News Entries Archive - Page 24 of 73

SC Ports Handles 10 Percent Container Growth in Record September

CHARLESTON, SC - October 17, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 10 percent container volume growth in September and strong results for the first quarter of the 2018 fiscal year.

SCPA moved 179,856 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU) last month, the strongest September on record. The month pushed SCPA's volume for the first quarter of FY2018 to 539,995 TEUs, a nearly 4 percent year-over-year increase.

"The Port continues to see year-over-year growth, and our first quarter results, including record September container volumes, reflect a very positive start to our 2018 fiscal year," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

As measured by the total number of boxes loaded on and off vessels at SCPA docks, the Port handled 101,902

pier containers in September. The Port achieved 4.2 percent fiscal year-to-date pier container growth over last year, with 305,648 boxes handled July through September.

The breakbulk business segment, which includes non-containerized cargo such as finished vehicles, wire rod in coils and wood pulp, totaled 65,269 tons in September and 153,304 tons fiscal year to date.

Inland Port Greer handled 10,648 rail moves in September. With 30,401 moves handled during the first quarter, the facility's volumes since July are nearly 16 percent higher than the same period last year.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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.

Newsome's State of the Port Highlights Plans for Growth, Investments at SC Ports

CHARLESTON, SC -- SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 -- Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on the Port's strategic plans for volume growth and infrastructure investments during the annual State of the Port.

The Propeller Club of Charleston event marked Newsome's ninth address since joining SCPA in 2009. He discussed the trends dominating today's shipping industry and the benefits of a growing port to the state's and region's economy.

SCPA volumes for the 2017 fiscal year, which ran July 2016 through June 2017, were strong across all business segments. The Port handled a record 2.14 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU), an increase of 10 percent over the previous fiscal year. Approximately 23 percent of the Port's container cargo moved via intermodal rail, and Inland Port Greer achieved a record 120,000 rail moves in FY17. In the non-containerized cargo segment, 851,662 breakbulk pier tons moved across SCPA docks, including over 250,000 export finished vehicles.

From a financial perspective, the Port posted $80 million in operating cash flow and over $180 million in capital expenditures in FY17.

The year was highlighted by significant progress of key port infrastructure projects. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet was authorized and named a "new start" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing construction to begin this fall. At the Wando Welch Terminal, new 155-foot ship-to-shore cranes were commissioned, a refrigerated cargo service area opened, and the wharf modernization project is nearing completion.

FY17 also marked a series of big ship calls, including the May 13 arrival of the COSCO Development, the first 13,000 TEU vessel to call East Coast ports. The Port celebrated its biggest ship call to date on September 14, when the 14,414 TEU CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt docked at the Wando Welch Terminal. SCPA now routinely works 13,000-14,000 TEU vessels as part of the weekly OCEAN Alliance South Atlantic Express (SAX) service and expects to handle additional services with vessels of this size as early as next year.

"Last fiscal year was a great year for the Port," Newsome said. "Our success benefits the entire state, and by supporting the global supply chains of companies across South Carolina and the region, we are a job creator. We have been very successful in quietly doing what ports should do keep freight moving in a consistent manner for our customers. We seek to be a reliable, invisible supply chain partner."

Looking ahead, Newsome expects fairly positive economic and industry fundamentals to support five percent container volume growth for SCPA. Strength of the U.S. consumer will sustain import volumes, and exports will be driven by the recovery of emerging market economies as well as foreign direct investments in manufacturing.

The Port will strive to consistently deliver on key operational metrics, including gate turn times for truck drivers within one hour, ship-to-shore crane productivity above 35 moves per hour, a high performing rail drayage program, and just-in-sequence support of the region's major manufacturers.

A record $262.3 million capital investment plan in FY18 sets the stage for Port to make significant progress on key projects, including terminal updates, new terminal capacity, a deeper harbor and a new headquarters. Longer term, SCPA and the State of South Carolina are investing more than $2 billion in port and port-related facilities by 2021 to fulfill the requirements of a modern port in today's big-ship environment.

The largest investment by the State is the harbor deepening project, for which the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million in 2012. Construction on the project will soon begin, marking a historic accomplishment that will make Charleston the deepest harbor on the entire East Coast.

The State continues to be a great financial partner for the Port in addition to harbor deepening. Other port-related investments include the dedicated access road off I-26 to the Leatherman Terminal and the commitment to construct a dual-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility pending the railroads agreement on economic terms and access.

Hand-in-hand with the Port's waterside infrastructure investments are improvements to inland connectivity to support intermodal rail volume growth. SCPA is developing plans for an inner-harbor barge to move containers between the Wando and Leatherman Terminals, which will reduce local truck traffic and utilize the Leatherman Terminal's direct access to the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility. Inland Port Greer, as well as the opening of Inland Port Dillon in early 2018, will further enhance the Port's rail volumes and connectivity to interior markets.

Modern facilities and a deepwater harbor will enable the Port to continue to play an integral role in economic development for South Carolina. As evidenced by investments by BMW, Michelin, Volvo, and Frontier Logistics, among many others, global businesses locate near ports.

"The Port celebrated its 75 anniversary this year, and as part of that celebration we've asked our stakeholders to imagine what the future holds," Newsome said. "Achieving the highest volumes in our history is a good starting point for the future. SCPA must continue to grow well above the national port market and earn more for our services, and the critical infrastructure initiatives that must be executed are challenging. However, we are equipped with a very good team to address those challenges. We will continue to focus on developing and nurturing the most talented workforce possible, and we look forward to another very positive 75 years."

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

South Carolina Ports Posts August Container Volume Growth, Port breaks ground on new headquarters

CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 - On the heels of today's State of the Port, South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported container volume of 177,728 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU) handled in August.

Fiscal year to date, SCPA's container volume is ahead of last year with 360,139 TEUs handled since July.

As measured in pier containers, or total box volume, the Port handled 100,427 containers in August. Nearly 204,000 pier containers moved across the docks of the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals in July and August combined.

"Fall is a traditionally strong season for the Port, and we look for year-over-year volumes to increase in September and October compared to moderate growth in August," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

In non-containerized cargo, SCPA handled 45,615 pier tons in August. Charleston has moved 88,035 tons of breakbulk cargo fiscal year to date.

Inland Port Greer handled 12,742 rail moves in August, the second-highest month in its history. The facility is 18 percent ahead of last fiscal year's volumes, with 19,753 rail moves handled over the last two months.

Board Action

The Board approved a construction contract for the first phase of a project to improve traffic flow at the Wando Terminal. The project includes the addition of an outbound truck lane, additional outbound security kiosks, extension of inbound truck queue lanes and a new parking lot to serve the terminal office building.

Groundbreaking for New SCPA Headquarters

Earlier today, SCPA held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new headquarters in Mount Pleasant. The new 84,000 square foot headquarters at the Wando Welch Terminal will house approximately 200 employees who are currently working from multiple office locations.

"SCPA is extremely excited to break ground on our new headquarters, which serve as a single, modern campus for employees with direct access to terminal operations," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The Port adopted a new vision and values last year as part of a culture change initiative for our 500 employees, and a logical extension of that effort is the development of a new building that consolidates all office employees into one space. I also believe that our customers want to see ships and a terminal operating when they visit us - that's the nature of our business, and the location of our headquarters near the Wando Welch Terminal, our busiest container terminal, is ideal in that regard."

The Port headquarters is a design-build project that was awarded to Choate Construction Company and LS3P in May. The design will support cross-functional collaboration and communication across departments with an open floor plan, ample meeting space and glass atrium that extends through all four floors. Sustainability has been an important focus of the design process, and plans include water and energy reduction measures, high-efficiency HVAC and lighting, and an energy monitoring system to optimize energy consumption.

"We have strong partners in Choate and LS3P and look forward to making the building our new home late next year," Newsome said. "We are also thankful to Lowe Enterprises, whose purchase of our existing building made this important move possible for the Port."

The Port sold its current office at 176 Concord Street, Charleston, to Lowe Enterprises in January.

SC Ports Celebrates Big Ship Call, First Harbor Deepening Construction Contract

CHARLESTON, SC - September 14, 2017 - On the heels of the first construction contract for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project being awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Carolina Ports Authority welcomed the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt, the biggest ship ever to transit the Panama Canal to call U.S. East Coast ports.

"The first dredging contract awarded for harbor deepening is outstanding news for SCPA and the State of South Carolina, and the arrival of the biggest ship ever to call our Port this morning is a timely and visible example of the importance of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our harbor will ultimately be the deepest on the East Coast, allowing vessels like the Roosevelt to transit without tidal restriction. Today reaffirms our efforts and investments in terminals and infrastructure to prepare for the big ships being deployed to the East Coast following the Panama Canal expansion and completion of the new Bayonne Bridge."

As announced earlier today by USACE, a $47 million construction contract was awarded to initiate dredging work on the entrance channel, which will be deepened to 54 feet. It is the first of two contracts to be let for entrance channel dredging, which will begin later this year. The main shipping channel will be deepened to 52 feet, offering unfettered access to 13,000-14,000 twenty-foot equivalent container unit (TEU) vessels.

The Roosevelt, a 14,414 TEU vessel, arrived in Charleston this morning with only blue shipping containers visible following a celebratory voyage to the Port of New York and New Jersey for the inauguration of the new Bayonne Bridge. SCPA is expected to handle approximately 3,000 container moves, or 5,200 TEUs, on and off the ship at the Wando Welch Terminal. The Roosevelt is deployed on the weekly OCEAN Alliance South Atlantic Express (SAX) service connecting Charleston with Hong Kong, Yantian, Ningbo and Shanghai via the Panama Canal.

Previously, the largest ship to call Charleston was the 13,208 TEU OOCL France. Today 18 of SCPA's 24 weekly container vessel services are comprised of ships too large to transit the Panama Canal prior to its expansion.

In addition to the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, the Port has been preparing for the deployment of New Panamax vessels to the East Coast with significant upgrades to terminal infrastructure and equipment. A wharf strengthening and modernization project at the Wando Welch Terminal will be completed in the spring of 2018, and the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, the only new permitted container terminal on the East or Gulf Coast, will open in June of 2020.

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, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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 2017 Container Volume Up 13 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - August 14, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced calendar year-to-date container volume increases of 13 percent and the strongest July on record.

Since the calendar year began, SCPA has handled 1.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), compared to 1.14 million TEUs during the same period last year. The Port moved 182,411 TEUs in July, breaking the previous record of 177,265 TEUs achieved in July 2016.

Last month was also a record July for pier container volume, or box volume. SCPA handled 103,319 boxes at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals, exceeding the July 2016 record of 100,366 pier containers.

"SCPA handled record container volumes in July in spite of model year transitions in the automotive industry," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to continuing this momentum as fiscal year 2018 progresses and expect to see fairly strong volumes this fall."

In the non-containerized cargo market, Charleston handled 42,420 tons of breakbulk cargo in July. Calendar year to date, the Port has handled 471,961 tons.

Inland Port Greer handled 7,011 rail moves in July, pushing calendar year-to-date volume at the facility 31 percent higher than last year. Since January, 74,700 rail moves were handled compared to 56,870 during the same period in 2016.

Harbor Deepening
Having been named one of six "new start" projects and receiving $17.5 million in construction funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fiscal 2017 Work Plan, the harbor deepening to 52 feet continues to move forward toward construction this fall.

The USACE solicited bids for the Post 45 Charleston Entrance Channel Maintenance and New Work Dredging - Contract One in June, and the apparent low bidder for the contract is Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC, with a bid of $47,197,150. The USACE Charleston District still needs to complete several acquisition steps to verify the acceptability of the bid prior to award of this contract, which is planned for next month. Contract 1 is the smaller of two contracts required to complete the Entrance Channel deepening construction.

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, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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 Posts Strong Growth in Fiscal Year 2017

CHARLESTON, SC - July 19, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority posted significant growth across multiple business segments in fiscal year 2017, exceeding aggressive financial plans for containerized cargo, breakbulk tonnage and rail volumes.

"SCPA had an ambitious growth plan for the 2017 fiscal year, and it is a true accomplishment to have exceeded that plan across all business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Amid uncertainty in the industry due to the consolidation of ocean carriers, SCPA successfully continued our growth trend well above the U.S. port market average. Through the expansion of import-export business in our region as well as successful efforts to recruit cargo from the Midwest and Gulf markets, it was a positive fiscal year for us and we expect continued growth into our new year."

SCPA handled 2.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units in FY2017, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year and an all-time high volume for the Port.

"The fact that SCPA has set a new volume record shows that one of the most important pieces of our state's economic engine is achieving great things, and will only continue to improve," said S.C. Governor Henry McMaster. "This success is a testament, not only to the tremendous leadership at the Ports Authority, but also to the dedication shown by each man and woman who works there."

Over 1.21 million pier containers, or boxes, moved across SCPA docks during the fiscal year, setting a new volume record. Relative to fiscal year volume plans, the Port handled nearly 3 percent more containers in FY2017.

In breakbulk cargo, Charleston tonnage exceeded planned volumes by 8.8 percent with 846,952 pier tons handled from July through June. Within the non-containerized cargo segment, SCPA moved 258,455 finished vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in FY2017.

The fiscal year marked strong growth of SCPA's intermodal volume, and today nearly a quarter of the Port's containerized cargo moves by rail. Charleston's RapidRail volumes increased 12.1 percent from FY2016 to FY2017, and volumes in this program reached an all-time high in May and June with 25,002 and 22,129 moves handled, respectively.

Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer, where rail lifts exceeded FY2017 plans by 11 percent, played a key role in the Port's overall rail growth. The facility finished the fiscal year with a record 121,761 rail lifts.

"I'm proud of the significant growth the Port achieved across multiple business segments in FY2017," said Pamela Lackey, SCPA Board Chair. "SCPA's year-over-year growth story is made possible by the leadership of a talented CEO and strong maritime community. The Port's success is truly reflective of our state's positive business climate, and we're grateful to Governor McMaster and the S.C. General Assembly for their continued support of the Port."

Operational Metrics

In addition to significant volume growth, SCPA demonstrated exemplary operational metrics in fiscal year 2017.

Dockside crane reliability across SCPA's two container terminals averaged 99.44 percent, marking the ninth straight year of ship-to-shore crane reliability over 99.4 percent. Through an effective preventive maintenance program, knowledgeable maintenance staff and involvement of crane operators in reporting of issues, SCPA avoided virtually any unplanned outage of the Port's 16 ship-to-shore cranes.

The first full fiscal year of the Advanced Gate System at the Wando Welch Terminal (WWT) was another driver of the Port's productivity in FY2017. Average hourly gate transactions on weekdays increased nearly 28 percent, with 421 hourly transactions handled on average in FY17 compared to 329 hourly transactions the prior year.

"AGS is working extremely well, enabling the Port to efficiently handle growing volumes through our gates," Newsome said. "We processed a record 708 transactions in one hour at the Wando Terminal on January 17, which reflects outstanding performance of our gates. This improvement in productivity ultimately allows us to better serve the companies in our state and region that depend on our Port to work well and serve their international supply chain needs."

Board Action

The SCPA Board approved a contract for the construction of four refrigerated container access racks to join four racks of the same design that opened in November at the Wando Terminal. Along with the new six-acre refrigerated container service area that opened in May, the racks enhance the handling of SCPA's rapidly-growing cold chain business.

The Board also approved an engineering design services contract for upcoming projects at Inland Port Greer. The design services include preparation of construction plans for the relocation of the chassis yard off the existing concrete area, which will provide additional space on terminal for container operations. The contract also includes the planning of site activities for future expansion of the terminal's footprint, to be based upon market demand.

Port Property for Sale

SCPA recently announced two downtown Charleston properties, located at 838 Morrison Drive, for sale. The sale of these parcels are related to SCPA's plans to consolidate employee offices in a new corporate headquarters at the Wando Welch Terminal. Details about the properties and sales process are available at www.scspa.com/port-properties.

SVP External Affairs Announced

SCPA announced the retirement of Clint Eisenhauer, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, effective September 30. The former Maersk Group executive joined SCPA in November of 2015, having previously overseen policy and political outreach for Maersk across all business units and supported its interests domestically and abroad.

"Clint has been an asset to the Port during his time as SVP of External Affairs, both as a member of our leadership team and mentor to his direct reports," Newsome said. "We congratulate him on his retirement."

Jordi Yarborough, former Director of Government Affairs for Check Into Cash in the Southeast region, has been selected as Eisenhauer's replacement and will join the Port on August 15. Yarborough has substantial experience in multi-state government relations, having previously been a partner with The Yarborough Group and Director of Government Relations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. As a member of the senior leadership team, Yarborough will oversee SCPA's public and media relations, government affairs, website and digital efforts, and community outreach.

"We are excited to welcome Jordi to the SCPA," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Her government affairs and business background make her a valuable addition to our senior team."

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, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity.?Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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 Fiscal Year

CHARLESTON, SC - July 12, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority moved a record 2.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units in fiscal year 2017, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year's container volumes.

Highest-ever June volumes of 183,237 TEUs gave SCPA a strong finish to its fiscal year, which runs July through June. The Port's previous record was 1.98 million TEUs, achieved in FY2006.

"We had a very strong fiscal year, reflective of a capable and hard-working SCPA team and entire maritime community," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Such growth enables the Port to continue to make the necessary investments in equipment and infrastructure to support the big ships being deployed to the East Coast today."

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 104,010 containers across the docks of its two container terminals in June. The Port handled its highest ever pier container volume of 1.21 million boxes during FY2017, surpassing the previous record of 1.13 million boxes in FY2005.

Inland Port Greer rail lifts reached an all-time high in June, with 13,060 lifts last month. The facility finished the fiscal year with a record 121,761 moves, an increase of 33 percent compared to FY2016.

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, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.

New On-Terminal Reefer Service Area Opens in Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC - June 29, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority has opened a new refrigerated container service area in the Port of Charleston, marking a $14 million investment to support growing cold chain business in the Southeast.

A new six-acre refrigerated container service area at the Wando Welch Terminal features a 12-lane service canopy, on-site storage and staging for gen-sets and container washing stations. The area greatly enhances reefer processing for shippers, truckers and ocean carriers.

The Port has four new five-story refrigerated container racks that provide 120 more reefer slots on terminal, bringing the port-wide total to 1,700 plugs. Four additional racks of the same size are under construction, slated for completion in January 2018.

SCPA's loaded refrigerated cargo volumes have grown 86 percent since 2011, driven by proximity to export pork and poultry producers; access to a deepwater harbor, which allows ocean carriers to load ships heavy with frozen exports; and growing regional demand for import reefer commodities.

"Expansion of refrigerated cargo is a strong driver of SCPA's overall volume growth, and our capital investment in refrigerated cargo infrastructure reflects a strategic commitment to our cold chain customers," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to capably serving the continued growth of this business segment."

Complementing SCPA's on-terminal investments are more than 660,000 square feet of cold storage and blast freezing capacity that have been built or committed by the private sector in response to SCPA's cold cargo growth. Local cold storage providers include Agro Merchants Group, Lineage Logistics and New Orleans Cold Storage.

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, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.

Six Percent Container Growth, $262.3 Million in Capital Expenditures Projected for SC Ports Authority in Fiscal Year 2018

CHARLESTON, SC - June 21, 2017 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors adopted a 2018 fiscal year financial plan that includes six percent pier container growth, $251.1 million operating revenues, $44.1 million operating earnings, and capital expenditures of $262.3 million.

The plan projects pier containers, or box volume, of 1.263 million during FY2018, a six percent increase from the 1.19 million boxes SCPA is expected to handle this fiscal year. Strong growth at Inland Port Greer is also planned, with rail moves expected to increase 20 percent over FY2017 projected totals.

Planned operating revenues for FY2018 reflect a 9.4 percent increase above the current fiscal year, which are expected to reach $229.4 million when the period ends June 30.

"The Port's FY2018 financial plan reflects continued success of our state port system, both in volume growth and progress of key capital projects," said SCPA Board Chair Pamela Lackey. "This fiscal year will be an extremely significant period for the Port, marking the beginning of harbor deepening construction, completion of the Wando Terminal wharf project, and continued construction of the Leatherman Terminal. We are well-positioned to build upon South Carolina's economic development successes and remain competitive in the evolving landscape of the U.S. port industry."

The Board approved a $262.3 million capital plan, the largest in the SCPA's history, with expenditures projected $14.3 million higher than FY2017. SCPA will invest $54 million in site development, construction and equipment, and related expenses for construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, a new container terminal slated to open in 2020. Other primary capital expenditures planned include $86.3 million in upgrades to the Wando Welch Terminal, including the completion of the wharf modernization project; $32.2 million for the construction of Inland Port Dillon, opening during the spring of 2018; and $23.3 million for the construction of the new SCPA corporate office.

"SCPA is handling larger volumes than ever before, and our plans for the new fiscal year enable our existing facilities to handle big ships," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This is the largest capital expenditure plan in our history, encompassing a number of projects that collectively will enhance the service of our port."

May Volume Results
As previously reported, SCPA's twenty foot-equivalent unit (TEU) volume is up 9.4 percent fiscal year to date with 1.96 million TEUs moving across the docks in Charleston since July. The Port handled 182,452 TEUs last month, marking the strongest May in Port history.

As measured in pier containers, or total boxes, SCPA moved 103,462 containers in May. The Port has handled 1.1 million pier containers fiscal year to date.

In the non-containerized cargo business segment, the Port of Charleston handled 64,761 pier tons last month. Charleston's breakbulk volume is slightly ahead of planned levels, with 755,497 tons moved fiscal year to date.

May was a record month at Inland Port Greer, with 47 percent growth in rail lifts over May 2016. The facility handled 12,702 rail moves in May, bringing fiscal year to date rail volume to 108,701 rail lifts.

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. Grants are available 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 port operates. Applications are available on the Port's website, www.scspa.com, and are due July 31.

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, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Achieves Record May Container Volume

CHARLESTON, SC - June 9, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced the highest May container volume in its history, pushing fiscal year-to-date volumes past the Port's total FY2016 volume with one month still remaining in the 2017 fiscal period.

"The Port is on pace to achieve record volume of nearly 2.1 million twenty foot-equivalent units (TEU) when our current fiscal year ends on June 30," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This is a tremendous achievement resulting from successful efforts to expand our cargo base, and it is a testament to our dedicated workforce and maritime community's ability to seamlessly handle the biggest cargo ships ever to call our Port."

SCPA moved 182,452 TEUs last month, exceeding the previous record of 181,809 TEUs from May 2015. The Port has moved 1.96 million TEUs since the fiscal year began in July, a 9.4 percent increase over the same period last year.

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 103,462 containers across the docks of its two container terminals in May. The Port has handled 1.1 million pier containers fiscal year to date.

Inland Port Greer also achieved record volumes in May, with 47 percent growth in rail moves over May 2016. The facility handled 12,702 rail moves during the month, exceeding its previous volume record of 11,125 moves in March. Fiscal year to date, the facility has handled 108,701 rail lifts.

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.

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