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SC Ports Authority Celebrates Success of Inland Port Greer

GREER, SC - April 20, 2016 - This morning South Carolina Ports Authority held a celebration of the success of Inland Port Greer, a critical component of the intermodal container logistics landscape in South Carolina and the Southeast region less than three years after opening in November 2013.

"This is truly a momentous day for the SCPA and Inland Port Greer," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We celebrate a record volume of almost 9,000 rail container lifts in last month. Such volume annualized means we can achieve 100,000 rail lifts in calendar year 2016, a volume that we originally expected that would only be possible in five years' time. This facility is firing on all cylinders, with a rich mix of exports, imports and empty container movements for many of the major container shipping lines."

Early discussions between SCPA and Norfolk Southern began in January 2012 for the development of Inland Port Greer, a facility designed to convert a significant volume of existing containerized truck traffic between Greer and Charleston to rail along as well as create a significant distribution center hub for the area. SCPA broke ground on the 40-acre site in March 2013.

Inland Port Greer uniquely involves the convergence of four modes of transportation at one site, with the Port, rail, truck and the nearby GSP International Airport all handling international commerce for the region's shippers. It operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week to serve the just-in-sequence supply chain needs of SCPA's major customers. Located within 500 miles of 100 million consumers in the Eastern U.S., Greer is an ideal for overnight distribution.

"Today, we also celebrate the significant decision by Dollar Tree to build a major, 'big box' distribution center in Cowpens, South Carolina that will be served by Inland Port Greer," Newsome said. "The first of many containers from Dollar Tree will soon arrive here in Greer, marking further growth for this amazing facility. We feel that many more such facilities can be located in this area as a result."

Newsome cited the the following critical components for success of an inland port: an existing mainline, intermodal containerized rail service; an anchor client providing a significant cargo base at facility start-up; and a willing local community of elected officials, business partners and neighbors.

"Most importantly, today we recognize the fact that this great facility was only realized through the collaboration of many groups who saw a good idea and helped bring it to fruition," Newsome said. "I extend our thanks to those parties and give my commitment that the Port will continue to work diligently to realize the full potential of this facility as a catalyst for economic growth in this important region of our state. Going forward, we are excited to build upon the success of Inland Port Greer and consider opportunities for similar projects in other locations in the state and region."

South Carolina Ports Authority Exports Two Millionth South Carolina-Made BMW

CHARLESTON, SC - March 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority exported the two millionth BMW manufactured in South Carolina, a milestone celebration of the Port's longstanding partnership with the nation's top vehicle exporter by value.

The two millionth vehicle, a Space Grey Metallic BMW X5 M50d, was loaded for export onto the ELEKTRA vessel operated Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics for delivery to a customer in Germany.

"SC Ports Authority has a strong history with BMW Manufacturing, and their operations are a tremendous asset to our port and region," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Today we commend a talented, committed workforce at BMW on this achievement and celebrate their continued trust in us to deliver South Carolina-made BMWs to the world."

The Port exported over 250,000 BMW vehicles in 2015, driving SCPA's 13 percent year-over-year increase in finished vehicle volume last year. SCPA also serves BMW's containerized shipping needs, handling import engines and transmissions from Germany and export maintenance parts as well as vehicle kits for emerging markets.

"Together with such partners as SCPA, BMW has become part of the fabric of this great state and is a wonderful illustration of what can be achieved when federal, state and local government work hand-in-hand with business," said Manfred Erlacher, President and CEO, BMW Manufacturing. "I am honored to celebrate the two millionth BMW exported through the South Carolina Ports."

SCPA played a key role in BMW's decision to locate in South Carolina, and its first import vehicles were handled through Charleston in 1994. In 2011 SCPA completed a?$23 million renovation of Columbus Street Terminal as a state-of-the-art breakbulk facility with adequate capacity for growing vehicle volumes, and BMW is the largest user of that terminal today.

BMW's cargo commitment was a significant factor in SCPA's decision to open the Inland Port in Greer, South Carolina in 2013. With BMW as the launch customer, the Inland Port has since added numerous users and far surpassed volume expectations, with over 75,000 rail moves handled last year.

"As the gateway to the global marketplace, the Port plays a critical role in supporting our state and region's manufacturing economy," Newsome said. "SCPA is proud to serve BMW's 'just in sequence' supply chain needs through our Charleston and Greer facilities, and we look forward to supporting their continued future growth."

Today SCPA and BMW officials commemorated the two millionth BMW vehicle manufactured by Plant Spartanburg and exported through the Port of Charleston.

About BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany and is the global producer of the BMW X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X4 and X6 Sports Activity Coupe. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

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

South Carolina Ports Authority Container Volume Up 4.4 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - March 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported fiscal year-over-year growth through February, with 4.4 percent gains in container volume since the 2016 fiscal year began in July.

SCPA handled 157,962 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) in February, an increase of 3.3 percent over February 2015. SCPA's total fiscal year-to-date container volume reached nearly 1.28 million TEUs last month, compared to 1.23 TEUs handled during the same period last year.

Pier container volume, or boxes handled, totaled 88,643 containers in February. Fiscal year to date, 721,810 total containers have moved across the docks of SCPA's two container terminals.

"February volumes showed modest increases over last year, and we expect continued moderate upticks in our volumes through the spring," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

Non-containerized cargo volumes were strong last month, with 66,619 pier tons handled in Charleston in February. Total fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume is nearly 31 percent ahead of plan, with 799,687 pier tons handled during the period.

The Inland Port handled 8,623 rail moves in February, its highest ever monthly volume since the facility opened in November 2013. Fiscal year-to-date rail moves have increased nearly 66 percent, with 58,211 moves since July.

Board Action

The Board approved two contracts advancing the progress of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, including construction quality assurance services and site preparation.

The Board also approved plans to purchase a 185-foot boom lift truck for Wando Welch Terminal. The truck will be used for service and maintenance activities performed on SCPA's two new super post-Panamax cranes, which are scheduled to be delivered in late May.

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.

 

SCPA Announces Improved Rail Service between Port of Charleston and Charlotte, NC

CHARLESTON, SC - March 10, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced a significant enhancement to international intermodal rail service between the Port of Charleston and the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility at the Charlotte Douglass International Airport.

Effective March 12, the new two-day Norfolk Southern service will operate five days per week connecting Charleston and Charlotte using existing dedicated intermodal trains.

"This dramatically-improved containerized rail service between Charlotte and the Port of Charleston is the result of collaboration between the Norfolk Southern Railway and the South Carolina Ports Authority," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "It builds on the existing, high speed intermodal network between Charleston and the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer. Charlotte is most logically served via the Port of Charleston, and this link provides a very reliable rail option that has not previously existed. The Charlotte market is fast-growing and offers a very diverse containerized cargo base, including furniture, home improvement goods, general department store merchandise, and chemicals."

Containers moving between Charleston and Charlotte will ride an existing Norfolk Southern overnight intermodal train between Charleston and Spartanburg, where they will connect to intermodal train service between Spartanburg and Charlotte.

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.

South Carolina Ports Authority Brings Solar Power to Terminals

CHARLESTON, SC - March 4, 2016 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority announced plans to bring solar power to the Wando Welch and Columbus Street terminals, making SCPA the largest rooftop solar host in the state and further enhancing the Port's commitment to environmentally-responsible operations.

Two solar panel arrays generating 3.7 total megawatts of electricity will be installed on warehouse rooftops at the two SCPA terminals by summer 2016. The panels will provide a significant off-set to the Port's energy usage, returning power to the grid during peak hours of energy demand and resulting in a direct reduction to SCPA's power costs.

"The solar project is an exciting step that deepens the Port's ongoing efforts to be an environmental leader in our industry," said Pat McKinney, SCPA Board Chair. "The Board fully supports our staff's recommendation of a rooftop lease agreement, which allows us to focus on our core business of running a port while still achieving both environmental and financial benefits."

Under a 25-year rooftop lease agreement, the panels will be owned and maintained by SolBright Renewable Energy, LLC with no direct expense to SCPA. The panels are expected generate $1.5 million or more in profit for the SCPA over the life of the lease.

"The Port has a responsibility to operate in a matter that is both mindful of the environment and good for business," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. "The panels will be a highly visible reflection of our sustainability program, and we look forward to the overall positive environmental and economic benefits they will provide."

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.

Container Volume Up Nearly Five Percent at South Carolina Ports Authority

CHARLESTON, SC - February 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported a nearly five percent increase in container volume since its fiscal year began in July.

SCPA moved 145,092 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in January. Fiscal year-to-date volumes reached 1.12 million TEUs last month, an increase from 1.07 million TEUs handled during the same period last year.

Pier container volume, or boxes handled, totaled 81,993 containers in January. Pier container volume is up 3.1 percent fiscal year over year, with 633,167 containers handled to date.

"January volumes were slightly down, which we expected due to strong comparisons against last year's performance as well as weakness overseas," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our volumes will likely remain fairly flat during the next several months until the spring, which is traditionally a strong season for SCPA."

Fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume reached 727,360 tons in January, remaining slightly ahead of plan. Charleston's non-containerized cargo volumes were particularly strong, and with 68,499 tons moved in January, Charleston breakbulk is nearly 33 percent above planned fiscal year-to-date levels.

The Inland Port reached 7,457 rail moves in January, a significant increase from the facility's 5,068 moves in January 2015. Fiscal year to date, Inland Port volumes are up 63 percent compared to last fiscal year, with 49,588 rail moves completed since July.

Board Action
The Board approved a contract for the investigation and excavation of historical resources on the Yellow House Creek Borrow Site, a location from which soil fill material will be mined for construction of the Leatherman Terminal. The work will be performed in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Two construction contracts were approved for the Wando Welch Terminal, including ground improvement for the expansion of the refrigerated container service area and annual berth maintenance dredging.

In addition, the Board approved a contract for asphalt pavement of 15 acres at Union Pier Terminal.

About SC 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 South Carolina Ports, please visit scspa.com.

New Orleans Cold Storage Expansion Grows Charleston's Cold Storage Capacity

CHARLESTON, SC - January 20, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) officials celebrated the newly-expanded New Orleans Cold Storage (NOCS) facility in North Charleston, an important addition to SCPA's ability to serve the growing refrigerated cargo market.

Driven by SCPA's 38 percent growth of refrigerated cargo since 2011, Charleston has attracted significant investments in cold storage over the past year.

"NOCS's expansion is significant to SCPA, especially given the strategic importance of refrigerated cargo to our business," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The addition of significant local cold storage and freezer space in the Charleston area supports SCPA's continued above-market growth in this sector."

Completed in November 2015, the expansion increases the facility's blast freezing capabilities by 50 percent. The addition of 81,000 square feet more than doubles NOCS's local footprint, which now offers 136,000 square feet of cold storage.

"We are looking forward to offering even more services to our clients at the Port of Charleston, where we have been for almost 30 years," said Mark Blanchard, NOCS President and CEO. "This expansion will help us continue to be one of the largest logistics and cold storage suppliers to the poultry, pork, beef, seafood, vegetable, and international refrigerated food industries."

NOCS originally located in Charleston in 1986 to provide cold storage for import meats from Australia, New Zealand, Central America and South America.

About NOCS

NOCS is a premier logistics provider specializing in import and export services for food processors and distributors. Operating from four key port facilities on the southeast seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, NOCS offers a "one-stop" export process, including transportation to the port, blast freezing and warehousing, certification and documentation, plus stevedoring (loading of break-bulk vessels). An equally seamless service streamlines inbound shipments destined for U.S. markets. Since 1886, NOCS has been the door to the world for international food companies. The NOCS business model of market-specific facilities provides greater operating efficiency and professional expertise at the warehouse level. Such markets include the Southeast US, the panhandle of Florida to the West Gulf Coast of Texas, Central and South America, the Pacific Basin, the Australian-New Zealand trade, the People's Republic of China, Africa, the Eastern bloc countries and Russia.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), 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 Authority Posts 10 Percent Container Growth in 2015

CHARLESTON, SC - January 20, 2016 - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) posted 10 percent container growth in 2015, a year highlighted by strong volumes and significant progress on the harbor deepening project.

SCPA handled 144,718 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in December, pushing total container volume to 1.97 million in 2015.

As measured in pier containers, or total boxes handled, SCPA's two container terminals moved 1.12 million boxes in 2015, an increase of 9.54 percent over 1.02 million containers handled last year.

"Our 10 percent TEU volume growth for the 2015 calendar year is outstanding," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Successful recruitment of discretionary cargo has been an important driver of volumes, as well as continued strength of the automotive sector. However, looking ahead to the second half of our 2016 fiscal year, we expect flat to very modest growth due largely to weakness in overseas markets. Because of the Panama Canal expansion delay, we will not see new ship deployments of significance until FY2017."

Non-containerized cargo business volume was strong in 2015, with 1.34 million pier tons handled during the year. Finished vehicle volume grew 13 percent year over year, with 268,964 vehicles crossing SCPA docks in 2015. The Inland Port handled 7,824 rail moves in December, more than double the facility's December volume last year. The facility's rail volumes grew 76.5 percent during its second full calendar year of operation, with 75,111 total rail moves completed in 2015.

In addition to strong volume growth during the year, Newsome also highlighted the successful progress of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. With the issuance of the Chief's Report in September and signing of the PreConstruction Engineering and Design Agreement in December, the project continued to move forward with historic momentum through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART planning process. Last week the project cleared another milestone, with the Record of Decision, the formal recommendation of the project to Congress for authorization.

New Multi-Purpose Carrier Service

SCPA recently added a new regular shipping service, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers (ARRC), to its vessel calls at Columbus Street Terminal. The first ARRC vessel arrived on January 8, handling approximately 6,000 tons of import cargo.

ARRC specializes in handling freight for multiple business segments, including container, breakbulk, rolling stock and project cargo. Charleston is an addition to ARRC's Balt-Atlantic service, which utilizes multiple vessels to connect St. Petersburg, Russia and other North Europe ports with the U.S. East Coast.

"ARRC's multi-purpose capabilities are an exciting addition to SCPA's breakbulk opportunities that further enhance our connection with North Europe," said Paul McClintock, SCPA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We're pleased to welcome their regular calls."

Board Action

The Board approved two contracts related to the development of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, including consultancy services for the concept design phase and a change order for additional construction activities pertaining to the containment wall. The facility will increase SCPA's current container capacity by 50 percent, with the first phase expected to open for operations by 2020.

To accommodate rapid growth within SCPA's refrigerated cargo market, the Board also approved a construction contract for the installation of additional refrigerated container infrastructure at the Wando Welch Terminal.

Main Office Sale

The Board authorized SCPA to sell the Main Office at 176 Concord Street in Charleston and directed the Real Estate Development Committee to finalize the offering and process by February 1.

"The need for our administrative and corporate office to be closer to our port operations is the primary driver of our decision to sell our current office," Newsome said.

Resolution Honoring Former Charleston Mayor

The Board also adopted a resolution honoring the former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and declaring January 20, 2016, as Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Day at the Port of Charleston.

"Mayor Riley's father served on the SCPA Board from 1969 to 1977, and he continued that legacy as a tireless supporter of the growth and development of our Port," said SCPA Board Chair Pat McKinney. "Especially with regard to the harbor deepening project, Mayor Riley has worked in partnership with our Board and staff to ensure the economic wellbeing of the Port, and in turn the entire City of Charleston."

Riley utilized his relationships with the Obama Administration to elevate the importance of harbor deepening and to garner support and timely forward progress of the project on the federal level. He has also supported SCPA's cruise business and plans for the non-maritime redevelopment of Union Pier for the benefit of the Port and the City.

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.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Recommended for Congressional Authorization

CHARLESTON, SC - JANUARY 13, 2016 - The 52-foot Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was recommended to Congress for authorization this week, continuing the project's historic momentum through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) planning process.

Known as the Record of Decision, the recommendation signed by Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Jo-Ellen Darcy is the official notification to Congress that the project requirements have been fulfilled and that it awaits authorization.

Charleston Harbor Deepening has progressed quickly as the first study completed entirely through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART Planning process. The USACE's original estimate of seven years and $20 million dollars for the study and associated environmental reviews and permits was nearly cut in half to four years and $11 million as a result of the new program, as well as collaboration with state and federal partner agencies.

It received its Chief's Report in September 2015, just four years after the project began. In December the project reached another milestone with the signing of the PreConstruction Engineering and Design (PED) Agreement.

The PED phase of the project is underway, marking the final major phase of the deepening process before construction begins. This phase of work activities by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District include ship simulation studies, refinement of cost estimates, coastal monitoring and analysis of beneficial use of dredged material. PED work is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2016.

"As another significant milestone achieved for harbor deepening, the issuance of the Record of Decision is tremendous news for SCPA," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "By the end of the decade, we will achieve 52 feet of depth and Charleston will be the deepest harbor on the East Coast. This advantage will provide our customers with 24-hour access to deepwater, a requirement for significant long-term volume growth in today's big-ship environment. We are deeply appreciative to the USACE for their leadership on this project."

The project has received strong support from all levels of government. In 2012, the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million to begin construction of the project upon completion of the design, and it was expedited by the Administration as a "We Can't Wait" initiative.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), 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.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Reaches Significant Milestones

CHARLESTON, SC - DECEMBER 18, 2015 - This week's signing of the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Agreement and passage of the omnibus appropriations bill with construction funding for Charleston marked significant milestones for the 52-foot Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.

Wednesday evening South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District (USACE) signed the Design Agreement, an important step marking the official beginning of the Project's Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase (PED).

PED is the final major phase of the deepening process before construction begins, with work activities to include ship simulation studies, refinement of cost estimates, coastal monitoring and analysis of beneficial use of dredged material. Utilizing initial federal funding appropriated in July, PED work is already underway and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of next year.

"The container shipping industry's deployment of big ships is evident, and the Southeast needs a harbor deeper than 50 feet to accommodate fully-loaded post-Panamax container ships," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "At 52 feet, SCPA will be able to handle vessels of this size without tidal restriction and continue volume growth above the national average. We thank the USACE for their tireless efforts and look forward to the timely completion of PED followed by significant progress on construction by the end of the decade."

The Deepening Project also received positive news today with Congress's passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. The bill includes necessary funding for construction of harbor deepening, as well as operations and maintenance dollars, that allow the Project to continue moving forward without delay.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), 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 https://scspa.com/

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