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CHARLESTON, SC  JULY 9, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority handled record cargo volumes at the Port of Charleston in fiscal year 2019.

SCPA handled nearly 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) from July 2018 through June, an 8.8% increase in annual TEU container volume.

SCPA moved 200,406 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 112,988 pier containers in June for a total of 1.36 million pier containers annually, up 9.1%.

Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, reported its busiest fiscal year yet with 143,204 rail moves in fiscal 2019, up nearly 22% from the prior year. Inland Port Greer reported 14,689 rail moves last month.

In its first full year of business, Inland Port Dillon handled 29,580 rail moves in fiscal 2019.

"SCPA's container business had a record-setting fiscal year and our inland ports in Greer and Dillon continue to see record growth year-over-year," SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome said. "This accomplishment is the result of the entire South Carolina maritime community's dedication to providing a great product to our customers."

SCPA handled a total of 213,081 cruise passengers in fiscal 2019.

SCPA reported more than 330,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019 through its RapidRail program, which provides a seamless connection between rail yards and marine terminals. The port now handles 24% of containerized volumes by intermodal container rail -- the highest annual percentage in Port history.

The Port handled 18,307 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in June for a total of 194,771 vehicles in fiscal 2019.

"The Southeast remains the best place to be in the port business with a growing population to support imports and a strong manufacturing and automotive presence to boost exports," Newsome said. "While we expect more modest growth in fiscal 2020, we are optimistic about the future and continue to invest in our infrastructure."

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 -- JULY 3, 2019 -- Little Miss Sunshine and South Craneolina have joined the ranks of South Carolina Ports Authority's cranes -- thanks to the creativity of two Greenville County elementary students.

Haven Ebel and Jack Sibley-Jones, both fifth graders at Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, won the Port's latest crane-naming contest for two new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes at Inland Port Greer.

Third through fifth grade students in Greenville County and Spartanburg County school districts submitted 552 name suggestions for the cranes. A team of SCPA employees reviewed the entries; the selection process is anonymous.

Ebel's Little Miss Sunshine and Sibley-Jones's South Craneolina submissions were selected. The students recently visited Inland Port Greer to see the names displayed on the cranes. They also earned $500 each for their school from SCPA.

"Our Name the Cranes contest engages students to think creatively and introduces them to Port operations and equipment," said Mike Stresemann, SCPA's senior director of crane and equipment maintenance. "It gives students an opportunity to impact port terminals in a real way."

Students from around the state have named dozens of RTG and ship-to-shore cranes at Port terminals over the years. Daddy Long Legs, Craneous Maximus, Cranebob Bluepants, Heavy Metal and Bluesaurus Rex are among the names adorning cranes used by crane operators.

"South Carolina Ports Authority strives to have an innovative and diverse workforce that thinks outside the box. Our Name the Cranes contest creates a connection between the Port of Charleston and South Carolina students, helping them to envision a career in the maritime industry," S.C. Ports Authority COO Barbara Melvin said. "We also really enjoy seeing the creative names that students suggest for our cranes."

The 85-foot-tall RTG cranes at Inland Port Greer move containers on and off trains and trucks at the terminal. Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, extends the Port of Charleston's docks 212 miles inland with an overnight train service provided by Norfolk Southern.

Inland Port Greer can reach 90 million consumers within a 500-mile radius, or a one-day truck trip. The inland terminal handled its highest monthly container volume in May, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves from July 2018 through May, up 19.4% from the same time a year ago.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 - June 26, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority reported its strongest May on record, with 204,457 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month.

Fiscal year-to-date TEU volume is up 9.7%, with 2,192,689 TEUs handled since the Port's fiscal year began in July.

"Our volumes have been strong this fiscal year compared to fiscal 2018, particularly with SCPA's container business, rail dray program and inland port operations," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We plan to continue this momentum as we wrap up fiscal year 2019 at the end of June, securing our place as a top 10 container port in the U.S. I am immensely proud of our team for handling record-breaking volumes amid global trade uncertainty."

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 118,048 containers across the docks of the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals in May, surpassing the previous May record of 113,531 pier containers in 2018.

Fiscal year-to-date, pier container volume is up 10.2% with 1,251,247 boxes handled from July through May.

Inland Port Greer handled its highest monthly container volume last month, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves since July, up 19.4% from the same time a year ago. Inland Port Dillon saw continued growth with 2,578 rail moves in May, for total fiscal year-to-date volume of 27,001 rail moves.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port's breakbulk facilities in Charleston handled 64,461 pier tons in May, including 19,938 vehicles. The Port has handled 570,420 pier tons since the fiscal year began in July.

SCPA's RapidRail dray program, which provides a seamless connection between the marine terminals and rail yards, has significantly grown. The Port now handles nearly 25% of its volume by intermodal container rail, with 31,709 rail moves in May.

The Port also recently took delivery of five rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which will further modernize operations and increase container yard capacity at Wando Welch Terminal. The Port has received 14 of the 24 new cranes ordered for the Wando terminal; the terminal currently has 52 RTGs overall.

"SCPA is on track to end fiscal year 2019 strong after achieving its busiest May in Port history," SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern said. "The continued growth is a testament to SCPA employees and the maritime community. SCPA is well positioned to execute on its capital expenditures that will better prepare the Port of Charleston for the influx of cargo and bigger containerships in the coming years."

Board approves new Human Resources SVP

SCPA announced that Beverly Cowart will become SCPA's Senior Vice President of Human Resources on July 1. Cowart has served as SCPA's Human Resources Director for the past two years.

Robert Mozdean plans to step down from this position at the end of the month to return to the Northeast with his family.

"Bob has done important work for the Port over the last several years and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors," Newsome said. "We now look forward to Beverly leading the human resources team. Her substantial experience will lend itself well to ensuring the Port remains one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina and to continually cultivating a talented workforce as we head into fiscal 2020."

Cowart has a decade of experience as an engineer, and more than two decades of experience in Human Resources. She most recently spent six years at MWV/Ingevity as manager of global learning and organizational development before joining the Port. Cowart earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in human resources from Charleston Southern University.

Applications open for Community Giving Program

The application process is now open for SCPA's Community Giving Program, which dedicates a portion of Port revenues to partnership projects that support local communities. Awards are available in three levels: $5,000, 2,500 and $1,000.

Applications must demonstrate a clear fit within one of the following focus areas: maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach. The application process is open through 5 p.m. July 31. Apply 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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 - JUNE 24, 2019  - S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

The 14th annual awards program recognizes the best employers in the state, highlighting companies that benefit the state's economy, workforce and businesses. SCPA facilitates 187,200 statewide jobs and generates a $53 billion economic impact annually in South Carolina.

Seventy-five companies have been recognized overall in two categories for the 2019 awards. SCPA won an award in the category for companies with 250-plus employees.

Ranked companies will be highlighted at a reception on Aug. 1 in Columbia.

"I am proud the Port has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina, which is something we strive for every day," SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said. "Our employees contribute to a constantly evolving work environment, ensuring the Port of Charleston is the preferred choice for customers and surpassing 10 monthly cargo volume records in fiscal year 2019. Our employees make our success possible."

Newsome has championed a cultural shift at SCPA over the last several years, fostering more collaboration and communication to create a desirable work environment for employees and to ensure efficient operations at terminals.

SCPA's values-based culture focuses on safety, adaptability, business-minded thinking, customer-centric focus, decisiveness, enthusiasm and faith in one another.

The Port offers employees above-market pay and benefits, as well as on-site amenities at its new headquarters in Mount Pleasant, which sits adjacent to Wando Welch Terminal.

The four-story, modern office building provides employees a wellness center, fitness center, walking trail, standing desks and a cafe serving healthy, low-cost breakfast and lunch options.

Port employees can also partake in lunch-and-learns, weekly visits from a rolling farmers market, free physicals, on-site massages and family night at the Riverdogs baseball game.

"Our new office fosters collaboration, communication and creativity among employees. Our senior managers, terminal employees and office employees can now interact daily, whether they are brainstorming in a conference room or eating lunch together in The Galley," Newsome said. "Our focus on culture has created an environment where employees excel and business thrives."

The 'Best Places to Work in South Carolina' awards program was created by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the 'Best Places to Work in South Carolina'. The first survey evaluates each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second survey measures the employee experience.

The combined scores determine the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group manages the survey process, analyzes the data and determines the final rankings.

Companies must be a for-profit business, nonprofit or government entity; located in South Carolina; have at least 15 S.C. employees and be in business for a minimum of one year to be considered for the award.

The Best Places to Work in South Carolina awards reception and dinner will be 5-8:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The rankings will be published in the August 2019 issue of SCBIZ magazine.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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.

JUNE 19, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) recognizes 25 delegates for completing the 2018-2019 Port Ambassador Program, which provides participants a deep understanding of the connection between the Port of Charleston and South Carolina's thriving business community.

The 10-month Port Ambassador Program immerses participants in port operations through educational sessions and tours of oceanside terminals, inland ports, cruise vessels and manufacturing operations around the state, showing firsthand the Port's $53 billion annual economic impact on the state.

The program also shows ambassadors how the maritime, transportation, port and manufacturing sectors intersect and spur economic development in South Carolina.

"This program introduced us to the bigger picture, which is that 1 in 11 jobs in South Carolina is tied to the Port," Port Ambassador Tiffany Santagati said.

The ambassadors celebrated their graduation June 6 aboard the new homeported Carnival Sunshine in Charleston Harbor.

Santagati, executive senior vice president of talent and culture at Southern First Bank in Greenville, said the ambassadors program gave her insight into the Port's statewide operations, emphasizing how many S.C. industries depend on the Port of Charleston to thrive.

"I have lived in South Carolina my entire life, and until I participated in the Port Ambassador Program, I did not fully understand the impact the Port makes on employment and the movement of goods throughout the state," Santagati said. "It was fascinating to see how it is all connected."

Port Ambassador Alex Fournil, owner and principal of Vista Insurance Group in Columbia, said the group's visit to BMW Manufacturing Co. and Inland Port Greer stands out as an example of the Port of Charleston's vital role in moving goods throughout the state to global markets.

"Hearing directly from BMW how important it is to have Inland Port Greer and how it gives them a competitive advantage was really amazing," Fournil said.

The Port Ambassador Program also creates a networking opportunity for ambassadors; participants live throughout South Carolina and come from a variety of industries and backgrounds.

"The Port Ambassador Program engages a diverse group of South Carolina leaders to learn from experts in the maritime industry and port-dependent businesses. It gives them an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Port's critical role in the state," said Jordi Yarborough, SCPA's senior vice president of external affairs. "Ambassadors also build relationships and create strong connections with other professionals they might not otherwise meet."

SCPA launched the Port Ambassador Program in 2016 to increase public awareness and understanding of SCPA's strategic plan and foster support for the Port's key statewide activities.

The Port Ambassador Class of 2019:
Ann Angermeier, Upstate Workforce Board, Spartanburg
John Brand III, Stifel Financial Corp., Florence
Van Cato, Office of Senator Lindsey Graham, Greenville
Andrew Cook, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Hilton Head Island
Christine Crawford, D&G Management, North Augusta
Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County, Moncks Corner
Suzanne Dickerson, SC Council on Competitiveness, Columbia
Alexander Fournil, Vista Insurance Group, Columbia
Jamey Goldin, Nelson Mullins, Columbia
Sara Hazzard, SC Manufacturers Alliance, Columbia
Angie Leidinger, Clemson University, Columbia
Thomas Lorenzo, Domtar, Fort Mill
Bill McCarthy, Charleston Gate Co., Charleston
Sunny Philips, SC Chamber of Commerce, Columbia,
Tony Pope, State Farm Insurance, Summerville
Buddy Pough, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg
Brian Rauschenbach, Sumter Economic Development and TheLINK Alliance, Sumter
Anne Smith Reid, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Charleston, Charleston
Tiffany Santagati, Southern First Bank, Greenville
Mark Schmidt, Intermodal Container Logistics - NA, Decatur, Ga.
Steve Sydow, Charleston
Tom Trouche, ServisFirst Bank, Charleston
Marlon Walters, Bank of America, Elgin
Tom Winslow, Goldfinch Winslow Attorneys at Law, Murrells Inlet
Jason Zacher, Upstate Chamber Coalition, Greenville

Participants are selected from nominations by the Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority, the SCPA Board of Directors and Senior Management Team. Each program is limited to 25 ambassadors.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - June 12, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) officials celebrated the expansion of the Frontier Logistics local operations, with the groundbreaking of an approximately 550,000 square-foot warehousing facility, which will support the handling of plastic and resin exports from the Port of Charleston.

"Frontier plays an integral role in the handling of SCPA's plastics and resin business," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Charleston is the emerging pivot point for both export and import U.S. resin, and the Frontier Logistics expansion is a key component of the Port?s planned above-market volume growth."

With the Ports synthetic resin exports growing by 55 percent since 2011, demand for facilities has increased. Frontier's groundbreaking on 26 acres at the former Navy base will be a significant advantage for continued growth.

"This is an exciting day for Frontier Logistics as we celebrate the groundbreaking of our new facility," said George Cook, Frontier Logistics CEO. "It took the collective efforts of many to get this project to where it is today. We look forward to being positive stewards in the Charleston community, and to support the growing cargo needs for the Ports Authority."

Local entities and groups involved in the collective effort to make this facility a reality include the SCPA, Palmetto Railways, the City of North Charleston and community groups that include the Chicora-Cherokee Neighborhood Association; the South Carolina non-profit corporation Metanoia; the Reynolds Avenue Area Merchants Association; and the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities.

"Palmetto Railways is proud to have partnered with the Department of Commerce, the South Carolina Ports Authority, the City of North Charleston and Charleston County to bring a leader in the plastics and resin warehousing and distribution industry to North Charleston," said Jeffrey McWhorter, Palmetto Railways president and CEO. "Frontier Logistics will be a tremendous asset to both our port and to our community."

The new site will be rail-served by Palmetto Railways, which will connect it to Norfolk Southern and CSX routes.

Established in 1997, Frontier Logistics has operations in South Carolina and Texas.

Click here for a rendering of the facility.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 - June 11, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported its strongest May on record, with 204,457 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month.

Fiscal year-to-date TEU volume is up 9.7 percent, with 2,192,689 TEUs handled since the Port's fiscal year began in July.

"Our container volumes this fiscal year have been strong compared to FY2018," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to continuing this momentum as we wrap up FY2019 at the end of June."

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 118,048 containers across the docks of its two container terminals in May, surpassing the previous May record of 113,531 pier containers in 2018. Fiscal year-to-date, pier container volume is up 10.2 percent with 1,251,247 boxes handled July through May.

Inland Port Greer handled its highest monthly container volume last month, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves since July.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 - MAY 9, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 10.4 percent fiscal year-to-date container volume growth, with nearly 2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled since July.

SCPA moved 204,621 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month, a 4.2 percent increase compared to April 2018 volumes.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 116,443 pier containers in April for a total of 1.1 million containers fiscal year to date.

"April was strong for SCPA?s container business, supporting volumes well above planned levels with only two months remaining in the fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our continued growth is testament to the commitment and skills of our employees and maritime community, and we look forward to a very positive FY2019 finish in June."

Both inland facilities reached near-record volumes in April. Inland Port Greer handled 13,724 rail moves, the second highest month in its history, for total fiscal year-to-date volume of 112,952 moves. Inland Port Dillon also achieved the second-best month in its history, with 3,411 rail moves. April marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of Inland Port Dillon, which has handled 24,423 rail moves since SCPA's fiscal year began.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port's breakbulk facilities in Charleston handled 65,778 pier tons in April, including 19,415 vehicles. The Port has handled 505,959 pier tons since the fiscal year began.

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 -  APRIL 4, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced the strongest March in its history and more than 11 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.

SCPA moved 214,123 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) last month, making it the second highest month in SCPA history. The Port handled its highest monthly record in October 2018, with 217,035 TEUs moved across the docks.

"The record volumes achieved last month reflect a very positive end to our third quarter of the fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "SCPA also saw the highest month of export loads since the fiscal year began in July 2018, with 42,524 export loads handled. The Port is well-positioned as it heads into the fourth quarter."

March was also the second highest month in the Port?s history for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 120,717 pier containers, increasing fiscal year-to-date volumes to 1,016,756 containers. Last month's record-breaking volumes marked a nearly 12 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.

Inland Port Greer set a new monthly record, with 14,522 rail lifts in March. The previous record of 13,060 rail lifts was handled in June 2017. The Greer facility also handled a record number of gate moves, with 22,020 transactions last month, while the average truck turn time dropped by one minute to 12.3 minutes.

"Achieving this type of growth requires cooperation and dedication by our talented staff as well as many others in the maritime community," said Bill Stern, Board Chairman, SCPA. "We appreciate everyone who plays a role in our productive and successful port operations."

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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 20, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported the strongest February container volume in its history and nearly 12 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.

SCPA moved 178,131 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU) during the month of February, with 1.6 million TEUs handled since the fiscal year began in July.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 100,794 pier containers last month for a total of 896,039 containers fiscal year to date.

"A strong February contributed to the Port's continued growth, with container volume nearly six percent ahead of our financial plan for the first eight months of our fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We anticipate volumes from March to May will be below plan due to the impact of trade uncertainty and a significant number of blanked sailings, but we ultimately expect to achieve our FY2019 plan of 1.3 million pier containers."

Inland Port Greer handled 11,245 rail moves in February, bringing the facility's fiscal year-to-date volume to 84,761 moves. Inland Port Dillon saw 2,688 rail moves in February and has handled 18,709 rail moves in FY2019.

In non-containerized cargo, SCPA's Charleston breakbulk facilities handled 68,246 pier tons in February for a total of 383,448 tons since the fiscal year began.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Included in President's Budget

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet received a $138 million allocation in the President?s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget announced last week. The project is now eligible to receive direct appropriations from Congress through the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

Construction on the Entrance Channel to 54 feet began in February 2018, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to award the next dredging contract for deepening the Lower Harbor to 52 feet this fall.

"Receiving a significant allocation for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project in the President?s Budget was great news for our port and state," Newsome said. "The depth advantage of 52 feet will add much-needed capability in the Southeast, the fastest growing region in the country. This project has been a collaborative effort from its inception, reflecting the hard work of many supporters who are committed to delivering a deepwater harbor at record speed."

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 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 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.