports’ big-ship capabilities.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is fully funded and on schedule to achieve 52 feet of depth in 2021. Charleston Harbor will be the deepest on the East Coast, capable of handling vessels without tidal restrictions. This was made possible through the support of the S.C. Legislature, Congressional delegation and Trump Administration.

“Our infrastructure investments will enable SC Ports to accommodate four 14,000-TEU-and-above vessels simultaneously in 2021, as well as a 19,000-TEU vessel,” Newsome said.

SC Ports’ strategic infrastructure investments enabled this latest big-ship call. The CMA CGM Brazil increases capacity on the weekly Columbus JAX service.

The CMA CGM Brazil is operated by the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics. CMA CGM is No. 1 in total U.S. combined export/import market share and employs more than 12,000 staff members in the U.S. CMA CGM serves 19 U.S. ports with 34 services and 93 weekly port calls.

Notable quotes:

“SC Ports has further established itself as one of our state’s premier economic drivers and job creators. The arrival of the CMA CGM Brazil is an exciting milestone for SC Ports and for South Carolina as it supports the movement of more goods throughout our state.” — Gov. Henry McMaster

“Seeing these ships on the water, it’s still hard to convey their size. Longer than four football fields, this is the largest container ship to call on the East Coast. Years of work is paying off as more and more of these mammoth ships connect our port to markets around the world. It’s a good fit for us at the Port of Charleston and it fits Charleston Harbor just fine. And next year, we will have the deepest harbor of any port on the East Coast at 52 feet.” — Sen. Larry Grooms, chairman of the Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority

“SC Ports leadership and board of directors have worked for years to invest in modern infrastructure to handle big ships. The exciting arrival of the CMA CGM Brazil signifies that these investments were made at the right time to support growth, ensuring SC Ports remains a vital economic engine for the state.” — SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern

 

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 – SEPT. 18, 2020 – The biggest container ship to ever call the U.S. East Coast — the 15,072-TEU CMA CGM Brazil — is expected to sail into Charleston Harbor on Sunday.

The CMA CGM Brazil’s visit to SC Ports is very significant for the port and the state, showcasing big-ship capabilities and global competitiveness. Larger ships carry more cargo, furthering supporting businesses and jobs throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.

The CMA CGM Brazil is operated by the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics. CMA CGM is No. 1 in total U.S. combined export/import market share and employs more than 12,000 staff members in the U.S. CMA CGM serves 19 U.S. ports with 34 services and 93 weekly port calls.

“We congratulate CMA CGM on this landmark record ship. We are excited by all it represents for SC Ports and South Carolina’s economy,” SC Ports’ President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The CMA CGM Brazil’s visit to SC Ports points to our long-term strategy of investing in port infrastructure and deepening our harbor to accommodate the large vessels visiting the East Coast.”

The CMA CGM Brazil worked its way down the East Coast, saving the deepest port for last. Charleston’s deep harbor and wide channels can seamlessly handle the loaded vessel, making Charleston the last U.S. port of call before it heads overseas. The Charleston Harbor is currently being deepened to 52 feet.

SC Ports’ efficient operations and massive ship-to-shore cranes will enable the swift movement of cargo for the CMA CGM Brazil.

“SC Ports eagerly anticipates the arrival of the 15,072-TEU CMA CGM Brazil,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “SC Ports’ excellent operations ensure we can efficiently work vessels of this size. Our SC Ports team and the broader maritime community looks forward to welcoming the CMA CGM Brazil to Charleston.”

Track the CMA CGM Brazil

Track the vessel in real-time as it sails into Charleston. The CMA CGM Brazil is expected to arrive in the inner harbor in Charleston on Sunday morning around 9 a.m. and head to Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant.

SC Ports teammates and maritime workers will unload and load containers until the ship departs for Malaysia on Monday. These times can change, so follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.

Capture the moment

SC Ports is hosting a photo contest to celebrate the CMA CGM Brazil calling on Charleston.

To participate:

·    Snap a photo of the CMA CGM Brazil in Charleston.

·    Look out for a post on our Facebook page for details on how to enter the photo contest.

·    Be sure to tag us in your photos - @SCPorts and @cmacgm. #SCPorts #TomorrowIsHere

·    The first-place winner will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of Wando Welch Terminal. The second- and third-place winners will win a port-themed puzzle and Tervis tumbler.

The Brazil measures 1,200 feet long, which is nearly equivalent to the Eiffel Tower.

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 – SEPT. 14, 2020 – South Carolina Ports Authority saw some positive cargo trends in August, pointing to a slow but emerging recovery during the ongoing global pandemic.

SC Ports handled 208,837 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in August, down about 10% year-over-year. When compared to recent months however, volumes are trending positively, with TEUs up 18% since July and up 33% since June.

SC Ports moved 116,248 pier containers, which measures boxes of any size, in August. This is down 12% year-over-year, but up 17% from July and up 31% from June.

“Our August volumes surpassed expectations, reflecting the best year-over-year month since the pandemic began impacting global supply chains in March,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “We are encouraged by a steady rebound in containers, vehicles and inland port rail moves.”

SC Ports handled 26,214 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in August, a 38% increase from a year ago. Vehicle volumes are up 42% fiscal-year-to-date, with 51,342 vehicles handled in July and August. The Port handled 73,811 pier tons in August, up 25% year-over-year.

Inland Port Greer continues to rebound with 13,422 rail moves in August, while Inland Port Dillon had its best month in its history with 3,527 rail moves in August.

August also marked the second highest month ever for imports to the Port of Charleston.

“Our imports are returning to — and at times surpassing — pre-pandemic levels as consumers invest in more goods for their homes and families,” Newsome said. “SC Ports is well-known for expertly moving goods just-in-time for global companies. Our efficient operations and big-ship capabilities perfectly suit the needs of global retailers who require reliability and adaptability in their supply chains."

SC Ports recently celebrated a big win in the retailer and e-commerce space with Walmart investing in a 3-million-square-foot distribution center in Dorchester County, S.C. The facility, set to break ground in March 2021, will eventually boost port volumes by 5%.

Big ships on the horizon

SC Ports is preparing to welcome the largest ship to ever visit the East Coast and the Port of Charleston — the 15,072-TEU CMA CGM Brazil is set to sail into Charleston Harbor on Sept. 20.

SC Ports’ modern ship-to-shore cranes, efficient terminal operations and deep harbor enables the port to accommodate a container ship of this size.

Investments are ongoing to further equip SC Ports to handle massive container ships in the future. The fully funded Charleston Harbor Deepening Project remains on schedule to achieve a 52-foot depth in 2021, with the full project completion slated for mid-2022. Work continues to further enhance Wando Welch Terminal to handle more cargo and bigger ships.

Construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is making great strides toward a March opening. Five new ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck are slated to arrive in October, outfitting the container terminal with some of the tallest ship-to-shore cranes on the East Coast. Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal will add 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to SC Ports.

“SC Ports has planned and invested to ensure the right infrastructure is coming online at the right time,” Newsome said. “A deeper harbor, new ship-to-shore cranes, a new container terminal and enhancements to existing terminals will enable us to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously next year.”

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 – AUG. 12, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority is seeing signs of a moderate recovery beginning to emerge at the start of fiscal year 2021 amid the ongoing global pandemic.

S.C. Ports handled 176,974 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in July.

S.C. Ports moved 99,431 pier containers, which measures boxes of any size, in July. Pier containers are up 12% from June, showing a positive trend for the first month of fiscal year 2021, but volumes remain down year-over-year.

Five scheduled blank sailings remain; blank sailings are when a vessel does not arrive during its schedule time or is rescheduled. The remaining blank sailings, which are coming from Northern Europe, will make a total of 72 since January.

Although exports and imports were down overall, S.C. Ports saw an uptick in Asian imports in July, pointing to a positive economic trend.

“We are encouraged by some signs of an initial rebound in our container and automotive volumes, as well as an increase in imports and a decline in blanked sailings,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “However, a more substantial recovery is dependent on the duration and intensity of the economic impacts from the pandemic, and ultimately, on a vaccine. We are hopeful for a stronger rebound throughout fiscal year 2021.”

The Port handled 71,053 pier tons in July, up 13% year-over-year. Inland Port Greer reported 10,832 rail moves last month, while Inland Port Dillon had 2,778 rail moves.

S.C. Ports reported the highest July on record for vehicles handled. S.C. Ports moved 25,128 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in July, a 47% increase year-over-year. This shows strength in the ro-ro sector for S.C. Ports, and signifies a return to normalcy at automotive plants throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.

“From 2009-2018, we doubled our container volume. In 2019, we set record volumes nearly every month. The first two months of 2020 also saw record volumes before the pandemic disrupted businesses globally,” Newsome said. “I am confident that we will weather this uncertainty and come out stronger. We are a world-class port located in the booming Southeast market. We remain dedicated to providing excellent service and timely infrastructure to our customers.”

S.C. Ports continues to grow and diversify its cargo base. The Port had one of its biggest economic development wins in its history last month when Walmart announced plans to invest $220 million into a new distribution center in Dorchester County, boosting port volumes by 5%.

S.C. Ports also remains on schedule with its fully funded infrastructure projects. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is on track to achieve a 52-foot depth, making it the deepest harbor on the East Coast.

Upgrades are ongoing at Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant. Construction continues at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston; the container terminal is on track to open in March.

These combined efforts will enable S.C. Ports to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously and up to a 19,000-TEU container ship. S.C. Ports has invested heavily to grow its footprint to ensure ample capacity and big-ship capabilities, and those efforts are coming to fruition this fiscal year.

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 – JULY 28, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority is proud to further its longtime partnership with Michelin North America, Inc. by moving cargo for the tiremaker’s largest distribution center.

Michelin, which has its North American headquarters in Greenville, S.C., operates a 3-million-square-foot Southeast distribution center in Woodruff, S.C. The facility is located in the booming Upstate of South Carolina.

Michelin will move finished tires between the Woodruff distribution center and S.C. Ports’ Inland Port Greer, which sits 10 miles away along Interstate 85. Inland Port Greer connects to the Port of Charleston via overnight rail service by Norfolk Southern.

Michelin’s decision to move finished tires through Inland Port Greer builds on the existing supply chain partnership. Michelin began moving raw materials through Inland Port Greer in 2015.

“S.C. Ports’ Inland Port Greer enables Michelin to seamlessly and efficiently import materials and export tires to global markets through the Port of Charleston,” said Julie Branham, supply chain operations, Michelin North America. “Access to an efficient supply chain and port facilities is a key element of Michelin’s long-term success in South Carolina, ultimately creating more jobs for residents of our state.”

The Woodruff distribution center is the largest warehouse of the Michelin Group worldwide, equivalent to 57 football fields. The state-of-the-art facility will be used to serve around 60% of Michelin’s North American customers.

“Michelin is a valued customer of S.C. Ports. We are thrilled to expand on this important partnership by serving Michelin’s impressive distribution center in Woodruff, S.C.,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. Ports Authority. “Inland Port Greer offers customers efficiencies and speed-to-market. We look forward to handling increased imports and exports for Michelin through Inland Port Greer and the Port of Charleston.”

Michelin’s $270 million, five-building distribution hub is equipped with modern technology and was also built with sustainability in mind. Emissions from handling equipment have been substantially decreased through hydrogen-fueled vehicles in the warehouse, and the use of LED lighting has resulted in significant energy savings.

Michelin’s use of Inland Port Greer aligns well with the company’s all-sustainable strategy; the use of rail on this route can reduce air emissions by up to 70% compared to moving the cargo via truck, according to an SCPA analysis.

Inland Port Greer extends the Port of Charleston’s reach 212 miles inland by providing overnight rail service via Norfolk Southern. The 24/7 inland terminal reaches 90 million consumers within a 500-mile radius, which can be reached in a one-day truck trip.

About Michelin North America

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. Michelin also offers a full range of innovative services and solutions that help make mobility safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. To create unique mobility experiences, Michelin publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. employs more than 20,000 people and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada.

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.