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SC Ports Announces 14% Container Volume Growth

CHARLESTON, SC - Container volumes increased 14 percent during SC Ports Authority's 2015 fiscal year, building upon several previous years of above-market growth with strength across all business segments.

"2015 was a memorable year for SC Ports Authority," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We reached near-record levels of containerized cargo and saw strong volume and good diversification of the breakbulk sector. From an operations perspective, highlights of this year include handling the highest ever month of pier containers in May and Inland Port rail moves in June, all while delivering high reliability and logistics efficiencies for our customers."

SCPA handled 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the fiscal year that ended June 30, a jump of 231,473 TEUs from the 2014 fiscal year. June volumes provided a strong finish to FY2015 with 169,913 TEUs moved during the month.

Pier containers, or box volume, also climbed 14 percent in FY2015 with 138,221 more boxes handled compared to FY2014. SCPA moved 96,916 boxes in June, pushing total fiscal year volume to 1.1 million containers.

"I'm extremely proud of the significant growth we achieved this fiscal year," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "The SCPA's continued success is rooted in the leadership of our strong Board, a talented CEO and senior staff, and support from a productive maritime community."

Strong fundamentals played a key role in the above-market growth of SCPA's containerized cargo segment. Amidst progress of the Panama Canal expansion and the Bayonne Bridge raising, big ships have transitioned to East Coast trade routes, and SCPA currently receives 11 post-Panamax vessel calls each week. Manufacturing in the Southeast remains strong, and SCPA provides the deep water required to handle ships fully-loaded with heavy exports. The booming automotive sector in the Southeast also supported both import and export volume gains.

Successful recruitment of discretionary cargo played a key role in SCPA's above-market growth as well. A competitive, broad-based rail market with ample capacity has made SCPA the port of choice for cargo produced beyond the Southeast region, including plastics from the US Gulf and agricultural products from the Midwest. Volume gains of agricultural exports were also driven by local industries such as SC-grown soybeans, whose export volume doubled during the last fiscal year.

"Fiscal year 2015 was marked by a number of exciting economic development announcements representing future volume opportunities for SCPA, including Daimler, Kent Bicycle, Volvo, and most recently, Dollar Tree," Newsome said. "The port's ability to serve these companies' supply chains played a key role in their decision to locate or expand in SC. Our strategic initiative to grow our cargo base is paying off."

In the non-containerized cargo segment, breakbulk tonnage exceeded fiscal year planned volumes by 6 percent with 1.4 million pier tons handled during the year. Georgetown moved 548,933 tons during the period, while Charleston handled 871,974 tons. Roll-on/roll-off cargo within the breakbulk sector grew significantly, and SCPA achieved the highest finished vehicle volume ever handled at the Columbus Street Terminal. In FY2015, 253,338 vehicles moved across SCPA docks, an increase of 15 percent over the previous record of 219,900 vehicles in FY2008.

Monthly volumes peaked at the Inland Port in June, with 6,736 rail moves handled during the month. The terminal's first full fiscal year of operations concluded with 58,407 rail moves, which surpasses initial annual volumes projected five years into terminal operations.

In the fiscal year ahead, SCPA expects to continue to grow above the US port market average and focus on increasing revenues to fund its capital projects, including the construction of the Navy Base container terminal by the end of the decade. FY2016 will also be a significant year for deepening the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet, with the Chief's Report expected in September while the Preconstruction Engineering and Design phase is ongoing, followed by construction.

Quotes

"Our ports system is one of our greatest treasures, it drives our state's economic development engine, and its continued growth is another success for everyone in South Carolina to celebrate." - Governor Nikki Haley

"I congratulate the SCPA on their strong volume performance this year. The SCPA has aggressively captured significant market growth in the Southeast recently, and its success in outpacing competitors is incredibly positive news for South Carolina." - Senator Larry Grooms, SC Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority Chairman

"The volume results achieved by South Carolina Ports Authority are great news for our state. The strategic initiatives ahead ensure our Port remains competitive and well-poised to meet future industry needs. I congratulate Jim Newsome and the South Carolina Ports Authority team for outstanding performance and leadership." - Representative Jim Merrill, SC Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority Vice-Chairman

About SC Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Earns Key Federal Funding for Preconstruction Engineering and Design

CHARLESTON, SC - Today SC Ports Authority announced $1.303 million in federal funding for the Post-45 Harbor Deepening project, allowing the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) Phase of the 52-foot deepening effort to begin. The announcement follows last week's US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Review Board (CWRB) approval to release the project's Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement for final review, another critical step of federal approval for the SC Port Authority to provide the deepest harbor on the East Coast.

"The allocation of federal funding for the PED phase of our deepening project is tremendous," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "We are grateful to the leadership of state and federal elected officials and the Obama Administration for their united support of Charleston's harbor deepening. The merit of our project and the significant benefits it will deliver for our state and nation are signified by the efforts of elected officials on all levels to ensure it progresses without delay."

Total PED costs for Charleston's deepening project are estimated at $4.5 million, divided equally between federal and state government. With the full estimated state share of the design and construction costs set aside by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2012, the PED phase is 80 percent funded even before issuance of the project's Chief's Report.

The PED funding provides for the execution of a design agreement with the Corps of Engineers, allowing work to proceed in order to finalize the project design and produce contract documents. PED is the final major step in the deepening process before construction begins. Additional work completed during this phase includes ship simulation studies, refinement of cost estimates, coastal monitoring and analysis of beneficial use of dredged material.

Concurrent with preparations for the design agreement is a 30-day review period of the final report for state and resource agencies that begins July 10. The Chief's Report, issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is expected to be finalized by September and transmitted to Congress for authorization later this year.

"The container shipping industry's deployment of big ships is evident, and there is no question that the Southeast needs a harbor deeper than 50 feet to accommodate fully-loaded post-Panamax container ships," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "SCPA will soon be able to handle these vessels without tidal restriction, ensuring we can support growing volume needs. The US Army Corps of Engineers' timely response to this dominant industry need is admirable, and we look forward to the completion of PED followed by significant progress on construction by the end of the decade."

The Post-45 Deepening Project began in 2011 and has moved expeditiously through the US Army Corps of Engineers' accelerated planning process. Upon completion of the 52 foot deepening, Charleston will offer the deepest harbor on the East Coast with unrestricted capability to handle post-Panamax vessel calls.

About SC Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Earns Critical Federal Approval

CHARLESTON, SC - Today in Washington, DC, the US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Review Board (CWRB) unanimously approved the Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement for the Charleston Post-45 Harbor Deepening project, a significant step in the federal process that ensures the project is on schedule to receive its Chief's Report this September.

"Today's approval by the Civil Works Review Board allows our harbor deepening project to progress without delay," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Once deepening to 52 feet is realized, Charleston will offer the deepest harbor on the East Coast with the capability to serve fully-loaded post-Panamax vessels 24 hours a day. Our deepening project, coupled with significant SCPA investments landside infrastructure and terminal capacity, support SCPA cargo volume growth more than twice the national port average. We are fortunate to have great partners in US Army Corps of Engineers, whose collective expertise and commitment was demonstrated today."

The final report has been approved for release for a 30-day review period for state and resource agencies. The Chief's Report is expected to be signed in September and then transmitted to Congress, with construction to begin following the Preconstruction, Engineering and Design Phase.

"A competitive, growing port brings tremendous economic benefits to our state and our region," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "Recognizing the importance of the deepening project to our port, elected officials from all levels of government as well as the business community and the public are united in their support of 52 feet. South Carolina, the Southeastern region and our nation will enjoy the positive impacts of the Charleston harbor deepening for years to come."

Efforts to deepen the Charleston harbor began in 2011 in order to provide the depth necessary to handle post-Panamax vessel calls without tidal restriction. The expansion of the Panama Canal and the raising of the Bayonne Bridge in NJ are expected to significantly increase the size of cargo vessels deployed to East Coast ports, making deepwater a requirement for modern ports. In addition, growth of population and manufacturing in the Southeast has been a significant driver of volume gains and the need for a deeper harbor. Charleston currently receives 11 post-Panamax vessel calls weekly.

In 2013, the SC General Assembly set aside the full estimated state share of the deepening construction costs, and the project was named was named one of President Obama's "We Can't Wait" initiatives.

About SC Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Projects 7% Container Growth, $165.5 Million in Capital Expenditures

CHARLESTON, SC - Following a record-setting month of container volumes achieved in May, the SC Ports Authority Board of Directors looked ahead to a favorable 2016 fiscal year today with the adoption of a financial plan that includes continued cargo growth, increased operating revenues and significant capital investments.

The plan projects pier container volume of 1.15 million boxes during FY2016, a 7.2 percent increase over projected totals for the current fiscal year. Strong growth at the Inland Port is also planned, with rail moves expected to increase 6.9 percent over FY2015 projected totals.

Operating revenues in the new fiscal year are planned to increase 9.2 percent, or $17.7 million higher than FY2015 projected revenues.

"This plan builds upon year-over-year success of our port system," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "The 2016 fiscal year will be a significant time for our port and state, marked by the receipt of the Chief's Report this September for our 52-foot harbor deepening project as well as the continued progress of Navy Base Terminal construction and other significant improvements to our existing terminals. We are well-positioned for the future."

The Board approved capital expenditures of $165.6 million for the fiscal year. The SCPA will invest $73.3 million over the next 12 months in the ongoing construction of the new container terminal on the former Navy Base, which will open in late 2019. Other primary capital expenditures include existing terminal infrastructure improvements, new equipment as well as two new super post-Panamax cranes, and a wharf strengthening project and upgrades for refrigerated cargo at the Wando Welch Terminal.

"I expect SCPA will continue to see strong growth of revenues and handle volumes significantly above the US port market average over the next fiscal year, making this aggressive financial plan achievable," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We currently receive 11 post-Panamax vessel calls weekly, and the improvements to our dockside infrastructure coupled with our harbor deepening project ensure our port offers first-class facilities designed to receive and deliver containers quickly and handle ships fully-loaded with export cargo headed to foreign ports."

Volume Results and Board Action

The SCPA handled 104,003 boxes in May alone, setting an all-time high for the number of containers handled during one month and pushing fiscal year to date box volume past FY2014 totals.

"Our May volumes are a testament to the quality of service offered by SC Ports - we handle record-setting volume while maintaining reliability for our customers," Newsome said.

As measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, SCPA has handled 1.7 million TEUs fiscal year to date for a 13.7 percent gain over the same period last year. The port handled 181,809 TEUs last month, an increase of 12.5 percent over May 2014 volumes.

The Inland Port achieved record volumes in May, with 5,845 rail moves completed during the month. The facility has handled 51,671 rail moves fiscal year to date, already surpassing initial volume projections for five years of terminal operations.

Breakbulk volumes in Charleston and Georgetown are 4.3 percent ahead of fiscal year plans, with 1.3 million pier tons handled to date. Charleston moved 82,277 tons last month, and Georgetown handled 40,345 tons in May.

In Board action, a resolution to accept an offer from Palmetto Alliance Property Group, LLC for the Port of Port Royal for $15.42 million was approved. The transaction will be presented to the SC Department of Administration prior to closing in November.

The Board also approved a contract for routine berth dredging at Columbus Street and Union Pier terminals.

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 where the port operates. Applications are available on the Port's website, www.scspa.com, and are due August 3.

About SC Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Box Volume Up Nearly 15 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - SC Ports Authority handled nearly 15 percent more pier containers fiscal year to date than the same period last year, with total box volume through April climbing to nearly 900,000 containers.

SCPA handled 96,166 pier containers in April, compared to 86,505 boxes moved during the same month last year. The port plans to handle more than 1 million containers by the completion of its fiscal year on June 30.

As measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, container volume is up 13.9 percent fiscal year to date. SCPA handled 168,182 TEUs in April, bringing total container volume to 1.6 million TEUs since the fiscal year began in July. Four months into the calendar year, TEU volumes are up 15 percent compared to the same period in 2014.

Breakbulk volumes fiscal year to date are strong, with 698,229 tons handled by the Port of Charleston and 460,209 moved in Georgetown. Total breakbulk tonnage reached 1.2 million pier tons fiscal year to date and is 4.5 percent ahead of plan.

The Inland Port handled its highest ever monthly rail moves, with 5,513 moves completed in April. Fiscal year to date, the facility has handled 45,826 rail moves.

"The volumes announced today reflect significant growth across all business segments," said SC Ports Authority Vice-Chairman John Hassell. "Spring is typically a busy season for us, particularly on the containerized cargo side, and our sustained double-digit volume growth reflects the strong import-export markets we serve. The port's ability to handle increased container traffic with high productivity is a testament to our ability to handle rising cargo volumes both reliably and efficiently."

Board Action
The Board voted to approve a project that includes paving and container yard improvements at the North Charleston Terminal to provide greater operational flexibility. Three Navy Base Terminal site preparation projects were also approved in order to prepare the site for the final construction phase.

About SC Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

14% Container Volume Growth at SC Ports

CHARLESTON, SC - SC Ports Authority sustained double-digit container volume gains in March, reporting 14.3 percent fiscal year to date growth of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) over the same period last year.

In March SCPA handled 171,113 TEUs, an increase of 13.7 percent compared to 150,516 TEUs moved during the same month last year. Fiscal year to date, the port has handled nearly 1.4 million TEUs.

As measured in pier containers, or the total number of boxes handled, containerized cargo is up 15 percent fiscal year to date compared to last year. SCPA moved 97,191 boxes in March, bringing year fiscal to date pier container volume to nearly 798,000 boxes.

"March volumes reflect the end of a very strong quarter, and I'm confident the port will handle over 1 million boxes by the end of our fiscal year in June," said SC Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome. "We're seeing broad-based growth across all sectors, particularly refrigerated cargo and automotive manufacturing. Discretionary cargo volumes are also up, with the growth of retail imports and agricultural exports reflected in a nearly 25 percent increase in rail moves last month."

The Inland Port handled 5,187 rail moves in March, achieving its highest volumes since the facility opening in November 2013. Fiscal year to date, the Inland Port has handled 40,313 rail moves and is 52 percent ahead of planned volumes.

Breakbulk business volume was strong in March, with 111,352 total pier tons handled during the month. Charleston moved 68,163 tons in March, bringing fiscal year to date breakbulk tonnage at the North Charleston, Columbus Street and Union Pier terminals to 594,022 tons. Georgetown handled 43,189 tons in March, and the facility is 6 percent head of planned volumes with 401,778 tons moved fiscal year to date.

Community Tour Program
Last month the port announced a new community tour program to offer participants a first-hand look at operations on three Charleston terminals. The tour includes Union Pier Terminal, a mixed cargo and cruise facility; Columbus Street Terminal, a state-of-the-art breakbulk and rolling cargo facility; and Wando Welch Terminal, the port's busiest container terminal. Tours are free to the public and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour registration is available on the port's website, www.scspa.com.

About SC Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Achieves Second Consecutive Month of 18 Percent Volume Growth

Charleston - February marked the second consecutive month of 18 percent container growth at the SC Ports Authority, bringing fiscal year container volumes totals to 1.23 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs.

Last month Charleston handled 152,925 TEUs, a significant increase from 129,747 handled during the same month last year. Since the fiscal year began in July, the port's TEU volume is 14.3 percent higher than the same period last fiscal year.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA moved 86,258 boxes in February. SCPA has handled 700,630 boxes fiscal year to date and plans to surpass the 1 million container mark by the end of the period.

"February container volumes were particularly strong for a short month," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Our import gains are reflective of a strengthening US economy and population growth across the Southeast, while manufacturing in our state and region bolsters our export business. Loaded box volumes last month were nearly completely balanced between imports and exports."

The SCPA's non-containerized business segments remain on-track to meet fiscal year financial plans. Georgetown handled 15,520 tons last month and is 5 percent ahead of plan fiscal year to date. In Charleston, breakbulk tonnage levels are on plan, with 58,685 tons handled in February.

Inland Port volumes also saw gains in February, with 4,631 rail moves completed during the month. Fiscal year to date, the facility has handled 35,126 rail moves and is nearly 50 percent ahead of plan.

Board Action
The Board approved a dredging contract for routine berth maintenance at the North Charleston Terminal (NCT). Dredging at NCT is typically performed every 12 to 15 months to preserve 50 feet of depth at mean low water necessary for large container ships. The Board also approved a design modification to the two super-post-Panamax cranes on order for the Wando Welch Terminal.

Education Program
The SCPA reported successful fiscal year to date outcomes from its educational program, reaching over 1,200 students from across SC ranging from elementary through college age. Through port tours, school visits and career fairs, the SCPA education program was designed to build understanding of port activities and international commerce while encouraging interest in career opportunities within the maritime industry.

In 2013 the port expanded its outreach with a harbor deepening exercise for middle school students that incorporates state math and science education standards. The team-based activity places students in the roles of engineer, accountant, environmental scientist and project manager to determine the recommended harbor depth for Charleston Harbor.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

18 Percent Increase in Container Volume at SC Ports

Charleston - The SC Ports Authority handled 152,917 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in January, marking an 18 percent boost in container volumes over the same month last year.

January container traffic pushed fiscal year to date TEU volumes past the 1 million mark, with 1,072,438 TEUs moved since the period began in July. Fiscal year to date, TEU volumes are up 14 percent year over year.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA moved 88,619 boxes in January. With 614,372 boxes handled fiscal year to date, pier container levels are up 15 percent compared to the same period last year.

"While ship sizes grow, driving increases in the number of container moves per vessel, our port continues to work well," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "Strong terminal productivity ensures trucks can efficiently move cargo in and out of our facilities without delays."

Non-containerized cargo also saw gains in January, with total fiscal year to date breakbulk volumes 7 percent higher than planned levels. In January Charleston handled 65,153 tons and is slightly above plan for the fiscal year. Georgetown handled 14,933 tons, bringing the facility's fiscal year gains to 15 percent over plan.

The SCPA posted record intermodal rail growth for in 2014, with an increase of 38 percent over last year. The SPCA handled 199,000 rail lifts last year with increases across all major lanes, including Memphis, Greer, Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville. Rail volume has doubled since 2011, and nearly 20 percent of the SCPA's total container volume currently moves by rail.

A significant driver of continued rail volume increases is the Inland Port, which reached an all-time high in monthly rail lifts in January. The Inland Port handled 5,068 rail moves last month, and 30,495 rail lifts completed fiscal year to date.

Board Action

The Board passed a resolution authorizing the SCPA to oversee construction of a Site Operations Center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, SC. BMW currently leases the industrial site from the SCPA, and as the landowner SCPA will manage the construction process of the facility. The project is estimated to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.

In other action items, the Board approved a contract to perform annual berth dredging at Wando Welch Terminal and authorized the purchase of six full container handlers as part of the SCPA's scheduled equipment replacement plan. The Board also approved the expansion of the perimeter security system at Columbus Street Terminal.

Charleston Adds Trans-Pacific Project Carrier Service

BBC Chartering, a carrier specializing in over-dimensional, non-containerized cargo, recently announced a new monthly breakbulk service connecting the Port of Charleston to Asia. The service will support strong market demand in North America for delivery of breakbulk cargo manufactured in China, Korea and Japan, as well as offer export opportunities from Charleston to Asia. Vessels in this service, which serves the Ports of Shanghai, Masan, Kobe and Yokohama, will call the Columbus Street Terminal.

"Charleston has become a very important hub for BBC, both for imports and exports, and the Columbus Street Terminal is a first class facility for moving specialized breakbulk cargo," said Per Peterson, BBC President. "The Port offers great connections to the backcountry both by rail and truck, with clearance necessary for transporting the complex cargos being moved in and out of the port. We have enjoyed great cooperation with SCPA personnel in order to meet BBC's needs. We expect strength in this trade lane for years to come and look forward to expanding our services in and out of the region."

Vice President, Secretary of Transportation Visit Wando Welch Terminal

This morning Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx visited the Wando Welch Terminal to discuss the facility's upcoming wharf improvement project, which received a 10.8 million dollar Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant in September.

"The future is a choice, and Charleston will seize the opportunities the future holds by preparing its terminals to serve post-Panamax ships," said US Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "The TIGER grant supports the Port's critical project to upgrade the Wando terminal structure and purchase new cranes to handle the growing size of ships today."

As the SCPA's busiest container terminal, Wando Welch receives approximately 11 post-Panamax vessels weekly. The wharf improvement project includes upgrades to structural support of the wharf and fendering system, as well as modifications to crane rails to accommodate two new super-post-Panamax cranes on order for the terminal.

"Infrastructure investments grow jobs and economies, and they are critically important to our nation," said Vice President Joe Biden. "The future of commerce remains on the high seas, with cargo arriving on post-Panamax vessels. SC Ports Authority is ahead of the curve, and modernizing the Wando Terminal ensures continued growth of maritime commerce and jobs."

The visit was part of Secretary Foxx's GROW AMERICA EXPRESS Bus Tour through the Southeastern United States this week to highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure investments. Vice President Biden, who highlighted his support of the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project in today's remarks, previously visited SCPA in September 2013 after the Administration selected the project as a We Can't Wait initiative.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit  www.scspa.com.

Administration Continues Support of SC Ports Strategic Initiatives in Budget

Charleston, SC - Today's release of the President's FY 2016 budget contained approximately $20 million for strategic South Carolina port projects including critical operations and maintenance dollars and construction dollars that support Charleston's vital shipping channels. These recommendations exceed last year's totals by $5 million.

"This budget highlights the valuable role South Carolina plays in the global marketplace, and we continue to be deeply appreciative of the commitment the Administration, the Office of Management and Budget and the Corps of Engineers has given to the expeditious approval of our 52-Ft. Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman.

The Administration recommended $17 million in Operations and Maintenance Funds as well as $2.9 million in Construction dollars. Feasibility dollars were not required in this Budget as the project has sufficient funding to complete the final report and approvals before the end of fiscal year 2015.

"The Port, our Congressional Delegation, Governor, General Assembly, Mayor Riley and countless others frequently interact with the Administration about our project to ensure it remains ahead of schedule," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "As the Corps completes the Chief's Report and moves into the Design Phase, we remain confident that the necessary federal funding to match the already committed $300 million in state funds will be provided to begin construction on what will be the deepest channels on the East Coast."

The President's harbor funding recommendations will now be considered by the full Congress.

Charleston currently offers the deepest harbor in the region and can handle ships drafting up to 48-feet of water on high tide. Deepening Charleston Harbor to 52-feet removes the tidal restrictions and opens our port to the larger neo-Panamax container ships 24 hours a day. Currently, Charleston hosts eleven weekly neo-Panamax ship calls.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Authority Container Volumes Climb 12 Percent in 2014

Charleston - Today SC Ports Authority reported container business up 12 percent in 2014, a year highlighted by strong volume growth and substantial forward progress on the harbor deepening project.

In December the Port handled 141,956 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 14 percent compared to the same month last year. SCPA container volume rose to nearly 1.8 million TEUs in 2014.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA handled 1,022,781 boxes at its two container terminals in 2014, an increase of 12 percent over 909,827 containers handled in 2013.

"The 12 percent increase in TEU volumes last year reflects growth in a number of business segments, including import parts and components for automotive manufacturing and export grains and refrigerated cargo," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The reliability of our port is an important driver of increased discretionary cargo volumes, and the addition of several new services with all post-Panamax vessels also contributed to growth of our container business."

Non-containerized cargo business volume was strong in 2014, with 830,189 pier tons handled last year. The roll-on, roll-off segment of breakbulk volume grew 15 percent in 2014, with nearly 41,000 additional BMW vehicles moved through Charleston.

The Inland Port handled 3,741 rail moves in December, completing its first full calendar year of operation in 2014 with 42,555 total rail moves.

In addition to strong volume growth in 2014, Newsome also highlighted the release of the US Army Corps of Engineers Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement as a major milestone achieved last year.

"The deepening of the Charleston harbor to 52 feet will support the continued growth and competitiveness of our port and foster economic development opportunities across South Carolina," Newsome said.

Mid-way through the 2015 fiscal year that began in July, the Port has handled 919,521 TEUs, a 13 percent increase over the same period last year.

Fiscal year to date, breakbulk volume in Charleston is slightly over plan, with 402,020 tons handled since June. Georgetown tonnage remains strong, with fiscal year to date gains of 26 percent over planned volumes. Georgetown has moved 328,136 pier tons since June.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

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