News Entries Archive - Page 32 of 73

SC Ports Authority Handles Heaviest Energy Project Move

Charleston - SC Ports Authority recently handled one of its heaviest energy project moves to date, a 1.5 million pound Westinghouse Electric Company steam generator for the South Carolina Electric & Gas Company nuclear power plant expansion near Columbia, SC.

The generator was off-loaded from the BBC AQUAMARINE directly onto a Schnabel car, a specialty railcar designed to transport heavy and oversized loads. The 36-axle railcar, among the largest of its type in the world, transported the equipment from Charleston to the V.C. Summer site in Jenkinsville, SC where two Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear power plants are under construction.

"Today's activities demonstrate the high, wide and heavy capabilities of our Columbus Street Terminal, the premier breakbulk and roll on-roll off cargo facility in the Southeast," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This project is a significant contributor to our volume growth in the breakbulk business segment, and the movement of oversized cargo also boosts maritime and transportation jobs."

SCPA will handle three additional steam generators of the same size over the next year.

"Our partnership with SCPA on this project has been very positive," said Carl Rossi, Westinghouse Electric Company's director of Global Logistics. "We've experienced great coordination between the port and Palmetto Railways, and SCPA has been accommodating of our needs and flexible as engineering design changes required unique testing on port facilities."

SCPA renovated the Columbus Street Terminal in 2011, broadening on-dock rail, storage and heavy-lift capabilities for project cargo and other breakbulk cargoes, including autos and other rolling stock.

Steam generator offloaded at CST. — Above: A 1.5 million pound steam generator offloaded at SCPA's Columbus Street Terminal on December 20, 2014.

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.

About Westinghouse Electric Company
Westinghouse Electric Company, a group company of Toshiba Corporation (TKY:6502), is the world's pioneering nuclear energy company and is a leading supplier of nuclear plant products and technologies to utilities throughout the world. Westinghouse supplied the world's first pressurized water reactor in 1957 in Shippingport, Pa., U.S. Today, Westinghouse technology is the basis for approximately one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. AP1000 is a trademark of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. All rights reserved.

SCPA and Environmental Groups Announce Milestone Agreement for Harbor Deepening

Charleston – Today SC Ports Authority, Lowcountry Open Land Trust, Coastal Conservation League and the Southern Environmental Law Center announced a milestone agreement for the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project that includes a significant Port contribution to land conservation efforts along the Cooper River Corridor.

SC Ports Authority (SCPA) is partnering with Lowcountry Open Land Trust (LOLT), Coastal Conservation League (CCL) and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) to form a new collaboration that invests in the conservation of the Cooper River Corridor and ensures the timely progress forward of harbor deepening. Pending final approval by the Joint Bond Review Committee later this month, this regionally significant conservation commitment represents a substantial increase in resources available to protect wildlife, water quality and overall land conservation in the area.

"Deepening the Charleston Harbor to 52-feet will have a lasting impact on the competitiveness and economic development efforts of South Carolina, and likewise the conservation commitment announced today carries permanent significance to our region and state," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our collaboration with LOLT, CCL and SELC is a testament to the merit of the deepening project and the Port's ongoing commitment to responsible environmental operations."

"The Harbor deepening collaborative epitomizes the power of cooperation," said Elizabeth Hagood, Executive Director of Lowcountry Open Land Trust. "It is a visionary solution that benefits South Carolina both economically and environmentally. It proves that economic growth and conservation of our natural resources go hand-in-hand, and are not mutually exclusive. We hope that this collaboration becomes the model for sustainable economic growth in South Carolina. Today, the Port joins Boeing as a leader in creative, environmentally oriented economic solutions."

"The Harbor deepening project has broad and long-term implications for South Carolina's economy and environment," said Dana Beach, Executive Director of the Coastal Conservation League. "Our goal has been to support the positive aspects of the project while preventing the degradation of two of South Carolina's greatest assets – Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Perhaps the single most important step we can take to secure their health is to protect the watershed of the Cooper River. In addition to the specific benefits for water quality, this conservation proposal also protects a historic and recreational landscape, which is as important for economic progress as it is to our exceptional quality of life. We appreciate the State Ports Authority's willingness to work toward a creative and enduring outcome."

"Harbor deepenings are major construction projects that have impacts to the environment, including wetlands, estuaries, and other important habitats," said Chris DeScherer, a managing attorney of SELC's Charleston office. "We are pleased to collaborate with the Ports Authority and our partners to find meaningful conservation measures that meet industry shipping needs while also conserving critically important wetlands and uplands in the Cooper River Corridor."

In addition to the land preservation commitment, the SCPA also announced a $125,000 award to the SC Aquarium for the sea turtle public education program and rehabilitation of sea turtles in Charleston Harbor.

The federal harbor deepening project was launched in 2011 to expand the Port of Charleston's ability to handle the post-Panamax vessels dominating the ocean carrier industry. The expansion of the Panama Canal and growth of population and manufacturing in the Southeast are expected to increase the frequency of post-Panamax vessels on the East Coast, requiring ports to invest in infrastructure to be competitive.

In October 2014 the US Army Corps of Engineers released the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement for the Post-45 Harbor Deepening project, recommending that the Charleston Harbor be deepened to 52 feet. The report outlined the project's significant benefits to the nation, the potential environmental impacts and a description of possible mitigation measures for those impacts. In conservation partnership with LOLT, CCL, and SELC, the SCPA has committed to additional voluntary measures, that protect and enhance natural resources in and around the Cooper, Wando and Ashley rivers.

Construction on the deepening project will begin following the issuance of the Chief's Report, anticipated in September 2015, and the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase.

About the Lowcountry Open Land Trust
The Lowcountry Open Land Trust is a local, 501?(3) land conservation organization whose mission is to honor the relationship between people and land by protecting irreplaceable Lowcountry lands by working in partnership with other conservation and community organizations.

About the Coastal Conservation League
CCL is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the coastal resources of South Carolina, with a mission to protect the natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, clean water, and traditional communities by working with citizens, local governments and the state legislature.

About Southern Environmental Law Center
The Southern Environmental Law Center is a regional nonprofit using the power of the law to protect the health and environment of the Southeast (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama). Founded in 1986, SELC's team of nearly 60 legal and policy experts represent more than 100 partner groups on issues of climate change and energy, air and water quality, forests, the coast and wetlands, transportation, and land use. www.SouthernEnvironment.org

Container Volume Up 13 Percent at SC Ports Authority

Charleston - Today SC Ports Authority announced another month of double-digit container growth, with fiscal year-to-date volumes up 13 percent year over year.

The Port handled 144,218 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in November, an increase of 8 percent over the same month last year. Fiscal year to date TEU volumes are 11 percent ahead of plan, with 777,566 TEUs handled since July.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA handled 82,466 boxes last month, an increase of 10 percent over November 2013 volumes. Fiscal year to date, pier container volume is up 14 percent year over year.

Non-containerized cargo volumes also saw strong gains in November. Charleston handled 61,114 pier tons last month, bringing fiscal year-to-date tonnage totals ahead of plan by nearly 5 percent. Georgetown handled 48,917 tons in November, pushing tonnage nearly 29 percent higher than fiscal year plans.

The Inland Port handled 3,972 rail moves in November. With 21,686 lifts completed fiscal year to date, the facility is 47 percent ahead of plan.

"As measured year over year, our monthly pier container volume has seen nine consecutive months of double-digit growth," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "This broad-based growth reflects strength of both imports and exports, although we will likely see volumes settle over the next few months."

In action items, the Board approved $1.56 million in wharf repairs and improvements to the North Charleston Terminal in preparation for the transfer of three Morris cranes from the Wando Welch Terminal. The Board also authorized an $189,000 project to expand the perimeter security system at Columbus Street Terminal and passed a resolution to secure foreign trade zone status on three sites in York and Chester counties.

Newsome noted two awards the SCPA received from the Journal of Commerce at last week's Port Performance North America Conference. The Port of Charleston and North Charleston Terminal were recognized for berth productivity for the first half of 2014.

Passed by Congress earlier this week and signed by the President yesterday, the 2015 fiscal year appropriations bill delivers a positive step forward for the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project and other key SCPA initiatives.

The bill includes $695,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete the Feasibility Study phase and its investigation, as well as a $1.2 million construction allocation that supports the 52-foot project moving forward without delay upon receipt of the Chief's Report, expected in September 2015. The bill also includes $13.1 million for ongoing Charleston Harbor operations and maintenance.

"The Omnibus appropriations to SC Ports Authority projects are significant, particularly the support of our harbor deepening project, which is our top strategic priority," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We are grateful for the commitment to ports demonstrated on the federal level, and our state's economy and economic development efforts are strengthened by our competitive port system."

In addition to its allocations for Charleston, the bill contains language pertaining to emerging harbors that could provide opportunities for the Port of Georgetown to compete for maintenance funding to restore its harbor depth.

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 Sees 17 Percent Increase in Container Volumes

Charleston - Today the SC Ports Authority announced October volumes up nearly 17 percent year over year, continuing a strong growth trend in container traffic well above the organization’s financial plan.

SCPA handled 164,672 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October, up from 141,049 TEUs moved during the same month last year. Fiscal year to date, TEU volumes are up 14 percent and nearly 13 percent ahead of plan.

As measured in pier containers, October volume increased 19 percent over the same month last year, with 94,470 boxes moved. Fiscal year to date, pier container volume is 12 percent over plan and 15 percent higher than the same period last year.

Total breakbulk cargo tonnage also continues to climb, with fiscal year-to-date volumes 20 percent ahead of plan. Last month Charleston handled with 87,224 pier tons for an increase of 7 percent over fiscal year-to-date plans. Georgetown also contributed to strength in the business segment, with 62,591 pier tons handled in October for a 42 percent gain over planned fiscal year-to-date tonnage.

The South Carolina Inland Port in Greer continues to exceed performance expectations, handling 4,678 rail lifts in October. Fiscal year to date, rail lifts at the facility are up 1.5 times over plan with 17,714 moves since July.

“SCPA’s strong volume and earnings performance is broad-based and reflective of the growth in a number of market segments combined with the fact that our port continues to offer the highest levels of service and reliability in the US port industry,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

“While we are pleased with the strong levels of growth, we expect this growth to moderate in the last two months of the year and into next year. We do believe that the South Atlantic port market will continue to outperform the U.S. port market due to strength in manufacturing along with overall regional growth.”

Newsome discussed the statewide support for harbor deepening received during the public comment period for the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

“We are grateful for the positive comments received concerning the Charleston harbor deepening study. Upon completion, the project will give Charleston the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast,” Newsome said.

In action items, the Board approved an offer from the Furman Company Investment Advisory Services, LLC to purchase the Port of Port Royal for $15.42 million. Pending review and approval of the offer by the SC Budget and Control Board, the SCPA will issue a contract to the Furman Company and a formal inspection period will begin.

“The SCPA is pleased to move forward with the presentation of the offer to the Budget and Control Board,” said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. “We remain committed to selling the Port of Port Royal for the benefit of both the Town and Ports Authority.”

Charleston Gains G6 East Coast/Northern Europe Service

Charleston, S.C. - The G6 consortium of ocean carriers recently announced the addition of Charleston to a major US East Coast/North Europe service, further increasing the frequency of weekly post-Panamax vessel calls to the Port of Charleston.

Beginning in late November, Charleston will be the final East Coast port of call for ships on North Atlantic Express service, or AX1.

“The AX1 will considerably expand SCPA’s connectivity with the Northern Europe trade,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “The G6 has three other services on this trade in Charleston, and we look forward to serving as the only Southeast port of call for the AX1.”

All vessels in the service are post-Panamax in size, with 8,800 TEU capacity. To accommodate for the additional call in Charleston, Hapag-Lloyd also announced plans to deploy another vessel, the MV “Osaka Express,” on the AX1.

The addition of the AX1 marks 11 weekly vessel calls in Charleston representing 8 North Europe services. Charleston has earned a dominant market position in the region’s North Europe trade, with a 64% share. Top commodities in this trade for SCPA include automotive and machinery, as well as export forest products.

Moody's Affirms Positive Rating for SC Ports Authority

Charleston, S.C. - Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed an A1 rating for the SC Port’s Authority’s outstanding debt, citing a strong economy and deep-water harbor as key drivers of the SCPA’s stable financial outlook.

In a report released today, Moody’s referenced SCPA’s current harbor depth as a competitive advantage that will be significantly enhanced by the end of the decade by the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project. Significant growth of refrigerated cargo storage capacity, along with increased manufacturing in the state and growing exports were also named as key strengths in the SCPA’s rating.

Strong support from the state of South Carolina for harbor deepening and port-related infrastructure also contributed to the positive rating.

“Having the involvement and leadership of our General Assembly for the harbor deepening project, in addition to the focus of our Governor and SC Department of Commerce on economic development, manufacturing and exporting enhanced our ability to maintain a positive financial outlook,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

According to the report, Moody’s expects SCPA “will continue to exhibit strong growth and will be able to post revenue growth to support the increased debt without significant effects on net revenue debt service coverage.”

The rating on SCPA’s $170 million in outstanding revenue bonds includes analysis of financial performance, volume growth, customer diversity, performance relative to competitors and future capital projects. The SCPA is solely responsible for the revenue bonds it issues, with no obligation of the state or taxpayers.

SC Ports awards $30,000 to Nonprofit Organizations

Charleston, S.C. - Today the SC Ports Authority announced $30,000 in grants to non-profit organizations through its annual Community Giving Program.

The Community Giving Program provides grant funding to programs across South Carolina that positively impact education, maritime commerce, economic development and the environment.

"The SC Ports Authority is proud to announce $30,000 in grants to 25 worthy non-profit organizations whose efforts strengthen the communities where we operate terminals," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The port's mission extends beyond our involvement in commerce and economic development, and the Community Giving Program enables us to be a better neighbor and community partner."

The annual program was created in 2012. For more information about the Community Giving program, please visit https://scspa.com/about/our-impact/community/community-giving-program/.

This year's awards include:

"We are very excited to partner with SCPA for the 2015 Fight for Air Climb. The Climb is a fun way to educate people on the importance of lungs and lung health. We greatly appreciate the port's support and dedication to improving the lives of the people in the Coastal community." - Melanie Baker Matthews, Development Manager at American Lung Association of the Southeast

"We are honored to have been chosen for the 2014 Community Giving Award by the South Carolina Ports Authority. Companies who are committed to their community like SCPA enable Red Cross to touch 1 in 12 lives in South Carolina by teaching lifesaving skills, providing emergency messaging for members of our military and their families, providing blood products to hospitals and responding to disasters an average of every 4 hours." - Louise Welch Williams, CEO of American Red Cross Carolina Lowcountry Chapter

"The Avian Conservation Center is genuinely grateful for the recognition from the SCPA implied in this award of the relevance and importance of protecting wild bird species and for the endorsement of the Center's conservation efforts that this contribution helps make possible." - Burwell Boykin, Director of Development of the Avian Conservation Center

"Be a Mentor could not operate its programs without generous community support from organizations like South Carolina Ports. Through its community giving, South Carolina Ports supports local workforce development and enabling all South Carolina students to have a chance at a great career and future!" - Kristin Cunningham, Executive Director of Be a Mentor

"Camp Rise Above is honored to be a recipient of the South Carolina Ports Community Giving award. This generous award enables us to expand our reach to provide life-changing camp experiences to children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges." - Erin Marie Ulmer, Executive Director of Camp Rise Above

"The Charleston Symphony Orchestra Orchestra is grateful for the continued support of the SC Ports Authority." - Monica Jenks, Development Director at the Charleston Symphony Orchestra

"Charleston Waterkeeper is grateful to the South Carolina Ports Authority for their support of our Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program. The funds will allow us to continue testing bacteria levels in Charleston's favorite tidal creeks and at hotspots for swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, and kayaking." - Andrew Wunderley, Program Director & Staff Attorney of Charleston Waterkeeper

"On behalf of Chucktown Squash, we would like to thank the SC Ports Authority for their generous support. The port's contribution and dedication to our program allows us to continue expanding our mission; preparing low-income, low-resource middle school aged kids for successful advancement in high school, college, and in life." - Lauren Herterich, Executive Director of Chucktown Squash

"We are so honored to receive a Community Giving award from the Ports Authority and sincerely value their belief in Communities In Schools and our mission. This support will help us provide our program in 28 Charleston Area schools, giving students the assistance they need to stay in school and graduate on time. The support of our business community is invaluable to us, and we look forward to this important partnership with SCPA." - Jane Riley Gambrell, Executive Director of Communities in Schools

"This will be a tremendous value for providing materials and supplies to volunteers that are dedicated to a cleaner more attractive environment for citizens and visitors to the area." - Angela N. Crouch, Adopt-A-Highway County Coordinator of Community Pride of Charleston County

Engaging Creative Minds
Engaging Creative Minds received a $1,000 award for its eighth-grade participants to visit the Art Institute of Charleston and attend a dress rehearsal of a Spoleto Opera performance.

"Funds from the Ports Authority will allow our eighth-grade students to attend a Spoleto Festival dress rehearsal of the opera, Porgy & Bess, in the recently renovated Gaillard Performance Hall. Students will participate in a 9-week, in-depth, curriculum which teaches the history of the opera and its relationship to the Charleston area as well as the 'behind the scenes' technology at the Gaillard." - Robin Berlinsky, Executive Director of Engaging Creative Minds

"On behalf of our board, I want to thank the team at SCPA for your generous donation to our event. The Ports Authority's support of our efforts adds the expanding nature of our program, which includes attendees at six institutions of higher learning in graduate and undergraduate programs." - Nick Gavalas, Founder, Vice President & CFO of the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation

"With this Community Giving award from the SC Ports Authority we can provide 5,000 meals to struggling families in South Carolina. We truly appreciate their efforts to bringing the best the world has to offer to everyone in South Carolina, and this award will mean so much to those who struggle now to have food on their tables." - Stephen Fray, Government Relations & Grant Manager of Harvest Hope Food Bank

"The Holiday Parade of Boats is a festive annual event that circles Charleston Harbor and brings the holiday spirit to thousands of shore-side spectators. Proceeds from the Holiday Parade of Boats support the Rotary Club of Charleston Fund (RCCF); a charitable grant-making fund that makes contributions to support local community needs in the areas of health, education, welfare and other philanthropic purposes." - Jeanne Jamme, Parade of Boats Coordinator of Historic Rotary Club of Charleston

"Hobcaw Barony aspires to be the premier learning center for coastal ecology and history in the Southeast. This grant from SCPA enables us to create a new, mobile -ready website with online reservation capabilities. We expect participation in our tours and programs; school field studies and events to increase dramatically through this improvement and move us closer to that goal." - Tory Mackey, Director of Development of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation

"The affair that the Port is supporting through their grant will celebrate and continue acknowledging the history and musical legacy that Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins and the Historical Jenkins Orphanage Band worldwide made. We thank the Authority for this contribution." - Johanna Marten-Carrington, Board Member at The Jenkins Orphanage

"The Lowcountry Open Land Trust is committed to protecting the irreplaceable landscapes, working farms and critical habitats that make the Lowcountry unique. This support from the South Carolina Ports Authority will help to ensure that this important work continues for future generations." - Adrian Cain, Director of Development of The Lowcountry Open Land Trust

"Lowcountry Orphan Relief is the proud recipient of funds from the South Carolina Ports Authority. Not only does receiving these funds impact the lives of these children directly, but they stand to prove that our community can work in partnership to meet a common goal." - Regina Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer of Lowcountry Orphan Relief

"Thanks so much for your support of Push-Up & Up. We'll gladly connect SCPA with a school team for the Push-Up & Up Challenge!" - Mindelle Ziff, Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope

"We're so pleased that the Port has stepped up to partner with NOAA and the South Carolina Aquarium to tell the story of the challenges our local bottlenose dolphins face. With the Ports' contribution, this project will allow 430,000 visitors a year to discover the bottlenose dolphin, an important and charismatic species in the Charleston Harbor, and learn about how we can help protect them." - Kevin Mills, President & CEO of the South Carolina Aquarium

"The South Carolina Maritime Museum in Georgetown, SC is proud to receive a Community Giving award from the South Carolina Ports Authority. This award enables our organization to have a quality model of the famous steamboat PLANTER built and displayed in our museum." - Robert "Mac" McAlister, Board member of the South Carolina Maritime Museum

"Giving children a chance to experience, and make a meaningful connection with, nature is key to not only their development and learning but also to cultivating the knowledgeable and engaged stewards who will value and protect our natural resources well into the future. We are delighted the SCPA will be partnering with us to provide students along the South Carolina coast with this experience through our environmental education programs." - Grace Gasper, Executive Director of SEWEE Association

"The USS Yorktown Foundation is both pleased and honored to be selected as a recipient of a SCPA Community Giving Award. This support that enables 5th graders to experience the Institute of Science, History and Technology at Patriots Point will have a positive impact on South Carolina Students. It also demonstrates SCPA's leadership and service to our community." - Todd Cummins, Executive Director of USS Yorktown Foundation

"We are excited to partner with the South Carolina Ports Authority for the second year in row in their Community Giving program. Their support has allowed our education initiatives in the Lowcountry to reach new heights, including our participation in next year's Charleston STEM Fest." - Julie Johnson, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Water Missions International

"Removing coastal debris is important to Charleston's recreational and commercial fishing industry's economic future. We are very grateful to obtain SCPA's support for carrying out our mission." - Rudy Socha, CEO of Wounded Nature - Working Veterans

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.

"New Tango" Service Brings Additional Post-Panamax Vessels to Charleston

Charleston, SC - Today the SC Ports Authority received the first ship call of a new consolidated East Coast South America service that brings additional post-Panamax vessels to Charleston.

The newly-formed “New Tango” weekly service includes Hamburg Sud/Alianca, Hapag-Lloyd/CSAV, as well as two carriers new to this trade in the Port of Charleston, NYK and Yang Ming. The deployment of larger ships in the service provides the opportunity for Charleston to grow container volumes in this trade.

“This service will increase the frequency of post-Panamax vessels calls Charleston, and with additional ship capacity we expect to boost our volumes in this important trade route,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “Consolidations like the ‘New Tango’ reflect the importance of deepening the Charleston harbor to 52 feet in order to provide unrestricted access to our container terminals.”

Top cargoes on this trade with Brazil and Argentina include tires and auto parts, agricultural commodities, food products, forest products, manufacturing inputs and beverages.

All seven ships in the “New Tango” service are post-Panamax in size. The MONTE ROSA, which arrived today at the Wando Welch Terminal, is approximately 5,550 TEUs. Prior to the development of “New Tango,” Charleston received seven post-Panamax calls weekly.

SC Ports Authority Container Volume Up 13 Percent

Charleston - Today SC Ports Authority announced 13 percent year-over-year increases in container volume through the first quarter of the 2015 fiscal year.

SCPA handled 150,790 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September, up 13.4 percent over the same month in 2013. Container volumes are 10.3 percent ahead of plan for the fiscal year, which began in July. From a calendar year perspective, TEUs are up 11.5 percent over 2013 levels.

Charleston breakbulk cargo volumes were also strong in September, with 65,214 pier tons handled during the month. Non-containerized cargo volumes remain on plan, and 199,319 tons have been moved fiscal year to date. Georgetown pier tons continued to climb through September, for a fiscal year to date gain of 38.7 percent over plan.

"SCPA experienced fairly significant growth during the first quarter, and above-plan volumes are reflected in our strong financial performance for the period," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We're seeing growth in the automotive sector as manufacturers add new lines and exports continue to rise."

Newsome discussed the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement issued last week by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), noting the significance of this step in the harbor deepening process. The report recommended the Charleston harbor be deepened to 52 feet, allowing the Port of Charleston to become the deepest port in the Southeast.

"Achieving this depth is critical for the SCPA, given the increasing size of vessels calling our terminals today," Newsome said. "The boom in manufacturing across the Southeast is also driving the need for our port to provide deep water for vessels fully-loaded with heavy manufacturing exports.&quot.

USACE and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control are accepting public comment on the report through November 24, 2014. Information about the project and a link to USACE's online comment form are available on the port's home page, www.scspa.com.

In other business, the Board authorized a contract for BergerABAM to complete a design review of the engineering plans for the Wando Welch Terminal wharf improvement project. Work on the project is scheduled to begin late spring 2015 and last approximately two and a half years.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Reaches Key Milestone

"The Port of Charleston's ability to handle post-Panamax vessels 24 hours a day without tidal restriction is critical to the future competitiveness of our state port system," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Completion of our harbor deepening project to 52 feet ensures that SCPA will continue to grow above the market average and remain a top ten port, facilitating trade and economic development for our entire state, region and nation. We would like to recognize the expertise and professionalism of the US Army Corps of Engineers as our partner on this project, and we look forward to working together through the completion of harbor deepening."

Launched in 2011, the federal deepening project will expand the Port of Charleston's ability to handle the post-Panamax vessels dominating the ocean carrier industry. Following the opening of the Panama Canal expansion and raising of the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey, post-Panamax vessels are expected to call the East Coast more frequently, requiring ports to invest in infrastructure and deepening projects to be competitive. Charleston currently receives seven post-Panamax vessel calls weekly and handles ships of this size with tidal restrictions.

Growth of commerce in the Southeast region also requires a deeper harbor. US container trade is expected to be export dominant by 2020, and export containers typically weigh three tons more than import boxes. The strong manufacturing presence in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast drives increased exports and the need for harbor depth to accommodate fully-loaded post-Panamax vessels.

"Deepening the Charleston Harbor is a project that has garnered united political support at all levels of government," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We are fortunate for the leadership and vision of our General Assembly, who previously set aside the state share of construction costs. Our Congressional delegation members are among the strongest advocates for our project and the importance of our state's port system."

The SC General Assembly set aside the full estimated state share of the deepening construction costs in 2013, and the project was named was named one of President Obama's "We Can't Wait" initiatives. Construction will begin following the issuance of the Chief's Report in September 2015 and the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase, during which additional cost saving opportunities on the project may be identified.

The report released today outlines the project's significant benefits to the nation and illustrates that the project can easily be constructed in an environmentally-responsible manner. For more information about harbor deepening, visit the port's website at www.scspa.com.

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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