Archives: News Entries

CHARLESTON, SC - November 8, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced the highest monthly container volume in its history, with 217,035 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled in October. Last month's record-breaking volumes marked an 18.7 percent year-over-year increase in container volume growth.

October container traffic surpassed the Port?s previous record of 206,541 TEUs handled in August. SCPA's fiscal year container volumes are up 10.3 percent compared to the same period last year, with 797,396 TEUs moved since July 1.

"We are getting increasing evidence that, in addition to a strong economy, some of this volume spike may be accounted for by customers advancing shipments to avoid pending tariffs slated to take effect in January," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We are doing a more thorough assessment as to the implications of this on future volumes."

October was also the highest month in the Port?s history for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 124,627 pier containers last month, pushing fiscal year-to-date volumes to 454,423 containers moved across the docks.

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.

Media Contact:
Kelsi Childress
External Affairs Coordinator
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
kchildress@scspa.com

CHARLESTON, SC - October 29, 2018 - Today, South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) president and CEO, Jim Newsome, presented the annual State of the Port to an audience of approximately 600 customers, elected officials and shipping industry representatives at the Charleston Area Convention Center. Jim's presentation focused on the Port's successes, strategic infrastructure investments to support continued container volume growth, new initiatives to increase Port productivity and overall industry trends that will impact the Port in the future. The Propeller Club of Charleston hosted the event which marked Newsome's tenth address since joining SCPA in 2009.

SC Ports volumes for the 2018 fiscal year, which ran July 2017 through June 2018, were record-breaking. The Port handled 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs), an increase of three percent over the previous fiscal year. March through June marked the highest months of container volume in the Port's history. In breakbulk, or non-containerized cargo, Charleston handled 760,501 pier tons during FY2018. Within the breakbulk business segment, SCPA moved 232,390 vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal.

Approximately 22 percent of the Port?s container cargo moves via intermodal rail including freight moving to Inland Port Greer which is 212 miles from Charleston in the upstate. The Greer facility achieved 117,812 rail moves in FY18. With the success of Inland Port Greer, SCPA opened Inland Port Dillon, in the northeastern part of the state, in April.

Key financial metrics include operating cash flow of $85 million and nearly $214 million in capital expenditures.

In addition to volume growth, SCPA achieved significant progress of key infrastructure projects in FY2018. The nearly three-year effort to strengthen and refurbish the Wando Welch Terminal wharf was completed in July, which allows the facility to handle three neo-Panamax ships at the same time. Construction on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet, which began in February, is well underway with three Great Lakes Dock and Dredge Company dredges currently at work in the Entrance Channel. The Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal also saw progress in FY18 with the completion of the fill phase, and the SCPA Board approved a $53.8 million contract for construction of the wharf structure for phase one of the facility, which has begun. The new terminal will open in 2021 to accommodate growth of the Port's containerized cargo business.

"We had a really good year in fiscal year 2018," Newsome said. "We saw record cargo come through the Port, and we completed the Wando Welch Terminal refurbishment project. We worked together as a team towards a vision of being the preferred port of the top 10 U.S. Ports."

Looking ahead, the Port will continue to invest heavily to accommodate container volume growth and the efficient handling of big ships. East Coast ports have seen a continued increase in container volumes since the Panama Canal expansion. A nearly $400 million enhancement project is underway at the Wando Welch Terminal. Upon completion, the facility will offer 15 ship-to-shore (STS) cranes with 155 feet of lift height; 65 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes; 25 empty handlers; 40 gates; a dedicated chassis yard; and optimized operations allowing for a 2.4 million TEUs capacity.

Construction on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project continues to progress, marking a historic accomplishment that will make Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast. Newsome announced today that an updated benefit-cost-ratio (BCR) of 3.1 was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which meets the requirements for inclusion in the President?s Budget. The BCR recalculation took several factors into account, highlighting the fact that SCPA's projected volumes out-performed the estimates used in the original study.

Vital to the Port's ability to sustain the volumes and revenue required for such investments is the expansion of its cargo base. SCPA closed on the purchase of a nearly 1,000-acre industrial tract in Ridgeville, South Carolina to support import distribution and export growth. The rail-served site offers approximately 750 developable acres for port-related industry use.

Along with investments in the Port's terminals are enhancements to intermodal efficiency. Newsome said as the Port grows, it must intelligently expand its reach by rail and improve the condition of the chassis fleet through the creation of the Southern States Chassis Pool (SSCP).

"We talk all the time about equipment and investments, but investments alone do not lead us to a winning outcome," said Newsome. "The best people lead to the best outcomes, and through cooperation and collaboration we have worked together to build this port up. Our future is very bright and our best years are ahead."

Click to view Jim Newsome's State of the Port presentation.

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.

Media Contact:
Kelsi Childress
External Affairs Coordinator
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
kchildress@scspa.com

GREER, SC - October 19, 2018 - This morning South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) held a celebration to mark five years of success at Inland Port Greer, a momentous occasion marked by the facility handling its 446,280 rail lift.

"Inland Port Greer is firing on all cylinders and has been a continued success story since opening in 2013," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This facility is a critical component of the intermodal container logistics landscape in South Carolina and the Southeast region. With today marking the 446,280 rail lift, Inland Port Greer is 62 percent over the original projections."

"In just five years, Inland Port Greer has proven to be a critically important piece of South Carolina?s infrastructure that helps facilitate our growing economy," said Governor Henry McMaster. "We continue to set records in export sales because companies know that when they invest in South Carolina and decide to do business here, they're going to get an elite workforce and an unparalleled ports system that can meet every need they may have."

The Greer facility is linked to the Port of Charleston by the Norfolk Southern main rail line that provides overnight service between Charleston and the Upstate, which extends SCPA's reach 212 miles inland.

"Norfolk Southern values the strong partnership we have with the South Carolina Ports Authority, including the South Carolina Inland Port, which has evolved into a strategic transportation hub," said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern, Chairman, President and CEO. "Today, this key facility provides a unique and sustainable logistics model that supports economic and business growth throughout the region."

Inland Port Greer operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week to serve the supply chain needs of SCPA's customers. The facility is positioned along the I-85 corridor - the fastest-growing part of the region - between the key markets of Charlotte and Atlanta, and provides market access to more than 94 million consumers within a one-day truck trip.

"The Inland Port has been a valuable partner for BMW. They have handled over 180,000 containers for us over the past five years and created a much more efficient system for moving containerized product to and from the Port of Charleston," said Max Metcalf, BMW Manufacturing, Manager, Government and Community Relations. "This success is likely replicated for suppliers and numerous other companies that use this facility."

Approximately 22 percent of SCPA's containers move by rail, and intermodal volume has seen staggering growth of 180 percent since 2011. With the tremendous success of Inland Port Greer, SCPA decided to open a second intermodal facility, Inland Port Dillon, in April.

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.

Media Contact:
Kelsi Childress
External Affairs Coordinator
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
kchildress@scspa.com

GREER, SC - October 18, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported a 7.5 percent fiscal year-over-year container volume growth of twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) through September.

SCPA has handled 580,361 TEUs since July, compared to 539,995 TEUs during the same period last fiscal year. The Port moved 173,226 TEUs in September.

"SCPA's fiscal year-over-year growth reflects a very positive start to our 2019 fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved 98,462 containers across the docks of its two container terminals last month, bringing fiscal year-to-date pier container volume to 329,796.

In breakbulk, or non-containerized cargo, Charleston handled 48,952 pier tons. Within the breakbulk business segment, SCPA moved 17,062 vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal last month.

Inland Port Greer handled 8,890 rail moves in September, pushing fiscal year-to-date volume to 30,670 rail lifts at the facility.

Board Action

In action items, the Board awarded a $3.2 million contract to L-J Inc. for the creation of 22 acres of salt marsh on the southern tip of Drum Island. Work on the project is expected to begin next month and will restore salt marsh, vegetation and tidal creeks on the site, previously utilized as a dredged material containment area.

The Board approved plans to purchase a Container Crane Training Simulator which will realistically simulate operations of the Port's ship-to-shore cranes (STS) and rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes.

The Board also approved the promotion of Barbara Melvin, Senior Vice President of Operations and Terminals, to Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2019. Barbara has been with the Port for 20 years serving in previous capacities such as Senior Vice President of External Affairs, and Vice President of Government Relations.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport 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 - September 26, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 13 percent fiscal year-to-date growth of twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled through August.

As previously reported, SCPA has moved 407,135 TEUs since the 2019 fiscal year began July 1. The Port achieved the highest monthly container volume in its history, with 206,541 TEUs handled last month, and exceeded August 2017 volumes by 16 percent.

Pier container, or box volume, is up 13.5 percent fiscal year-to-date. August was also the highest month in SCPA history for pier container volume, with 117,037 containers moved at its two container terminals.

"Fall is a traditionally strong season for the Port," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "A record-breaking August, and the sixth consecutive record-setting month for container volumes, the Port is well-positioned for continued growth through 2018."

In the non-containerized cargo market, Charleston handled 41,125 pier tons of breakbulk cargo in August, including 13,153 finished vehicles.

Inland Port Greer handled 11,982 rail moves in August. The facility?s fiscal year-to-date volume is over 10 percent higher than last year, with 21,780 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 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.

Media Contact:
Kelsi Childress
External Affairs Coordinator
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
kchildress@scspa.com

###

STAY CONNECTED

CHARLESTON, SC - September 19, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome was recently named a 2018 Alumni Professional Achievement Award recipient by The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, at its annual gala on September 7.

Newsome was one of five alumni honored with the award, which spotlights graduates who have achieved a high level of success in their career fields. Created in 2011, the award recognizes alumni with notable career accomplishments and a history of outstanding contributions to their profession.

Newsome earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Logistics and Transportation from UT in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration from the Haslam College of Business in 1977. He has continued to serve the university on the Dean?s Advisory Council and the Global Supply Chain Institute Advisory Board through the Haslam College of Business. He is a member of the Haslam College of Business 1914 Society and Archway Society.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport 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 - September 10, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced the highest monthly container volume in its history, with 206,541 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled in August.

August container traffic surpassed the Port's previous record of 201,163 TEUs achieved in June and marked a 16 percent jump from 177,728 TEUs handled in August 2017. SCPA's fiscal year container volumes are up 13 percent compared to the same period last year, with 407,135 TEUs moved since July 1.

"SCPA has experienced incredibly strong growth in 2018, with August marking the single best month in our history as well as the sixth consecutive record-setting month for container volumes," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Fall is typically a seasonally strong time for our Port, and while we look forward to continued growth through 2018, we will continue to monitor the potential for tariff negotiations to adversely impact containerized trade if prolonged or not otherwise resolved successfully."

August was also the highest month in SCPA history for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 117,037 pier containers at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals, with 231,334 containers moved fiscal year to date.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport 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 - August 13, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced 200,594 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled during the first month of fiscal year 2019, marking the strongest July on record and second-highest monthly container volume in the Port's history.

July TEU volume increased 10 percent year-over-year compared to 182,411 TEUs handled in July 2017. Last month nearly surpassed the Port's all-time highest monthly volume, achieved in June with 201,163 TEUs.

"July's record volumes were a very strong start to fiscal year 2019," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to continuing this momentum as the year progresses and expect to see fairly strong volumes into the fall."

Last month was also a record July for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 114,297 pier containers at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals, surpassing the July 2017 record of 103,319 pier containers.

Inland Port Greer also achieved its strongest July to date, with 9,798 rail moves last month.

In the non-containerized cargo market, Charleston handled 36,706 net tons of breakbulk cargo in July, including 12,462 finished vehicles.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport 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 9, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced record container volume of 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled during the 2018 fiscal year, an increase of three percent over the previous fiscal year.

SCPA handled 201,163 TEUs in June, the single highest month for container volume in the Port's history and a 10 percent increase over June 2017. June was a strong finish to the Port's fiscal year, which began in July.

As measured in pier containers, or the number of boxes that moved across the docks of SCPA's two container terminals, the Port handled 115,696 containers in June and a total of 1.25 million containers in FY2018.

"June container volumes were exceptional, marking the first time our Port has handled more than 200,000 TEUs in a single month," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We achieved the three highest months of container volume in the Port?s history in March, May and June. As compared to FY2010, SCPA has grown by over 900,000 TEUs for a compound annual growth rate of seven percent. Such growth is a significant accomplishment that reflects a broad expansion of the Port's cargo base, the commitment of our staff and the overall success of our maritime community."

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport 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.