News Entries Archive - Page 22 of 73

SC Ports Posts Milestone 2018 Fiscal Year

CHARLESTON, SC - July 18, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority posted strong performance across multiple business segments in fiscal year 2018, achieving new records for monthly and annual container volumes as well as progress of key capital projects.

"SCPA had an ambitious growth plan for the 2018 fiscal year, and our progress across all business segments is a true accomplishment," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Growth of 3 percent in FY2018 on the heels of 10 percent growth last fiscal year reflects broad-based expansion of the Port's cargo base as well as strong operational performance of our port. Our container volume growth is further driven by the upsizing of vessels, with 18 of SCPA's 26 weekly container services utilizing neo-Panamax ships."

SCPA handled 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in FY2018, a peak in fiscal year container volume for the Port. 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 from July through June. Within the breakbulk business segment, SCPA moved 232,075 vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in FY2018.

Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer played a key role in the Port's overall growth. The facility handled 10,184 rail lifts in June for a total 117,812 rail lifts during the fiscal year. Success of Inland Port Greer was a driver in SCPA's decision to open a second facility, Inland Port Dillon, in April.

Terminal Modernization and Capacity

In addition to volume growth, SCPA achieved significant progress of key projects in FY2018. The nearly three-year effort to strengthen and refurbish the Wando Welch Terminal wharf will be completed on July 23, when all three terminal berths return to normal operations in conjunction with the commissioning of the terminal's sixth ship-to-shore (STS) crane with 155 feet of lift height. By the end of the year, two additional cranes of the same size will become operational, with one additional crane to be delivered in late 2019, for the efficient handling of two 13,000 TEU or larger vessels simultaneously.

A $370 million project underway at the Wando Terminal will increase capacity by 700,000 TEUs by the end of 2019. Upon completion, the terminal will offer 13 STS cranes, including nine cranes with 155 feet of lift height; 62 rubber-tired gantry cranes and 23 empty handlers; 3,800 feet of wharf, capable of handling three neo-Panamax ships; an enhanced traffic pattern and 40 gates, including 27 inbound and 13 outbound, for continued efficiency and low turn times; and a new 35-acre chassis yard for the proposed Southern States Chassis Pool.

"SCPA has an aggressive target of 1.3 million pier containers for FY 2019, volume growth that is consistent with our expectations for the further development of the region's cargo base along with the capable infrastructure provided by the Port," Newsome said. "We will continue to closely monitor the development of the multilateral trade and tariff discussions for potential impacts."

Charleston Harbor Deepening

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 next construction contract will be awarded in the fall for dredging the harbor to the Wando Terminal. This contract will include widening the turning basin to 1,650 feet, a benefit that will be realized prior to the slated completion of this construction phase in March 2021.

Cargo Base Expansion

Beyond infrastructure projects, FY2018 also marked successful milestones in the expansion of SCPA's cargo base and the addition of new facilities to serve growing markets.

Frontier Logistics successfully opened a transloading operation on Union Pier Terminal in August to support growth of the Port's plastics and resins business. Frontier has been operating in Charleston since 2011, handling bagging and seabulk transloading for both import and export resins and plastics producers.

SCPA recently closed on the purchase of a nearly 950-acre industrial tract in Ridgeville, South Carolina to support import and export distribution growth. The rail-served site offers nearly 750 developable acres for port-related industry use.

Board Action

At their monthly meeting today, the SCPA Board approved a $53.8 million contract for construction of the wharf structure for Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman, Senior Terminal. The new terminal will open in 2021 to accommodate growth of the Port's containerized cargo business.

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.

SC Ports Achieves Record Container Volume in 2018 Fiscal Year

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."

Statement Regarding Southern States Chassis Pool

CHARLESTON, SC - June 25, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome has issued the following statement on the proposed new chassis pool structure to be known as the Southern States Chassis Pool:

"The South Atlantic Chassis Pool was formed in 2006 as a way to more efficiently handle the provision of chassis for the movement of containers in the Southeast. Today, this pool provides about 40 percent of the chassis offered in CCM managed pools.

While this pool has historically been an effective solution to chassis provision, the current fleet is both aging and has not kept up in size with the growth of containerized trade in the Southeast. Additionally, chassis provision is increasingly fragmented in the market as about 40 percent of the container moves are handled by chassis provided outside of the pool structure.

The Georgia Ports Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority have filed an agreement with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to work jointly to provide a new chassis pool structure to be known as the Southern States Chassis Pool. This pool will be operated by the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) which is a trucker-centric organization that has focused from its inception on improving the quality of chassis on an at-cost basis.

There are three major goals in this collective effort:

Significantly improve the quality of the chassis fleet in the Southeast through setting standards in terms of age and attributes, such as radial tires, LED lights, and anti-lock brakes.
Grow the size of the chassis pool to keep up with the explosive growth in containerized trade in the Southeast, both in terms of number of chassis and more realistic trigger levels for the injection of new chassis.
Provide an 'at cost' model per day of use which removes the current economic discontinuities which apparently exist between the various segments in the market that use chassis services.

Efficient chassis provision is central to the continued growth of Southeast ports. We are eagerly anticipating this agreement becoming effective and beginning the much needed work to improve the South Atlantic chassis fleet."

The agreement is available on the FMC website. SCPA encourages stakeholders to file comments with the FMC during the 12-day comment period to share their views of the existing chassis system as well as the proposed changes under the Southern States Chassis Pool. Comments may be emailed to secretary@fmc.gov with 'Southern States Chassis Agreement, Agreement 201262' in the subject line.

SC Ports Plans for Five Percent Container Growth, $277.6 Million in Capital Expenditures in FY2019

CHARLESTON, SC - June 20, 2018 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors adopted a 2019 fiscal year financial plan that includes five percent pier container growth, $280.8 million in operating revenues, $42.9 million in operating earnings, and capital expenditures of $277.6 million.

The plan projects pier container volume, or boxes handled, of 1.305 million during FY2019, a five percent increase from the 1.24 million pier containers SCPA expects to handle in FY2018, ending June 30.

The Port is planning for strong volumes at both inland rail facilities in FY2019. A 13 percent increase in rail moves, or 136,200 lifts next fiscal year, is projected for Inland Port Greer. During the first full fiscal year of operations at Inland Port Dillon, the Port expects the facility will handle approximately 40,000 rail moves.

Planned operating revenues of nearly $281 million for FY2019 reflect a 12.4 percent increase above the $249.9 million in projected revenues for the current fiscal year.

"The financial plan for FY2019 reflects an exciting time for the Port, in financial and volume growth as well as continued progress of the key capital projects that position our port and state for long-term economic success," said SCPA Board Chair Bill Stern.

The Board approved the largest capital plan in SCPA's history for projects supporting terminal modernization, capacity increases and intermodal volume growth. The largest capital expenditure in FY2019 is the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, for which the Port will invest $117.1 million in construction, equipment, and the Port's share of the access road linking the terminal with I-26. Other planned capital expenditures include $79.5 million in upgrades and modernization of the Wando Welch Terminal; $18.9 million at the North Charleston Terminal; and $19 million for the construction of the new SCPA headquarters, opening at the end of the year.

"The capital expenditure plan approved by our Board today reflects the Port's commitment to serving our customers with modern terminals and expanded capacity, projects that will be complemented by the deepening of our harbor to 52 feet," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "I'm confident that our investments and planned growth will support another year of milestone accomplishments for the Port and positive economic impacts for South Carolina."

May Volume Results

As previously reported, SCPA handled the strongest May on record for container volume. With 197,437 twenty foot-equivalent container units (TEUs) moved during the month, May volumes were 8.2 percent higher than the same month in 2017. Fiscal year to date, SCPA's container volumes are 2.3 percent higher than the same period last year with nearly 2 million TEUs handled since July.

In the non-containerized cargo business segment, the Port of Charleston handled 68,687 pier tons last month. Since the fiscal year began, Charleston has handled 677,516 tons of breakbulk cargo.

Inland Port Greer handled 10,836 rail moves in May, for a total of 107,773 moves fiscal year to date.

Konecranes Signing Ceremony

Earlier today SCPA officials welcomed leaders from Konecranes for a signing ceremony recognizing the Port's purchase of 26 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. The $46.4 million contract includes 24 new RTGs for the Wando Welch Terminal to support plans to modernize operations and increase container yard capacity of existing terminal facilities. Inland Port Greer will receive two of the new cranes to support continued volume growth of the facility. The purchase marked the single-largest RTG crane contract in Konecranes' history.

Community Giving Grant Program

The application period for the Port's non-profit grant program, Community Giving, opened this month with opportunities for charitable organizations to apply for $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 grants. The Port awards grants in four outreach areas: maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.

Community Giving was created in 2013 to support programs and initiatives that better the communities in which the port operates. Applications are available on the Port's website and are due July 27, 2018.

South Carolina Ports Authority Announces 2018 Port Ambassador Program Graduates

CHARLESTON, SC - June 14, 2018 - This week South Carolina Ports Authority celebrated the 2018 Port Ambassador Program graduation, recognizing 24 participants for completing an eight-month deep-dive into Port operations, economic development and the challenges facing the maritime and transportation industry.

"The Port Ambassadors Program engages a diverse group of South Carolina leaders in support of the Port's mission and provides a deeper understanding of the maritime community's critical role in our region," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We're proud of the program's success and value the opportunity to educate the statewide community about our business and plans for the future."

Launched in 2016, the program exposes delegates to the Port's multiple business segments and operating locations across the state. Port Ambassadors meet with experts in maritime-related industries and port-dependent businesses through a series of full and half-day educational sessions and tours. Small class sizes offer the opportunity for discussion and networking with industry leaders.

"The Port Ambassadors Program was a great opportunity to learn not only about the Port's role in economic development and job creation, but the way it connects South Carolina businesses to the global economy," said Chakisse Newton, Principal, Cardinal Consulting. "The Port improves our daily lives in ways many people don't know, and it was an honor to be a member of the second class of Port Ambassadors."

The mission of the Port Ambassadors Program is to increase public awareness and understanding of SCPA's strategic plan and foster support for the Port's key statewide initiatives and activities. 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. More information is available at https://scspa.com/port-ambassador-program/.

Port Ambassadors Class of 2018:
Bob Barrineau, CBRE
Mac Bennett, Capital Development Services
Danny Black, Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance
Doug Boston, Charleston International Airport
James Burns, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Susanne Buck Cantey, Jupiter Holdings
Sky Foster, BMW-US
Tavia Gaddy, Greenville Area Development Corp.
Tommy Hall, Hall Management Group
Brad Henry, Henrico Holdings
Elizabeth Hills, Charleston Branch Pilots Association
Grayson Kelly, Tri-County Technical College Foundation
Craig Kinley, Growler Haus Holdings LLC
Mark Lattanzio, SunTrust Bank
Christin Mack, Find Great People, LLC
Bill Medich, South State Bank
Leah Moody, Law Office of Leah B. Moody, LLC
Chakisse Newton, Cardinal Consulting, LLC
Kenneth Nix, Land South of Charleston
Lowndes Pope, Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
Keith Rourk, Michelin North America
Jamie Scott, Jamie Scott Fitness, Inc.
Anna Thies, Maritime Association of SC
Walt Tobin, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Receives $49 Million Federal Funding

CHARLESTON, SC - June 11, 2018 - Today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced $49 million for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project in the Fiscal Year 18 Work Plan, critical funds that will be coupled with financial support from the State of South Carolina to further the progress of deepening the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet.

"This funding is great news for continued construction activities and timely awarding of dredging contracts for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chair. "The Port is appreciative to the Trump Administration, Governor McMaster, Senators Graham and Scott and the entire South Carolina congressional delegation for their coordinated efforts to ensure the highest possible funding for the project was included in the Corps Work Plan."

Construction to deepen the Charleston Harbor Entrance Channel began in February following the awarding of the first two dredging contracts, totaling $260 million, by USACE.

"The deepening of the Charleston Harbor is one of the most important strategic priorities for the State of South Carolina," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The Southeast needs a 52-foot harbor to efficiently handle the large container ships now calling the East Coast. There are four other harbors on our coast at 50 feet of depth, and such large container ships call a network of ports. The deepening of major U.S. ports is a significant element of the overall investment thesis across the port industry nationwide, and by 2021 SCPA and the State will have invested over $2 billion in port infrastructure to support the growth of both population and manufacturing in South Carolina and the Southeast region."

The USACE Work Plan funding, in combination with a $50 million loan from the State, will enable the Charleston Harbor to be deepened to the Wando Welch Terminal by early 2021 in a record construction period of only 40 months. The completion of harbor deepening projects is essential, with multiple 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent container unit (TEU) ship slings calling U.S. East Coast ports today and the strong likelihood that an 18,000 TEU ship service will be deployed by 2019. The ability to fill these large container vessels with heavy export cargo in the Southeast is critical and requires harbors of 50 feet or more in draft to remove significant navigation restrictions. Upon completion of Charleston's deepening, the Inner Harbor will offer 52 feet of depth with a 54-feet deep Entrance Channel.

The project was designated a "New Construction Start" in the USACE Work Plan last year and received Congressional Authorization in December 2016.

Comments from South Carolina Leaders

"The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is critical to ensuring South Carolina remains a world class port supporting world class companies. Today's news, along with the significant investment by the State of South Carolina, ensures the project stays on track. I thank Senator Graham and the entire South Carolina Congressional Delegation for their continued advocacy for this important project." - Senator Hugh Leatherman, S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore

"Our state has supported this project since day one because we see the value of a competitive port to our citizens and businesses. We appreciate the efforts by the South Carolina Congressional Delegation and are encouraged to see the federal government continue to recognize this critical project." - S.C. Speaker of the House Jay Lucas

"Today's funding news is tremendous for the entire state of South Carolina and is the result of broad support at all levels of government. Congratulations to our Congressional delegation for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Port and the entire state. South Carolinians will see the positive impact of our port project for decades to come." - Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the S.C. Review and Oversight Commission on the SPA

"This is great news for the Upstate, as well as the entire state. With 50% of port users located in the upstate, the continued progress on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project will be felt in our region for years to come. We have made significant investments, coupled with an additional loan in this year's pending state budget, and it's encouraging to see the federal government step up." - S.C. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian White

South Carolina Ports Authority Announces Record May Container Volume

CHARLESTON, SC - June 11, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced 197,437 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month, a record for the month of May and the second-highest month of container traffic in the Port's history.

May TEU volume was 8.2 percent higher than the same month last year and nearly surpassed SCPA's all-time record for container volume, achieved in March 2018 with 199,659 TEUs. Since the Port's fiscal year began in July, SCPA's container volume is 2.3 percent higher than the same period last year.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled by the Port, May was also a record month with 113,531 pier containers moved.

"In spite of the Wando Bridge closure during the last half of May, we achieved very strong volumes for the month," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We very much appreciate the flexibility and dedication shown by truck drivers, Charleston Gate, our own employees and the entire maritime community in moving containerized freight under what were adverse conditions for the majority of the month. The leadership of Governor McMaster, Secretary Hall and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Mayor Haynie, and the Town of Mt. Pleasant was also decisive in making this possible. Our terminals remained fluid throughout the month."

The Port's broad-based growth during in May was supported by the further deployment of large container ships to the U.S. East Coast. Increases in loaded export container volumes indicate continued strength in the world economy.

Wando Wharf Modernization Project

Infrastructure improvements at the Wando Welch Terminal have continued to progress, and the wharf modernization project that began in 2015 will soon be completed. The entire length of the terminal berth will return to full-time operation by the end of July, coinciding with the commissioning of SCPA's sixth crane of 155 feet of lift height.

"The Port has handled record container volumes despite having only two-thirds of our berth capacity in operation for over 800 days," Newsome said. "We look forward to simultaneously handling two ships of 14,000 TEU or above in the near future with significant berth productivity."

South Carolina Ports Posts Fiscal Year Growth

CHARLESTON, SC - May 30, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority's fiscal year-to-date volumes are nearly 2 percent higher than last year, with record-breaking container volumes handled in April.

As previously announced, SCPA has moved 1.8 million TEUs since July, compared to 1.78 million during the same period last fiscal year. The Port achieved a record April, with 196,439 TEUs handled during the month.

SCPA's strong container volume was also reflected in April volumes at Inland Port Greer. The facility handled 9,577 rail moves last month for a fiscal year-to-date total of 96,937 lifts.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port handled 51,426 pier tons in April. Since the fiscal year began in July, 608,829 tons of breakbulk cargo have moved across the docks in Charleston.

RTG purchase

At its monthly Board of Directors meeting today, the Port announced plans to purchase 26 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes from Konecrane. The $46.4 million contract includes 24 new RTGs for the Wando Welch Terminal to support SCPA's plans to modernize operations and increase container yard capacity of its existing terminal facilities. Inland Port Greer will receive two of the new cranes to support continued volume growth of the facility.

SCPA Achieves Record April

CHARLESTON, SC - May 17, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced the highest April container volumes in its history, with growth of 4 percent over the same month last year.

SCPA handled 196,439 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU) in April. The Port has moved 1.8 million TEUs across the docks of its Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals since the fiscal year began in July, an increase of nearly 2 percent over the same period last year.

"Our strong April volumes were driven in part by significant growth of loaded export containers, which reflects the fact that shippers are utilizing Charleston's deepwater harbor as a last port of call for heavy export cargo," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Container volume during the spring months puts SCPA in a good position to achieve strong fiscal year results that will exceed FY17 volumes."

Inland Port Greer handled 9,577 rail moves in April, pushing fiscal year-to-date volumes slightly ahead of last year with 96,937 rail moves since July.

Fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume in Charleston reached 608,829 tons in April, with 51,426 tons of non-containerized cargo moved last month. The Port handled 17,646 finished vehicles in April.

Moody's, S&P Issue Positive Financial Ratings

The Port also announced that Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services have affirmed the Port's financial position with positive ratings.

The ratings come as SCPA plans to issue approximately $300 million in new revenue bonds to fund several major capital projects, including Wando Welch Terminal upgrades, Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, SCPA's new headquarters and other improvements to existing facilities.

"The strong ratings issued by both Moody's and S&P reflect SCPA's strong position in the market and our capability of delivering on the necessary projects to remain a top ten container port," Newsome said. "Our port offers modern facilities, deep water and reliable service, which support continued growth in today's shipping environment. These ratings reaffirm the financial industry's confidence in our long-term strategic plan."

Moody's issued an A1 rating with a stable outlook to the Port's upcoming Series 2018 bonds and Series 2015 bonds, citing SCPA's cargo volume growth, competitive infrastructure and operating model, and strong historical financial metrics as drivers of the credit positive profile.

The Moody's report states that SCPA's "stable outlook is based upon our expectation that the authority will continue to exhibit strong operating and financial performance. The stable outlook also reflects our expectation that the authority will incur debt required to fund its growth capital projects in a phased manner, as demand warrants and with net revenue levels that enable the authority to retain sufficient flexibility to manage a downturn in volume."

Standard & Poors assigned an A+ rating with a stable outlook on both bond series as well. The agency stated that their rating "reflects the port's strong market position, which is bolstered by the Port of Charleston's competitive position and its importance to the regional economy as an import/export hub for manufacturers and other businesses in South Carolina and neighboring states."

The ratings include analysis of financial performance, volume growth, customer diversity, performance relative to competitors and future capital projects. The SCPA is solely responsible for the revenue bonds it issues, with no obligation of the state or taxpayers.

View the Moody's and S&P reports on the SCPA website.

SC Ports Opens Inland Port Dillon

DILLON, SC - April 16, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority held the grand opening of Inland Port Dillon, its second inland facility constructed in the state to handle strong growth of the Port's intermodal rail cargo volumes and deepen the Port's reach into markets through the Carolinas to the Northeast and Midwest.

"Inland ports provide needed infrastructure in the interior of the state to support the movement of freight to and from our marine terminals," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The addition of Inland Port Dillon to the Port's network diversifies our reach and enables port users to gain logistics efficiencies through rail transportation of their cargo. We've had tremendous support from the Dillon region to date and look forward to growing our cargo base for the facility."

Inland Port Dillon utilizes an existing CSX intermodal train service to handle container movement to and from the Port of Charleston's productive seaport facilities. Inland Port Dillon is expected to convert an estimated 45,000 container movements from truck to rail in the first year of operation.

"Our ports system is one of the most important driving forces behind South Carolina's recent economic success, and with the help of the Inland Port Dillon, it always will be," said Governor Henry McMaster. "With two inland ports and the Port of Charleston soon to be the deepest on the East Coast, South Carolina has strategic advantages that no other state has, and that will continue to pay off for the people of our great state."

The facility will handle the growing volume of container cargo traveling to and from the Port of Charleston via intermodal rail, which has increased 180percent increase since 2011. Today, nearly 25 percent of the Port's container volume moves by rail.

"CSX is pleased to be a key link in extending the South Carolina Port Authority's reach from the Port of Charleston to the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina through establishment of Inland Port Dillon," said Dean Piacente, CSX Vice President of Intermodal. "We are confident that the Inland Port will promote economic development in the region and increase the competitiveness of the Port of Charleston and businesses throughout the State of South Carolina. CSX is proud of our role working together with the Port in converting the movement of containers from highway to rail, reducing highway congestion and providing environmental benefits to the citizens of South Carolina while promoting economic growth and commerce."

SCPA opened its first inland facility, Inland Port Greer, in the Upstate region of South Carolina in November 2013. Inland Port Greer handled a record-breaking 124,817 rail moves in calendar year 2017, an increase of 20 percent over the previous year.

"The expansion of SCPA's footprint into Dillon is a significant project not just for our Port, but the entire state," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "Inland Port Dillon will provide many advantages to Port customers in the Pee Dee region and beyond, enabling them to move their supplies and finished products with greater efficiency to a global consumer base. It will no doubt serve as a catalyst for economic development, and it is an exciting day to bring such opportunities to this area."

Inland Port Dillon is located within the Carolinas I-95 Mega Site with close proximity to I-95, a critical transportation artery in the Southeast. The area is central to a significant base of existing Port users, including Harbor Freight Tools, that represent base cargo opportunities for the facility.

"Inland Port Dillon is a complement to the capacity and infrastructure investments underway at port facilities in Charleston to accommodate bigger ships and overall growth of our volumes," Newsome said.

Elected Leaders Praise Inland Port Dillon

"Inland Port Dillon is a game-changing investment that will shape the future of not only the Pee Dee but all of South Carolina," said S.C. Senator Lindsey Graham. "Building on the success of Inland Port Greer, this facility will give companies an efficient and cost-effective way to move their products across the state, making the Pee Dee an attractive location for investment, economic development and job creation."

"I've worked hard at the federal level and with the Ports Authority to bring Inland Port Dillon to fruition," said S.C. Congressman Tom Rice. "As an extension of the Charleston Port - one of the largest economic drivers in South Carolina - Inland Port Dillon will bring the success of the state's freight industry to the Pee Dee. Inland Port Dillon will be an economic engine for the region, attracting diverse new industry that will create high-paying jobs in Marion, Marlboro, and Dillon Counties. The facility has already created 1,000 jobs in our area, and today's grand opening begins the next stage of economic development that will help uplift our entire community."

"The opportunity for job creation and economic growth driven by this facility in our region cannot be overstated," said S.C. Senator Kent Williams. "This grand opening is an extremely significant day for residents of Dillon, Marion and our surrounding areas. I applaud the Ports Authority and the many partners for making this a reality."

"Today's Inland Port Dillon grand opening is a tremendous development for our region and state," said S.C. Representative Jackie E. "Coach" Hayes. "Providing increased inland infrastructure will create industry growth and provide job opportunities that will benefit our area and the entire state."

Local Students Name Inland Port Dillon Cranes

Two fourth-graders at Latta Elementary School each earned $500 from SCPA for their school for their participation in a port contest to name equipment at Inland Port Dillon.

The contest was open to all third through fifth graders in Dillon School Districts 3 and 4 during the month of March. Over 100 student entries were received as potential names for the terminal's two rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which move containers on and off trains.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following two entries, which have been painted onto the cranes: Bluesaurus Rex, submitted by Emily Baxley, and Incraneable Hulk, submitted by J.P. Bley.

March Volumes

As previously announced, South Carolina Ports Authority completed the third quarter of its fiscal year with 1.4 percent year-over-year growth of twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) and record-breaking March volumes.

March was the strongest month in the Port's history, with 199,659 TEUs handled during the month. Fiscal year to date, SCPA has moved 1.6 million TEUs across its docks.

Finished vehicle volume also reached an all-time high in March, with 28,391 vehicles handled last month. In the overall non-containerized business segment, SCPA has handled 556,901 breakbulk tons since the fiscal year began.

Inland Port Greer achieved a fiscal year-to-date record number of rail lifts, with 87,360 moves since July. The facility handled 10,612 rail lifts last month.

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