Archives: News Entries

GREER, SC — MAY 30, 2024 — South Carolina Ports makes an $87 billion economic impact in South Carolina each year, and more than half of that economic benefit occurs in the Upstate.

Having a world-class port in South Carolina generates a $44 billion economic impact in the Upstate each year, with port operations directly and indirectly supporting 132,000 jobs in the region, according to a recent study by research economist and University of South Carolina professor Dr. Joseph Von Nessen.

“We are so proud that our port system makes a big economic impact across the entire state, and that more than half of that economic benefit occurs right here in the Upstate; the breadbasket of advanced manufacturing for South Carolina, as well as a strong retail and exporting region,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said during an event Thursday held with Spartanburg Chamber. “Every time we move a container, it represents real opportunities in our communities.”

The port’s economic impact in the Upstate has increased by 34% since the study was last performed in 2019.

“We have seen sustained and substantial economic growth in the Upstate, particularly among port-dependent businesses that are expanding operations and investing in new facilities in the region,” Von Nessen said. “Our state’s economic success is directly linked to SC Ports’ growth as the 8th largest container port in the country.”

For decades, SC Ports has been a supply chain partner to many global companies that call the Upstate home, efficiently moving their imports and exports through the Port of Charleston.

In 2013, SC Ports put down roots in the Upstate by opening Inland Port Greer, extending the Port of Charleston’s reach 212 miles inland with dedicated, daily rail service. Shippers benefit from the direct rail connection to the Port of Charleston, which enables them to speed goods to market.

Inland Port Greer moves goods for advanced manufacturers, mega retailers and consumer goods industries across the Southeast. Many of these companies have invested in Upstate operations to take advantage of the inland port.

This has contributed to the success of Inland Port Greer, which has handled more than 156,000 containers so far this fiscal year — a 33% uptick from the year prior.

To support the tremendous growth occurring throughout the Upstate, SC Ports is investing to expand Inland Port Greer with 9,000 feet of new rail and an expanded container yard that can handle 50% more cargo.

“This expansion will support our customers for years to come,” Melvin said. “When we invest in our port facilities to support port-dependent businesses, they in turn invest in their operations. This drives growth and creates jobs for thousands of South Carolinians.”

Looking at South Carolina overall, port operations support 260,000 jobs, meaning 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina are tied directly or indirectly to SC Ports. Read the full report here.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — MAY 14, 2024 — Retailers, manufacturers and agricultural producers are benefiting from South Carolina Ports’ inland port network.

Inland Port Dillon and Inland Port Greer provide daily dedicated rail service to and from the Port of Charleston. The inland ports speed imports and exports to market, with the added benefit of reducing overall carbon footprints, ancillary costs and transit times by moving more containers via rail.

Inland Port Dillon supports major retailers and agricultural producers in the Pee Dee region and throughout the Carolinas. Alongside CSX, the Dillon operation handles consumer goods, soybeans, forest products, cotton seed and agricultural products.

Inland Port Dillon had its highest monthly cargo volumes ever in April, handling 4,730 rail moves, a 26% year-over-year increase.

Inland Port Greer also had a strong month and a record April, moving 16,105 containers, which is up 20% from last year. Alongside Norfolk Southern, Inland Port Greer handles goods for advanced manufacturers, mega retailers and consumer goods industries across the region.

Inland Port Greer’s cargo base has diversified since opening in 2013, and many of these companies have invested in the Upstate to take advantage of the inland port. Inland Port Greer is now undergoing an expansion that will double its cargo capacity.

“Our inland ports are seeing cargo increases month after month as more port-dependent businesses take advantage of the reliable, swift and direct rail connection between the Port of Charleston and inland markets,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our inland ports are an example of what we do best — strategically invest to deliver a creative solution that further supports importers and exporters.”

The Port of Charleston provides efficient, productive port service and the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet.

Container volumes remained steady at SC Ports’ marine terminals, with SC Ports and the broader maritime community handling 215,058 TEUs and 119,840 pier containers last month.

The automotive sector reflected strength at SC Ports, with 18,118 vehicles rolling across its docks last month. Monthly vehicle volumes are up 40% from last year.

“We are expanding port capacity and capabilities ahead of demand to efficiently handle goods for our customers,” Melvin said. “We are proud to offer reliable, efficient port service to the booming Southeast market.”

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — APRIL 17, 2024 — A 17% increase in loaded imports and strong intermodal cargo movements drove year-over-year container volume growth at South Carolina Ports, marking the most significant uptick this year.

The SC Ports team and maritime community efficiently handled 216,410 TEUs last month, up 12% year-over-year, and 118,481 pier containers, up 11% from last year. The significant container volume boost points to signs of economic strength and a strong market.

“The U.S. East Coast is in high demand for cargo routings, and our strategic location in the booming Southeast positions us well for long-term growth,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina Ports offers highly productive, capable and reliable port service to our customers.”

Inland Ports Greer and Dillon moved a combined 18,978 containers in March, an 8% uptick from last year. Rail moves at Inland Port Greer were up 22% year-over-year, with the team handling 16,088 containers filled with goods for advanced manufacturers, solar panel makers, material producers and retailers.

“Our inland ports are performing exceedingly well as we move more cargo by rail than ever before,” Melvin said. “The ongoing expansion of Inland Port Greer will provide more capacity and rail capabilities to swiftly move goods between the Port of Charleston and inland markets.”

For the automotive sector, SC Ports moved 18,001 vehicles in March, up 15% from the same period last year.

“As South Carolina’s economy thrives, we are investing in modernizing our terminals, expanding cargo capacity and building the rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility to ensure excellent port service to the businesses that depend on us for efficient port operations,” Melvin said.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — MARCH 25, 2024 — South Carolina Ports seamlessly handled big ships and big move counts at Wando Welch Terminal as imports trend back up.

The SC Ports team and maritime community recently moved 4,474 containers on and off the ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Mount Olympus vessel. This marked one of the highest move counts ever on a vessel at SC Ports and the highest move count of any ZIM/2M operated vessel to call the Port of Charleston.

SC Ports also efficiently worked the 15,286-TEU MSC Kayley at Wando Welch Terminal. With its gross tonnage and capacity, this vessel is among the biggest container ships to ever call the Port of Charleston, as well as the largest MSC vessel to call Charleston.

Beyond efficient berthing operations and high crane productivity, SC Ports maintained less than 39-minute truck turn times and efficiently handled 6,000 daily gate transactions.

“Our bold infrastructure investments and stellar maritime workforce provide highly productive port service for our customers,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We provide the speed, reliability and connectivity that our customers depend on to thrive.”

South Carolina Ports handled 202,349 TEUs and 111,902 pier containers in February, with pier containers up 1% from last year. Loaded import TEUs were up 11% over last February, showing signs of strength in the overall economy.

Inland ports and rail volumes continue to perform exceedingly well month after month. Inland Port Greer handled 15,801 rail moves last month, a 26% increase year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon handled 4,147 rail moves, up 13% from last year.

Fiscal-year-to-date, the two rail-served inland ports saw 34% growth compared to the year prior, handling a combined 151,324 containers.

“Our inland ports provide efficient service and reduced emissions for cargo movements,” Melvin said. “Customers benefit from the having direct rail access between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, and the sustained growth at Inland Port Greer called for an expansion to handle even more cargo via rail.”

SC Ports handled 15,555 vehicles in February, which is down 2% year-over-year. The vehicle segment accounts for 16% growth thus far in fiscal year 2024 however, with 144,415 vehicles rolling across the docks since July.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

SC Ports to master plan infrastructure with SCDOT, Palmetto Railways

CHARLESTON, SC — MARCH 19, 2024 — With support from the state and unanimous approval from the SC Ports Board of Directors, SC Ports plans to purchase the former WestRock paper mill site in North Charleston to further expand port capacity at the Port of Charleston.

The SC Ports Board of Directors voted today to move forward with a purchase sales agreement with WestRock. The transaction is expected to close as soon as practical.

“The tremendous backing from our state and an excellent partnership with WestRock allows us to make investments today that will support our state’s economy and create opportunities for future generations of South Carolinians,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are adding significant port capacity to support growth in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast.”

The roughly 280-acre industrial waterfront property sits adjacent to North Charleston Terminal, offering a natural extension of the container terminal that will enable SC Ports to handle more cargo for port-dependent businesses.

The additional land will expand the terminal’s capacity to handle 5 million containers in the future, and create 5,000 feet of linear berth space for container ships and around 400 acres of terminal space for cargo.

“South Carolina’s economy is prospering, and we must continue to invest in our world-class port system to support the companies investing in our state,” Melvin said. “This is an incredible opportunity to enhance our high-performing North Charleston Terminal with renewed capacity to handle future growth.”

SC Ports plans to modernize the existing North Charleston Terminal with an optimized layout, upgraded cargo-handling equipment and significant new container capacity — yielding even more reliable, productive port service. Customers will also benefit from the on-terminal rail service offered by Palmetto Railways with dual connectivity to CSX and Norfolk Southern, and proximity to Interstate 526.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is playing a pivotal role in the project. As part of its expansion of Interstate 526, SCDOT plans to replace the Don Holt Bridge, which will remove height constraints for larger vessels.

Plans are also moving forward to achieve a 52-foot depth up to North Charleston Terminal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, has requested a feasibility study — a critical first step toward deepening this stretch of the Cooper River an additional five feet.

This deepening effort, combined with the new bridge height, will allow the biggest container ships calling the Port of Charleston to seamlessly access North Charleston Terminal.

“Modernizing the terminal, raising the Don Holt Bridge, deepening the Cooper River and purchasing the former WestRock property are all critical components that will yield a state-of-the-art North Charleston Terminal,” Melvin said. “These achievements would not be possible without the support and foresight from Governor Henry McMaster, SC House Speaker Murrell Smith, SC Senate President Thomas Alexander and the entire SC Legislature.”

The site also provides key support functions for Ingevity Corporation’s North Charleston manufacturing facility. SC Ports has been working closely with Ingevity to align their future needs during the transition.

SC Ports will work with SCDOT, Palmetto Railways, Ingevity and the City of North Charleston to master plan the infrastructure to best support the region’s economy and residents.

“This land purchase represents a tremendous opportunity to position our port system and our state competitively for decades to come,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “Our port infrastructure investments directly support thousands of South Carolina companies that depend on SC Ports to do business, and we are expanding to ensure we have the capacity to handle the growth in the Southeast.”

Notable quotes from elected leaders:

“South Carolina Ports is widely known as a top driver of our state’s booming economy, but that success doesn’t come by accident — it takes timely, strategic investments like this one. Every time we invest in port infrastructure, we see significant success at port-dependent businesses and new, good-paying jobs for our people. Our state’s investment in the expansion of North Charleston Terminal will yield dividends and create opportunities for future generations.”
— Governor Henry McMaster

“An investment in our port system is an investment in South Carolina — unlocking more economic potential through new business and new jobs. This land purchase will enable SC Ports to expand the North Charleston Terminal, and the additional port capacity will make South Carolina even more competitive. This is a win for all South Carolinians.”
— SC House Speaker Murrell Smith

“Many of our industries rely on SC Ports to move their products to global markets. The expansion of the North Charleston Terminal is critical to supporting the efficient flow of goods throughout our state and ensuring we have ample port capacity to handle companies’ growth. Our commitment to build vital port infrastructure will ensure South Carolina remains globally competitive for decades to come.”
— Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the SC Senate Transportation Committee and the Review and Oversight Commission on the South Carolina State Ports Authority

“Investing in South Carolina’s ports ensures our state remains competitive on a global stage and it brings greater opportunities for our workforces. SC Ports supports 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina, and the purchase of this property will benefit South Carolinians for decades to come.”
— Representative Bruce Bannister, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee

“The paper mill site has been in the fabric of our community for decades, helping support many generations of North Charleston families, including my own. As it transitions into a port terminal, we are eager to collaborate closely with South Carolina Ports to guarantee this site continues to be a cornerstone of economic vitality, all the while seamlessly integrating into the
community.”
— North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess

Notable quotes from partners:
“WestRock and its predecessor companies had a long history operating the North Charleston mill, and we greatly appreciate the contributions made by our team members over the years. We are pleased that SC Ports intends to transform the site into a world-class container terminal and continue to support the state’s economy and create jobs for South Carolinians.”
— WestRock President and CEO David Sewell
“We are excited to have SC Ports as the buyer of this site as we both strive to deploy innovative solutions to the marketplace and drive economic growth for South Carolina. We look forward to our continued partnership with SC Ports to master plan the site.”
— Ingevity President and CEO John Fortson
“We know how important it is to our thriving economy to ensure that goods can move efficiently across the state and region. We look forward to working closely with our state leaders, partners and SC Ports to further enhance our state’s infrastructure to benefit our state’s port system and the people of South Carolina.”
— SC Department of Transportation Secretary Christy A. Hall, P.E.

“SC Ports is an economic engine for our state, with an impact that touches nearly every industry. Thousands of South Carolina businesses depend on SC Ports to reach domestic and international markets every day. The expansion of the North Charleston Terminal and additional capacity at the Port of Charleston signals South Carolina’s emphasis on strategic growth to benefit both our economy and citizens, alike. We’re excited to see how SC Ports’ expanded capacity allows existing businesses to continue to thrive and encourages new industry to consider our state.”
— Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce

“As the Southeast economy and the Port of Charleston continue to grow, the demand for transporting more goods in and out of the Charleston region is increasing. SC Ports’ acquisition of the WestRock mill site and investment in the North Charleston Terminal and supporting infrastructure will add more fluidity and capacity to our regional supply chain as we handle more cargo by rail at the terminal and throughout the state.”
— Palmetto Railways President and CEO Patrick McCrory

CHARLESTON, SC — FEB. 29, 2024 — Alongside rail partners and support from state leaders, SC Ports is investing in rail capacity throughout the state to efficiently handle goods for South Carolina’s booming economy.

Construction of the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility is well underway in North Charleston. Opening in July 2025, the rail-served cargo facility will be equipped with six rail-mounted gantry cranes that will efficiently move containers on and off CSX and Norfolk Southern trains.

“Growing rail capacity in the Port of Charleston will further enhance South Carolina’s competitiveness, ensuring our customers can swiftly move goods to market,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.

In Upstate South Carolina, the expansion of Inland Port Greer has already yielded more than 8,000 feet of additional rail track, and the container yard expansion is nearing completion. These terminal enhancements will double Inland Port Greer’s cargo capacity.

“We move nearly a quarter of our containers by rail today. We look forward to growing this percentage by building critical rail infrastructure and terminal capacity in South Carolina,” Melvin said. “These projects will further support the billions of dollars being invested in South Carolina by port-dependent businesses.”

While total U.S. container volume declined in 2023, SC Ports’ intermodal volume increased nearly 12% last year, demonstrating a compelling rail product for ocean carriers and cargo owners.

SC Ports’ RapidRail program expedites containers between ship and train, with imports moving to rail less than 24 hours from actual vessel discharge.

SC Ports’ Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon achieved the highest January on record, moving a combined 17,656 containers last month. The inland ports provide direct rail service to and from the Port of Charleston.

Within SC Ports’ container terminals at the Port of Charleston, SC Ports handled 208,538 TEUs and 115,744 pier containers in January. This is down slightly from last year and reflective of the softened volumes seen across the U.S.

January was a strong month for the vehicle segment, with 17,614 vehicles rolling across the docks, up 32% year-over-year.

CHARLESTON, SC — JAN. 18, 2024 — South Carolina Ports’ strategic focus on rail is proving successful as Inland Ports Greer and Dillon both handled a record number of containers in 2023.

Inland Port Greer moved 175,873 containers on and off trains in the Upstate last year, a 26% increase from the previous year. Inland Port Dillon moved 43,266 containers on and off trains in the Pee Dee last year, a 55% increase from the previous year.

The growth at South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports has driven the percentage of containers moved inland by rail back up to pre-pandemic levels, with 23% of total marine containers travelling by rail during calendar year 2023.

“We are proactively investing in our rail infrastructure to support our customers’ growth,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “The ongoing expansion of Inland Port Greer will double its cargo capacity, and the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility will provide near-dock rail to the Port of Charleston. When that facility opens in July 2025, both CSX and Norfolk Southern will quickly transport goods to and from our inland ports and onto inland markets throughout the Southeast and beyond.”

SC Ports handled nearly 2.5 million TEUs and 1.37 million pier containers in calendar year 2023, down 11% from the year prior and on par with 2019 volumes. Container volumes were impacted by higher interest rates and inflation, which dampened consumer spending and decreased imports to the U.S., especially compared to the retail boom during the pandemic.

While the maritime industry continues to feel the impacts of challenging global situations that are increasing transit times, SC Ports remains focused on providing highly productive, reliable operations to quickly move goods for customers.

“The Southeast remains a bright spot with new investments, business expansions and population growth — all of which demands a reliable supply chain partner,” Melvin said. “South Carolina Ports serves as a powerful gateway to the U.S. Southeast. As an operating port, we provide customized solutions and excellent service to our customers.”

SC Ports also saw strength in other business segments in 2023, with the port handling 204,481 vehicles in 2023, up 3% year-over-year, and more than 302,000 cruise passengers, a 16% increase from 2022.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JAN. 12, 2023 — By efficiently moving cargo for port-dependent businesses, South Carolina Ports makes a $22.3 billion economic impact in the Midlands region each year.

This is a quarter of SC Ports’ $87 billion annual economic impact across the state, according to a recent study by research economist and University of South Carolina professor Dr. Joseph Von Nessen. New data show a 43% increase in economic impact in the Midlands since the previous study was performed in 2019.

“These numbers show that SC Ports’ value to South Carolina extends well beyond the Port of Charleston,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “In the Midlands, we’re supporting advanced manufacturers, healthcare companies, retailers and paper producers, moving goods for large companies and small businesses alike. These relationships with our customers provide a proven economic benefit to Midlands residents.”

By keeping freight moving for SC companies, SC Ports directly and indirectly supports more than 67,000 jobs in the Midlands, with labor income totaling $4.5 billion.

“SC Ports is a tremendous asset to South Carolina,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “A well-run port system brings world-class businesses to the state, which in turn means good-paying jobs and opportunities right here in the Midlands. SC Ports is proud to be a true economic engine for our state’s residents.”

Looking at South Carolina overall, port operations support 260,000 jobs, meaning 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina are tied directly or indirectly to SC Ports.

“Port operations attract port-dependent businesses to locate or expand throughout the state, generating billions in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs for South Carolinians,” Von Nessen said. “Our state’s economic success is directly linked to SC Ports’ continued growth.”

Read the full report here.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — DEC. 14, 2023 — South Carolina Ports is investing in its rail capabilities to further support growth in the Southeast.

More than a year after groundbreaking, construction is well underway at the Navy Base Intermodal Facility.

The near-dock, rail-served cargo yard will help speed goods to market and enhance port capacity and service when it opens in July 2025.

Norfolk Southern and CSX will both serve the intermodal yard, creating a direct connection between SC Ports’ port terminals in Charleston and rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon, as well as to markets in the Southeast and Midwest.

The facility will have 78,000 linear feet of railroad track. Six rail-mounted gantry cranes will move containers on and off CSX and Norfolk Southern trains. A one-mile dedicated drayage road will be used to truck cargo to and from Leatherman Terminal, and a future barge will transport containers between the Leatherman and Wando Welch terminals.

With a 1 million lift capacity and the ability to handle more than 14,000-foot trains, the new rail-served cargo yard will efficiently move goods between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, greatly enhancing supply chain fluidity and reliability on the U.S. East Coast.

These critical infrastructure projects are made possible by $550 million in state funding.

“We are so grateful for our state’s support to ensure we have the capacity and capabilities needed for our customers,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our state’s investment will help port-dependent businesses be successful, which will create jobs in communities around the state.”

SC Ports is also investing to expand Inland Port Greer to enable it to handle longer trains and 50% more cargo. SC Ports’ rail-served inland ports continue to perform incredibly well month after month. Inland Ports Greer and Dillon handled a combined 19,232 containers in November, a 48% increase from last year.

Container volumes were tempered in November, with empty exports driving the year-over-year decline. SC Ports handled 201,314 TEUs and 111,025 pier containers, down nearly 6% year-over-year.

SC Ports had a very strong November for vehicles, with 21,821 vehicles rolling across its docks last month. Vehicles are up 16% fiscal-year-to-date.

“As an operating port, we provide high productivity, great service and flexible solutions for our customers in the growing Southeast market,” Melvin said.

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — DEC. 8, 2023 — Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed South Carolina Ports’ A1 credit rating, reinforcing the credit agency’s confidence in SC Ports’ long-term growth trajectory and favorable market position.

“South Carolina Ports’ mission is to drive economic growth in South Carolina for the benefit of our businesses and citizens,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “The A1 rating from Moody’s reaffirms their faith in the financial management of South Carolina Ports, which is critical to our long-term planning and future success.”

The ongoing shift of people and businesses to the Southeast, coupled with the thriving industrial activity in South Carolina, continues to drive growth at SC Ports, the credit agency reported in its opinion. SC Ports has invested in critical infrastructure projects to support this growth, ensuring it can efficiently handle goods for customers.

The State of South Carolina’s unwavering support for the port system and its infrastructure investments gives yet another reason for economic confidence, Moody’s reported. Melvin said that the SC Ports Board of Directors’ strong business acumen and attention to fiscal responsibility is also critical to the port’s success.

The credit agency also noted that SC Ports’ operating model yields productive operations and keeps SC Ports competitive as a top 10 U.S. container port.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.