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Dorchester County, S.C., July 20, 2020 – Walmart has announced plans to build a $220 million distribution center in Dorchester County, near Ridgeville, South Carolina. The announcement was the culmination of an effort, supported by state, county and local officials, to strengthen Walmart’s supply chain network while creating more than 1,000 local full-time jobs.

“At a time when job creation is so vital, and - more than ever - our customers are relying on Walmart for the essentials they need during this unprecedented time, we are excited about the impact this new facility will have on the regional economy and how it will help us better serve customers across the Southeast,” said Greg Smith, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain for Walmart. “We found a great partner in the state of South Carolina and we’re grateful for the support we received from Dorchester County, the South Carolina Ports Authority, the Department of Commerce and so many others who helped make this project a reality.”

Once completed, the new storage and cross-dock facility will span nearly 3 million square feet. This direct import distribution center, which will take approximately 14 months to build, will supply several regional distribution centers supporting approximately 850 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs across South Carolina and beyond.

“Walmart has proven to be an exemplary partner that is committed to South Carolina and our citizens,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “We couldn't be prouder that such an important and successful company has decided to invest in our people and create even more jobs for hardworking South Carolinians. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership and seeing all that it will mean to both Walmart and our state in the future.”

Once fully operational, the new distribution center is expected to increase volumes at the Port of Charleston by approximately 5%.

Notable quotes:

“Walmart is the recognized leader in supply chain innovation and performance. Having this world-class company choose our market for their distribution center is the ultimate vote of confidence in S.C. Ports and in South Carolina. Walmart’s investment will create jobs for South Carolinians and boost cargo volumes at the Port of Charleston. We are experts at moving goods just-in-time for global companies. We are thrilled to partner with Walmart to further their growth and impact for years to come.” - Jim Newsome, S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO

“Walmart’s decision to grow its South Carolina presence and build a new distribution center in Dorchester County is a tremendous reason to celebrate. This announcement speaks volumes to our state’s logistics advantages, infrastructure and business-friendly environment. We’re thrilled to have Walmart on the roster of renowned companies calling the Palmetto State home.” - Bobby Hitt, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce

“We are tickled to welcome Walmart’s newest distribution center to Western Dorchester County. A project such as this would not have been possible without the county’s long-term commitment to infrastructure improvements and our strong relationship with the S.C. Ports Authority. We are grateful for Walmart’s faith in the county and excited for the new jobs this project will bring to our community.” - George Bailey, Dorchester County Council Chairman

“The Charleston region is perfectly positioned for global distribution, offering prime access to one-third of the U.S. population and the deepest seaport on the East Coast. This historic announcement aligns with the One Region Global Competitiveness strategy, which identified distribution centers as vital to the growth of the region's advanced logistics sector. We are so pleased the company selected Dorchester County, and we wish them much success” - John Hagerty, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board

About Walmart in South Carolina
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In South Carolina we serve customers at 123 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery, http://Walmart.com and our family of brands. We are proud to employ more than 33,000 associates in South Carolina. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $1 billion with South Carolina suppliers in FYE 2019 and supporting more than 33,000 South Carolina supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY19, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $22 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in South Carolina. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels.

Contact:

Walmart Media Relations

1.800.331.0085
news.walmart.com/reporter

About Dorchester County
Dorchester County’s close proximity to the ports of Charleston and Savannah, the Norfolk Southern Railroad, and numerous state and federal highways, combined with its natural beauty and unwavering sense of community, are what make it the best county in South Carolina to build a business and raise a family. For more information on Dorchester County, visit dorchestercountysc.gov.

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through investment on a per capita basis. Additionally, the state has won the Gold or Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine every year since 2011. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

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  scspa.com.

 

CHARLESTON, SC – JULY 17, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority has been named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the second consecutive year.

The Best Places to Work in South Carolina awards program recognizes the best employers in the state based on employees’ responses to survey questions. The surveys are designed to evaluate each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, demographics, culture and employees’ experiences.

The S.C. Chamber of Commerce, SC Biz News and the Best Companies Group use the survey responses to determine the rankings; 74 companies were named this year among Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

S.C. Ports was recognized for its culture of excellence, empowerment and teamwork. S.C. Ports’ culture is shaped around its values of safety and security, adaptability, business-minded thinking, customer-centric focus, decisiveness, enthusiasm and faith in one another.

“It makes me very proud to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the second year in a row,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “Our S.C. Ports team is incredibly hardworking, smart and dedicated to their craft. I see our employees contributing their time, talents and expertise every day to ensure we are a well-run port. This has been more evident than ever during the global pandemic as port teammates worked to ensure the timely delivery of vital goods to communities.”

S.C. Ports is committed to offering employees extremely competitive wages and benefits, as well as investing in its workforce through leadership training.

S.C. Ports built its new headquarters building in Mount Pleasant with its employees in mind. The modern, four-story office building provides large conference rooms, standing-height cubicle walls and standing desks, floor-to-ceiling windows, an MUSC wellness center, a fitness center, a walking trail, and a café serving healthy, low-cost breakfast and lunch options to all employees. The port terminals also offer cafés and break rooms for employees.

Port employees can partake in lunch-and-learns, weekly visits from a rolling farmers market, and free physicals, among other perks.

S.C. Ports employs 735 people, who are part of a broader maritime community. Port operations support 1 in 10 S.C. jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic impact throughout South Carolina.

“The best people lead to the best outcomes. We have worked together through cooperation and collaboration to build this port up to where it is today,” Newsome said. “None of our successes would be possible without our employees, who work so hard every day to move our organization forward. I have never been more excited about our future than I am today.”

The rankings for the 15th annual Best Places to Work in South Carolina awards will be published in the August 2020 issue of SCBIZ Magazine. The ranked companies will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on Aug. 21.

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 15, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority finished fiscal year 2020 with relatively steady volumes compared to fiscal year 2019 despite impacts from the global pandemic.

The first seven months of the fiscal year — from July through January — were very strong. S.C. Ports was on track to achieve yet another record fiscal year until the pandemic hit, causing global disruption to supply chains and business operations. S.C. Ports remained fully operational throughout these challenging months with the support of a great workforce and dedicated maritime community.

S.C. Ports finished fiscal year 2020, which ended June 30, with 2.32 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals, down 2.8% from fiscal year 2019.

S.C. Ports moved 1.32 million pier containers, which measures the total number of boxes handled, in fiscal year 2020. This is down 3.4% from the year prior.

From January to June, S.C. Ports had 58 blanked sailings, meaning a vessel does not arrive during its scheduled time or is rescheduled. S.C. Ports has had 14 additional blank sailings announced for July onward.

The Port of Charleston achieved modest growth for both vehicles and pier tons in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019. The Port handled 640,929 pier tons in fiscal year 2020, up 2.5% from the year prior.

The Port saw 199,825 vehicles roll across the docks of Columbus Street Terminal in fiscal year 2020, an increase of 2.5% from the year prior. Vehicle volumes started to rebound in June after many automotive manufacturing plants resumed normal operations in May.

The Port had 217,673 cruise passengers in fiscal year 2020, which is up 2.2% year-over-year, despite cruise lines pausing their operations since March.

“The pandemic impacted businesses across the board and our volumes reflect that. We hope to see continued recovery as we begin fiscal year 2021,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “We have an incredibly well-run port located in the thriving Southeast market. We plan to continue growing and diversifying our cargo base with retail goods imports and transload exports, such as forest products and agricultural goods.”

Fiscal 2020 performance at S.C. Ports’ two inland ports marks sustained success with regional rail initiatives. Companies benefit from the same-day rail service connection to the Port of Charleston. Inland Port Greer, located along Interstate 85 in Upstate South Carolina, finished the fiscal year with 140,155 rail moves, down 2.1%

Inland Port Dillon, situated along Interstate 95 in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, achieved its highest fiscal year volume on record with 32,453 rail moves, up 9.7%. Inland Port Dillon also achieved its best June yet with 2,696 rail moves last month.

“Our inland ports are an excellent success story for S.C. Ports and South Carolina,” S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “The inland ports provide crucial speed-to-market for cargo owners. Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon also extend our reach beyond the waterfront, ensuring we are a port for the entire state.”

S.C. Ports continues to attract new business to the region, such as First Solar building its East Coast distribution hub in Greenville, S.C., and moving cargo through Inland Port Greer and the Port of Charleston. Additionally, Frontier Logistics and A&R Logistics are both making significant progress on building their respective resin export facilities in the Lowcountry, which are slated to open this year.

Amid great economic challenges, S.C. Ports remains focused on growing cargo volumes and bringing new infrastructure online in 2021.

“We have positioned ourselves well for future growth as we prepare to open our state-of-the-art container terminal, the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, in this fiscal year,” Newsome said. “I look to our future with great energy and optimism.”

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 – JUNE 24, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority’s long-term planning for infrastructure and business has prepared the port to thrive for years to come as it pushes through current economic challenges.

“We are in the final year of a six-year capital improvement plan,” S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “We are preparing for our major infrastructure projects to come online in 2021, while also continuing to ensure that our port works incredibly well. We have the best team in place to execute our goals.”

SCPA’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a fiscal year 2021 financial plan during the June board meeting today. The plan projects that S.C. Ports will handle more than 1.24 million pier containers from July 1 through June 30, 2021. The financial plan includes $264.2 million in operating revenues, which is estimated to generate $81.4 million in operating cash flow.

The board also unanimously approved a $319 million capital spending plan for fiscal year 2021; most of those funds will be used to finish building Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal. The Leatherman Terminal, set to open in March, will be the first new container terminal in the U.S. since 2009.

“The opening of the Leatherman Terminal will mark an extension of the successful container operations concept at the Wando Terminal with the transfer of four large ship services to that location at its opening, while leveraging SCPA’s existing workforce,” Newsome said.

SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern thanked SCPA’s teammates, board members and partners for their hard work and foresight.

“The financial plan for fiscal year 2021 reflects a very thoughtful approach to the current economic climate, while also focusing on key growth areas and a very exciting year ahead,” Stern said. “S.C. Ports looks forward to celebrating a 52-foot deep Charleston Harbor and the new Leatherman Terminal in 2021.”

Keeping freight moving

S.C. Ports handled 169,705 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in May. The Port of Charleston has handled nearly 2.2 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2020, from July 2019 through May 30.

In May, S.C. Ports moved 97,966 pier containers, which measures the total number of boxes handled. This brings the fiscal-year-to-date total of pier containers to 1.23 million.

The Port moved 15,098 pier tons in May for a total of 590,991 pier tons thus far in fiscal year 2020, which is up slightly from the year prior.

S.C. Ports’ two inland ports in Greer and Dillon had a combined total of 159,917 rail moves fiscal-year-to-date.

Volumes remained steady for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2020 compared to the year prior. May volumes were down year-over-year due to COVID-19 disrupting global supply chains and temporarily halting operations for many businesses and manufacturers.

“We were on track for another record fiscal year until the pandemic happened,” Newsome said. “Nevertheless, ports are a long-term business requiring long-term planning. We have great fundamentals as a growing port in the Southeast. We will continue to thrive. Our future is very bright.”

S.C. Ports has notably continued to operate normally without any interruptions to gate hours, services, terminal operations or workforce.

“The S.C. Ports team and entire maritime community has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep freight moving, offering excellent service to our customers and ensuring the timely delivery of vital goods to communities and businesses,” S.C. Ports Authority COO Barbara Melvin said. “We are deeply grateful to all of our teammates and partners who work so hard to keep the supply chains fluid.”

Remaining on track

S.C. Ports remains on track with business recruitment efforts and major infrastructure projects.

Construction of the impressive Leatherman Terminal is progressing well for its March 2021 opening. Phase One will have a 1,400-foot-wharf, five ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height, 25 hybrid rubber-tiered gantry cranes, and the ability to handle 19,000-TEU vessels.

The Leatherman Terminal and the upgraded Wando Welch Terminal will enable S.C. Ports to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project will achieve a 52-foot depth in 2021, further enabling mega container ships to access port terminals.

These infrastructure projects support S.C. Ports’ efforts to diversify and grow its cargo base, such as First Solar’s recent announcement to bring up to 7,000 containers per year through the Port of Charleston and Inland Port Greer.

S.C. Ports looks to attract global retailers needing both land for large distribution centers and reliable port operations to move goods just-in-time to meet e-commerce demands.

“In the face of great economic challenges, S.C. Ports is maintaining excellent operations and attracting cargo to the Port of Charleston,” Newsome said. “As a world-class port located in the booming Southeast, we plan to continue recruiting and supporting business to enable future investment, jobs and growth in South Carolina.”

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.

Philadelphia, Pa. & Charleston, S.C. – June 1, 2020 – Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, today announced the selection of Charleston, South Carolina as home to the company’s new Global Export Hub to serve Braskem’s international customers.

The new Global Export Hub facility will provide packaging, warehousing and export shipping services to support Braskem’s U.S. polypropylene (PP) production facilities. With the design and development phase well underway, the new Global Export Hub is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2020 and will have a capacity to support export shipments of up to 450 million pounds (204 Kilotons) of polypropylene and specialty polymers annually to Braskem customers worldwide.

Braskem is partnering with the Port of Charleston and warehouse provider Frontier Logistics, which will construct, lease and provide services to Braskem under a five-year agreement. Ahead of the facility’s completion, the company plans to continue to leverage its existing international export capabilities out of Houston, Texas, which will also be maintained following the launch of the new Charleston Global Export Hub. The announcement of the new South Carolina facility complements Braskem’s existing network of Global Export Hubs which include facilities in North America, South America and Europe.

Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO commented, “As the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, Braskem is focused on reinvesting in its business and leadership positions to support our clients worldwide.  The build out of our new Global Export Hub in South Carolina allows us to leverage our feedstock advantaged, polymer production assets in the U.S Gulf Goast, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, to best meet our international clients needs. With excellent access to national rail and highway networks this important new logistics and distribution facility in the South Carolina port region significantly enhances Braskem America’s international export capability.”

The Port of Charleston features daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services and 13 ocean carriers delivering export cargo between Charleston and more than 150 nations around the world. In 2019, the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) handled a record high 2.44 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs). The new Charleston Global Export Hub facility is being developed as Braskem works to complete Delta, Braskem’s new world-class polypropylene production line in La Porte, Texas, which is nearing completion and is scheduled for the launch of commercial production in the third quarter of 2020.

"The polymer resins boom in the Gulf Coast is bringing new cargo to the Southeast,” S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “Braskem selected the Port of Charleston as their East Coast load port due to our market’s unfettered resin export capacity, knowledge of the petrochemical industry and efficiently run port terminals. We welcome Braskem as a customer of S.C. Ports. Our strong business partnerships help to ensure S.C. Ports will continue to grow above market.”

To support additional shipping growth, SCPA is currently undertaking a Charleston Harbor Deepening Project allowing for the increased ability to fill large container vessels handling up to 19,000 TEUs with heavy export cargo. Upon completion of Charleston’s deepening, the Inner Harbor will offer 52 feet of depth with a 54-feet deep Entrance Channel, making it home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast. Additionally, SCPA has embarked on the development of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal; Phase One will open in March 2021, helping ensure capacity and access as volumes continue to grow.

The construction of Braskem America’s new Global Export Hub in Charleston, under its agreement with Frontier Logistics, will positively impact economic activity in the region with approximately 150 development and construction workers contracted by Frontier to fully design and construct the facility and 60 permanent employees employed by Frontier after startup.  The total economic impact that comes about through the SCPA yields a statewide employment multiplier of 2.4. This implies that, on average, for every 10 jobs that are directly supported by SCPA port operations or port users, an additional 14 jobs are created elsewhere in South Carolina.

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 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.

ABOUT BRASKEM
With a global vision of the future oriented towards people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to contributing to the value chain for strengthening the Circular Economy. The petrochemical company’s almost 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improve people’s lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare and hygiene, among others. With 41 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Germany, and net revenue of R$52.3 billion (US$13.2 billion), Braskem exports its products to clients in more than 100 countries.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.

CHARLESTON, SC – May 13, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority is pleased to announce that First Solar, Inc., America’s largest solar manufacturer, has selected Greenville, S.C., for its new distribution hub on the East Coast.

Headquartered in Arizona, First Solar operates the Western Hemisphere’s largest photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing footprint in Northwest Ohio, as well as factories in Malaysia and Vietnam. The company plans to open a 450,000-square-foot distribution hub in Greenville — its first in the Southeast — to warehouse and stage deliveries for its customers in the United States.

“As America’s solar company, First Solar is proud to power communities, innovation and prosperity with our solar module technology,” said Bart Verbeke, First Solar’s Senior Manager of Global Logistics. “Our investment in this distribution hub will help enable our commitments to deliver modules where they’re needed when they’re needed, thanks to the connectivity that S.C. Ports is able to offer.”

First Solar will benefit from both the Port of Charleston’s access to international markets, such as Vietnam, and its overnight rail connection from the Port of Charleston to Inland Port Greer, S.C. Ports’ inland operation in Upstate South Carolina.

First Solar anticipates bringing up to 7,000 containers per year through the Port of Charleston, beginning in late May. Upon arrival at Inland Port Greer, cargo will be transported to First Solar’s nearby distribution hub in Greenville.

“We are thrilled to announce First Solar’s decision to invest in South Carolina, and we extend a warm welcome to them as a customer of S.C. Ports,” S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “S.C. Ports offers access to global markets, efficiently run terminals and rail-supported inland ports to meet our customers’ needs. We look forward to supporting First Solar’s efforts to deliver American-designed solar modules to their customers in the United States.”

The facility sits near Inland Port Greer, which is located along Interstate 85 in Upstate South Carolina between Atlanta and Charlotte. Inland Port Greer extends the Port of Charleston’s reach 212 miles inland by providing overnight rail service via Norfolk Southern. The inland terminal reaches 90 million consumers within a 500-mile radius, which can be reached in a one-day truck trip.

S.C. Ports Authority opened Inland Port Greer in 2013 with BMW Manufacturing Co. as its launch customer. The inland operation has seen consistent growth since then as more companies use it to move cargo overseas and to handle imports for a quickly growing Southeast population. Inland Port Greer handled a record 157,000 rail moves in calendar year 2019, up 29% year-over-year.

"First Solar’s decision to choose Greenville for its new distribution hub is great news for Senate District 7 and for the Upstate,” said Sen. Karl Allen, SC Senate District 7. “With its proximity to Inland Port Greer and our world class port system, First Solar’s investment in the economic and job growth of the Upstate will be pay dividends for years to come. I look forward to continuing to support this great project.”

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 – MAY 11, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority worked three of the largest vessels to ever call on the Port of Charleston in April — the 13,200-TEU OOCL Chongqing, the 14,000-TEU Monaco Bridge and the 14,000-TEU APL Sentosa.

S.C. Ports handled 176,152 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in April. The Port has handled 2 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2020, from July through April.

In April, S.C. Ports moved 100,810 pier containers, which measures the total number of boxes handled. This brings the fiscal-year-to-date total of pier containers to 1.13 million.

S.C. Ports handled 34,232 pier tons of breakbulk in April for a total of 575,893 pier tons thus far in fiscal year 2020, up about 14% from the year prior. The Columbus Street Terminal had 9,036 vehicles roll across its docks in April for a total of 183,131 vehicles fiscal-year-to-date, up 17% for fiscal year 2020.

S.C. Ports’ two inland ports had a combined total of 148,291 rail moves thus far in fiscal year 2020, up 8%. Inland Port Greer, located along Interstate 85 in Upstate South Carolina, reported 7,408 rail moves in April for a total of 121,198 rail moves thus far in fiscal year 2020, up 7.3%.

April marks two years since the opening of Inland Port Dillon, S.C. Ports’ newest inland port located along Interstate 95 near the North Carolina border. Inland Port Dillon had 2,586 rail moves in April for a total of 27,093 rail moves fiscal-year-to-date, up nearly 11%.

Overall, fiscal-year-to-date volumes remained steady compared to the same period in fiscal year 2019. However, April volumes were down year-over-year due to the temporary closure of automotive plants and the global disruption of supply chains as many stores and businesses halted operations in response to COVID-19.

S.C. Ports’ leadership shared their gratitude for the S.C. Ports team and the entire maritime community for their commitment to keeping freight moving during this time.

“As we face the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we continue to operate as we always have by offering excellent service and an unwavering spirit of collaboration,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “Our S.C. Ports team is known for adaptability, creativity and teamwork, and this has been more evident now than ever. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the essential maritime workers who work so hard every day to ensure vital goods are delivered to communities and businesses.”

“We have maintained our reliable operations and hours of service because the entire maritime community has done an amazing job keeping freight moving,” S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “We say thank you to all our S.C. Ports teammates, tug boat operators, harbor pilots, longshoremen, clerks, mechanics, stevedores, motor carriers and truck drivers, ocean carriers and ship crews, warehouse workers, our contractors, and our agency partners, including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

Strength in fundamentals

The Southeast is the best place to be in the port business with a growing population to boost consumer goods imports, and a strong business base to strengthen imports and exports of raw materials and finished products.

S.C. Ports offers cargo owners access to markets, efficient operations, fast truck turn times and a dual-served intermodal rail network.

“We are a top 10 U.S. container port located in an incredibly strong market with great fundamentals,” Newsome said. “We remain focused on supporting our existing customers while recruiting new business to the market.”

S.C. Ports saw cargo volumes double over the past decade, in large part from the boom in advanced manufacturing throughout the Southeast. This expertise of moving goods just-in-time for global manufacturers sets the stage for the Port of Charleston to handle more goods for retailers.

S.C. Ports offers distribution center operators port access via a 950-acre, rail-served industrial site in Ridgeville, S.C.

Strength in infrastructure

S.C. Ports is on track to open the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston, S.C., in March 2021. Phase One will add about 700,000 TEUs of capacity to S.C. Ports.

Five new ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height and 25 hybrid rubber-tiered gantry cranes will arrive later this year to outfit the first phase of the terminal. Phase One will have a 1,400-foot berth capable of handling a 19,000-TEU vessel.

The opening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal will coincide with achieving a 52-foot depth in Charleston Harbor, greatly enhancing S.C. Ports’ big-ship capabilities.

“Ports are a long-term business requiring long-term assets. This makes our operations more resilient to economic fluctuations,” Newsome said. “The opening of the country’s newest container terminal will position us well to handle bigger ships and growing cargo volumes for decades to come.

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 – MAY 4, 2020 - Marine Terminals Corporation – East (Ports America), Ceres Marine Terminals Inc. (Ceres), and SSA Atlantic LLC (SSA) are pleased to announce they have formed a joint venture company to provide container terminal and stevedoring services in the Port of Charleston in South Carolina. The new joint venture, known as Charleston Stevedoring Company LLC (CSC), will be operational May 4.

Working in close coordination and with the support of South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), CSC will enable the most efficient use of the Port of Charleston’s terminal assets and resources dedicated to serving the thriving and growing Southeast market.

“The new entity will provide significant benefits to the Port of Charleston, including improved container terminal services through the consolidated operations at all berths, as well as more efficient vessel turn times and improved equipment utilization,” CSC President Dan Hall said. “The combined company will optimize use of terminal capacity and improve integration between terminal, vessel and gate operations.”

CSC’s mission is to provide a secure, safe and stable environment for its employees, while simultaneously strengthening the Port of Charleston’s position within the global marketplace.

“The Southeast is the best place to be in the port business with both its thriving business sector and growing population boosting imports and exports,” SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “CSC will enhance the ability to market the Port of Charleston to a broader customer base with a focus on continued growth for this strategic market.”

“As a top 10 U.S. container port, S.C. Ports recognizes its role in ensuring the efficient flow of cargo through the Port of Charleston,” SCPA COO Barbara Melvin said. “CSC will enable more efficient vessel turn times, equipment usage and staffing to handle continued growth of cargo volumes and ship sizes.”

About Ports America

Ports America is a U.S. terminal operator and stevedore, with operations in every major port in the nation. With more than 90 years of experience through predecessor companies, Ports America possesses dedicated resources that only a company of such scale and scope can deliver, including: skilled personnel, robust training programs, best-in-class technology and experienced management.

About Ceres

Ceres is a transportation service provider, with stevedoring and terminal operations across multiple cargo types. Ceres container business continues to grow, with operations in many of North America’s key ports. Known for its reputation of providing quality service and support, Ceres strongly values its many long-term relationships with a broad range of customers.

About SSA

SSA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carrix Inc., is a marine and rail terminal operator in the Americas and internationally. Established in 1949 by the Smith/Hemingway Family and headquartered in Seattle, Carrix is a leader with respect to terminal management, efficiency, throughput, and employee training and safety. With a diversified portfolio of domestic and international operations, Carrix operates over 250 container, conventional, and intermodal rail facilities, and has over 30 joint venture partnerships with major shipping lines, local partners, and other marine terminal operators.

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 – APRIL 14, 2020 – S.C. Ports Authority has seamlessly kept freight moving at its marine terminals and inland ports while noting strength in several business segments in March.

S.C. Ports Authority moved 185,631 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) across the Port of Charleston’s Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in March. SCPA has handled more than 1.82 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2020, from July through March, up 2% from the same time a year prior.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 105,003 pier containers in March and 1.03 million pier containers fiscal-year-to-date.

Vehicle and breakbulk volumes were strong in March. S.C. Ports moved 24,755 vehicles last month and 174,095 vehicles thus far in fiscal year 2020, which is up 27% from the year prior. In the breakbulk segment, S.C. Ports handled 73,342 pier tons in March for a total of 541,661 pier tons fiscal-year-to-date, which is up 23% year-over-year.

S.C. Ports’ two inland ports remain busy as customers look to efficiently move cargo from around the Southeast to the Port of Charleston via overnight rail.

Inland Port Greer saw 13,870 rail moves in March for a total of 113,790 rail moves in fiscal year 2020, up 15% from the year prior. Inland Port Dillon saw 1,614 rail moves in March for a total of 24,507 rail moves in fiscal year 2020, up about 17%.

S.C. Ports’ ability to efficiently operate port terminals and build customized solutions for customers has proved vital during this challenging time. The Port provides an essential service, and the entire maritime community is working tirelessly to ensure supply chains remain fluid, S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said.

“We are incredibly grateful to our port employees and all those working in the maritime and logistics community for their dedication to ensuring cargo — including food, supplies and medical equipment — is efficiently delivered to communities,” Newsome said. “We will navigate together through this challenging time and come out of this stronger than before.”

Newsome shares outlook for fiscal years 2020, 2021

S.C. Ports Authority has revised its container outlook for fiscal year 2020 - which runs from July 2019 to June 2020 - to 1.345 million pier containers, as compared to fiscal year 2019 volume of 1.364 million pier containers.

Ro-ro automotive shipments and cruise passenger counts will end fiscal year 2020 ahead of fiscal year 2019 based on a very strong performance in the first nine months of fiscal year 2020.

“It has become increasingly clear since the end of Chinese New Year that the COVID-19 manufacturing shutdown in China and the subsequent, significant shutdown of the consumer economies in the U.S. and the Western world means that we will not achieve our fiscal year 2020 volume plan,” Newsome said.

With a view toward a more conservative outlook for fiscal year 2021, the port is taking a series of immediate cost-cutting actions to address this anticipated shortfall:

• Deferral of one-time crane move from Wando Welch Terminal to North Charleston Terminal.
• Hiring freeze.
• Reduction in overtime through less vessel work.
• Significant reduction in business travel and entertainment.
• Significant reduction in advertising and promotion.
• Deferral of implementation of Tideworks, a terminal operating system, until the opening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal.
• Elimination of temporary workforce.

SCPA is targeting an overall reduction of 10% in costs (excluding depreciation), which equates to about $20 million (on a cost structure of $220 million).

There will be no layoffs of full-time staff. The finalization of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal - Phase One remains on track to open in March 2021, along with the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, on schedule to achieve 52 feet of depth in 2021.

“We are proud of the dedication of both the SCPA workforce and the greater South Carolina maritime community in keeping port operations fluid in these unusual and challenging times,” Newsome said. “We continue to be very positive about the long-term outlook for both the Southeast port market and the South Carolina Ports Authority in view of a number of business development initiatives, which are ongoing.”

SCPA is currently formulating its budget and business plan for fiscal year 2021, which will be approved by the board at its June meeting. SCPA’s fiscal year 2021 begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2021.

Infrastructure investments remain crucial

Over the past five years, S.C. Ports has invested heavily in long-term infrastructure, including increasing capacity and upgrading equipment, to handle the mega container ships being deployed today.

Three new ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height have started working vessels at Wando Welch Terminal. The cranes arrived in October and underwent months of testing before being commissioned. The cranes are incredibly tall and have a wider reach, enabling crane operators to seamlessly move containers back and forth on 14,000-TEU-and-above vessels.

S.C. Ports is also preparing to open the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March 2021, marking the country’s first new container terminal in more than a decade.

Phase One will have a 1,400-foot berth, 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes, and five new ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height and 228 feet of outreach.

The state-of-the-art Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal will greatly enhance S.C. Ports capacity and capabilities. The first phase will add about 700,000 TEUs of capacity; when fully built, the three-berth terminal will double port capacity.

“S.C. Ports is moving ahead with building critical infrastructure to ensure efficient operations and big-ship readiness,” Newsome said. “These investments are vital to remaining globally competitive, which benefits South Carolinians. Port operations support 1 in 10 jobs in South Carolina, and those jobs pay 32% higher than the state’s average wage, generating great economic benefits to our communities. We are proud to play a role in this.”

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 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 17, 2020 -- S.C. Ports Authority had a record February for both cargo volumes at oceanside terminals and rail moves at inland ports.

S.C. Ports moved 197,214 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in February. SCPA has handled nearly 1.64 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2020, from July through February, a 4% increase from the same time a year ago.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 110,927 pier containers in February. The Port has handled 924,526 pier containers in fiscal year 2020.

Loaded export TEUs were up nearly 20% and loaded import TEUs were up about 14% over last February, both of which are record levels for that month.

Vehicle volumes are up 26% year-over-year with a total of 149,340 vehicles handled thus far in fiscal year 2020. The Port moved 18,156 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in February.

S.C. Ports handled 468,319 pier tons of breakbulk in fiscal year 2020, up 22% year-over-year.

S.C. Ports' two rail-served inland terminals both saw record activity in February. Inland Port Greer, located in the Upstate, reported 13,749 rail moves in February for a total of 99,920 rail moves in fiscal year 2020, up nearly 18% year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon, located in the Pee Dee, reported 3,068 rail moves in February for a total of 22,893 rail moves in fiscal year 2020, up 22%.

"S.C. Ports had a very strong February in multiple business segments. These volumes are bright spots amid much uncertainty in the global market," S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. "S.C. Ports is operating normally and working with the entire maritime community to ensure supply chains remain functional. The Port provides an essential service, helping to move vital goods to people and businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond."

Construction progresses at Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal (HLT)

The country's newest container terminal, the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, is on track to open in March 2021 as construction advances in early 2020.

Site work for Phase One is well underway, preparing the terminal to handle trucks, operations, refrigerated container racks, containers and cranes. Phase One will have five cranes with 169-feet of lift height and 228 feet of outreach -- arriving in late summer -- and 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes -- arriving in winter 2020.

Several buildings are beginning to take shape on the terminal, including the terminal operations building, the vessel operations building, several booths, canopies and other support facilities.

Phase One will have a 1,400-foot wharf capable of handling up to 19,000-TEU vessels. The wharf piles have been installed, and the concrete placement for the wharf deck is ongoing. The overall wharf work is about 80% complete.

"The ongoing collaboration between S.C. Ports engineering team and our contracting partners has led to impressive progress on the site, ensuring Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is on schedule to open in March 2021," said Walter Lagarenne, S.C. Ports' Director of Engineering and Permitting.

Phase One will add 700,000 TEUs of capacity to S.C. Ports. The three-berth terminal will double Port capacity at full build-out, boasting 2.4 million TEUs of capacity.

"Mega container vessels will call on the country's newest container terminal this time next year," Newsome said. "Our incredibly modern terminal will house the Port of Charleston's largest ship-to-shore cranes, 25 new RTG cranes, a highly skilled workforce and a new wharf, all of which will greatly enhance our cargo capacity and big-ship capabilities."

SC Ports Board approves agreement with Lowe

South Carolina Ports Authority board approved today a professional services agreement with Lowe, the owner of the Wild Dunes Resort and developer of the new Cooper Hotel on Charleston Harbor, to entitle and sell the non-maritime portion of Union Pier for redevelopment.

The entitlement process entails master planning, design and community collaboration. The process is estimated to last between 30-36 months. Once finalized, Lowe will work on behalf of South Carolina Ports Authority to sell the non-maritime portion of Union Pier.

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 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.