News Entries Archive - Page 33 of 73

13 Percent Increase in SC Ports Authority Container Volume

Charleston, SC - SC Ports Authority reported container volumes up 13 percent fiscal year to date, a strong start to the first two months of the fiscal calendar.

The SCPA handled 163,970 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August, in increase from 144,649 TEUs moved during the same month last year and 153,916 handled in July. Fiscal year to date, SCPA container volume is 12.2 percent ahead of plan.

As measured in pier containers, July and August volumes are up 13.5 percent year over year. SCPA moved 93,221 boxes in August for a total of 181,103 pier containers to date in FY2015.

In non-containerized cargo, Charleston breakbulk tonnage is on plan with 134,105 tons handled in August. Georgetown saw a strong month, with fiscal year to date volumes up 6.6 percent over the same period last year. Georgetown handled 124,080 pier tons in July and August.

“Strong container volumes are driving exceptional fiscal year to date operating earnings, which were nearly 70 percent higher than last July and August,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “Over the next several months, we will be watching the development of vessel sharing agreements and evaluating the impacts they will have on our FY2015 volumes, as well as implementing our new customer contract approach.”

The Board approved a $1.24 million proposal to modify gantry wheels on the ship-to-shore cranes that will remain in use at the Wando Welch Terminal following the wharf improvement project. Larger gantry wheel surfaces are necessary to accommodate the neo-Panamax cranes and rail that will be implemented during the terminal upgrade process. In related business, the Board approved $1.7 million in modifications to the two super-post-Panamax on order for Wando. The design modifications will raise the cranes’ height under the spreader bar to 155 feet.

In addition, the Board voted to approve funding for the first phase of a two-phase upgrade process for SCPA’s billing and HR software.

In support of the maritime industry and recognition of last week’s port-related activities, Gov. Haley named September 8-12, 2014 “South Carolina Ports Week.”

On September 8 Newsome addressed SCPA growth and challenges at the Propeller Club’s annual State of the Port. He highlighted the SCPA’s 8 percent volume increase in FY2014 and emphasized that continued above-market growth is necessary to support long-term capital projects, including terminal upgrades and construction of the Navy Base terminal.

Last week the SCPA also confirmed that it will receive a $10.8 million dollar Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for planned upgrades and improvements to the Wando terminal. On Friday Maritime Administrator Paul N. Jaenichen held a press conference at SCPA to formally announce the award and discuss national transportation and infrastructure needs with maritime and community leaders.

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.

South Carolina Ports Authority Presents $15,000 to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry

Charleston, SC (September 12, 2014) - The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry (CML) received $15,000 from the South Carolina Ports Authority to provide students at four Charleston Promise Neighborhood Learning Community (CPNLC) schools with a free field trip to CML during the 2014-2015 school year. South Carolina Ports Authority President and CEO, Jim Newsome, presented the check to the CML Board of Directors.

SC Ports Authority Awarded $10.8 Million TIGER Grant

Charleston, S.C. - SC Ports Authority has been awarded a 10.8 million dollar Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for planned upgrades and improvements to its Wando Welch Terminal.

"We are deeply appreciative for the support of our Congressional delegation and the Obama Administration, who were instrumental in elevating the visibility of our port, an important asset to South Carolina and the entire nation," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "The Wando Terminal improvements ensure that the SCPA has the infrastructure necessary to handle growing import and export cargo volumes on a new generation of ocean vessels, supporting US trade goals and our nation's role in international commerce."

The US Department of Transportation grant represents nearly 13 percent of the total estimated project cost for upgrading the SCPA's busiest container terminal. The two-year 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.

"This announcement couldn't be more timely, given the information shared by industry experts at this week's SC International Trade Conference," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The prevailing sentiment throughout the maritime community and supporting industries is that ports are facing significant infrastructure improvement needs. It is clear that post-Panamax vessels are the new standard and that port competitiveness is and will continue to be driven by the ability to accommodate big ships."

Construction on the project will begin in the spring of 2015 and will be completed in two or two and a half years, followed by the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project and the opening of a new SCPA container terminal on the former Navy Base by the end of the decade.

Growth, Modernization the Focus of Newsome's State of the Port

Charleston, S.C. - Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on growth and modernization at the State of the Port, an annual event hosted by the Propeller Club of Charleston.

In his sixth address since joining the SCPA, Newsome discussed the port's strategy for maintaining the strong volume gains seen in recent years and the investments underway to prepare new and existing facilities for the changing needs of the shipping industry.

The SCPA boasted 8 percent volume increases in FY2014, with 9 percent growth the previous fiscal year. The Port of Charleston ranked ninth in the country for 2013 cargo volumes measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with growth trending above the market average year over year.

"Diversity of cargo across market segments, including container, breakbulk and cruise, contributed to our strong volume gains, Newsome said. "Over the next several years, the upgrades planned for existing SCPA terminals and new capacity offered by the Navy Base terminal will ensure our facilities are capable of attracting and retaining cargo in each of these key business areas, which are important to the port's long-term success."

Newsome said above-market growth will continue to be a key priority for the port. Main drivers of volume gains in recent years include expansion of discretionary cargo, including plastics and agriculture products; utilization of project cargo capabilities; recruitment of indigenous cargo, routed through Charleston for lowest inland transportation costs; and maximization of the port's intermodal rail capabilities and a deepwater harbor.

In addition to construction of the Navy Base new container terminal, Newsome cited long-range plans with Georgia Ports Authority to construct a terminal in Jasper County, given market demand and harbor depth. He also noted that in spite of the need to restore the Port of Georgetown to an authorized depth of 27 feet, its volumes grew nearly 12 percent in fiscal year 2014.

SCPA's projects and capital investments reflect the changing fundamentals in the shipping industry and necessity to accommodate the deployment of post-Panamax vessels to the East Coast.

"SCPA is well-positioned to meet and exceed the industry's requirements for a modern port," Newsome said. "With the harbor deepening project, Charleston will remain the deepest harbor in the Southeast and offer post-Panamax vessels the opportunity to call on our terminals without tidal restrictions by late 2018. The movement of cargo from our capable, productive facilities to its inland destination is increasingly cost-competitive with dual rail service and the Inland Port."

Newsome noted that while the Southeast is a growing region for both consumption and manufacturing, it is also a highly competitive market served by several ports. With overall market growth slower this decade than last, all ports are challenged by the significant investment required to construct and modernize facilities.

"SCPA's mission is to be the preferred port in the U.S. for our carrier and cargo clients," Newsome said. "Our aggressive plan ensures that we are well poised for the future in our industry and as an economic driver and catalyst for business development in South Carolina and across the Southeast. Our best years are ahead."

"The port's year-over-year volume growth speaks to the leadership and vision of Jim and his team," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "There is no doubt that the future for our state port system is bright."

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.

South Carolina Ports FY Earnings, Volumes Surpass Plans

Charleston, SC - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 2014 fiscal year-end operating earnings of $14.3 million, 20.7 percent over the organization's financial plan.

From July through June, the SCPA posted operating revenues of $164.1 million, an increase of nearly 17 percent over the previous fiscal year. FY2014 expenses totaled $149.9 million.

"With the Port's aggressive capital plan for the next several years, solid financial performance is essential," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "The strong 2014 fiscal year revenues reported today reflect that the SCPA remains focused on the growth necessary for these important projects."

Last month the SCPA announced 8 percent container growth for the fiscal year, handling 1.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for an increase of 2 percent over plan. These results follow 9 percent increases the previous fiscal year and continue the SCPA's growth trend of more than double the market average.

"The last quarter of the 2014 fiscal year was the strongest the SCPA has seen in seven years," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "With an 8 percent container volume increase and operating cash flow well above plan, we are well-positioned to continue moving forward with key strategic projects and continued above-market growth."

The SCPA's rail drayage program saw expanded participation by all major shipping lines in FY2014, demonstrating Charleston's capabilities as a rail-competitive port. Rail dray volume increased 136 percent over the previous fiscal year.

FY2014 was also marked by 17 percent growth of the SCPA's refrigerated cargo segment. The Charleston area's cold storage capacity is also on the rise, with three cold storage companies recently announcing plans to construct or grow existing facilities to support expansion of this market.

Looking ahead, major initiatives for the SCPA this fiscal year include continued work on harbor deepening, with the draft Environmental Impact Statement scheduled to be released this fall; construction on the Wando Welch Terminal wharf refurbishment project to begin in April 2015; and efforts to restructure container contracts and refine capital planning.

Volumes first month of the new fiscal year were positive, with pier containers up nearly 14 percent over July 2013.

As measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), July volumes exceeded plan by 11 percent. The SCPA handled 153,916 TEUs during the month, a 13 percent increase over 138,601 TEUs seen in July 2013. Calendar year to date TEU volume reached 1,026,372 last month, up 11 percent from the same period last year.

July breakbulk cargo volumes also saw increases over 2013 levels. Charleston moved 55,485 pier tons, an increase of 8 percent over last July, and monthly volumes were also up 19 percent in Georgetown, with 71,135 pier tons moved.

SC Ports Announce Eight Percent Fiscal Year Growth

Charleston, SC - Today SC Ports Authority reported a strong finish for the 2014 fiscal year with 8 percent container growth, an increase of 2 percent over projected plans.

"Our above-market fiscal year growth again this year is testament to strong performance in our major business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "The implementation of our strategic plan is paying off, and the large capital investments committed to port infrastructure by the state of South Carolina and Ports Authority are yielding great dividends. Significant capital investment by major port users has also positively impacted volumes."

In June the SCPA handled 149,183 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 19 percent from 125,257 TEUs handled the same period last year. For the total fiscal year period, July through June, the SCPA moved 1,684,907 TEUs.

On the non-containerized cargo side, the SCPA handled 83,399 pier tons in June for a total of 763,230 pier tons during the fiscal year in Charleston, an increase of 3.6 percent over plan.

Despite depth challenges at the Port of Georgetown, the terminal exceeded projected plans with 553,039 pier tons handled during the fiscal year, an increase of 11.8 percent year over year.

"I'm extremely proud of our strong fiscal year performance," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We have a strong Board, talented and visionary CEO and senior staff, and support from a productive maritime community."

Capital projects planned for fiscal year 2015 will support continued growth. Wando Welch Terminal will receive upgrades to accommodate increases in Post-Panamax vessel calls. Construction at the Navy Base Terminal and harbor deepening remain key strategic priorities for the SCPA over the next several years, as well as the opening of the SC Department of Commerce's intermodal container transfer facility. The Inland Port in Greer is meeting volume and performance objectives, and will continue to be a vital component of SCPA growth.

"I congratulate the SCPA on their above-plan performance," said Larry Grooms, SC Senate Transportation Committee Chairman and SC Ports Authority Review and Oversight Committee Chairman. "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."

About the South Carolina Ports Authority

SC Ports Adopts FY2015 Financial Plan

Plans for the new fiscal year beginning July 1 include 975,000 pier container moves, representing a 3.4 percent increase in pier container volume over estimated FY2014 totals. Pier container volumes have experienced strong growth in recent months with May as the busiest month since March 2007.

In non-containerized cargo business segments, the plan includes breakbulk tonnage increases of 9.8 percent in Charleston and 0.5 percent in Georgetown, driven largely by strong performance of state manufacturers.

"I'm confident our volumes will continue to grow above the market average," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Revenues will also increase thanks to strength across all cargo segments and success at the Inland Port."

Operating revenues are expected to reach $172.8 million in FY2015, up $13.2 million from projected FY2014 totals.

The Board approved capital investments of $113.5 million for the fiscal year. Projects over the next twelve months include improvements and enhancements to existing terminal systems and infrastructure as well as approximately $20 million in Navy Base Terminal construction costs.

The 2014 fiscal year drawing to a close on June 30 is marked by strong progress of all SCPA strategic projects. The Post-45 Harbor Deepening project continues timely progress forward, with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on track to be released this summer and the Chief's Report in September of 2015. Fill activities continue at the Navy Base Terminal, with construction on-track to coincide with completion of harbor deepening. The Inland Port, which opened in October, is seeing increased traffic each month and has exceeded planned volumes.

The SCPA saw strong export growth throughout FY2014, with a 6.54 percent fiscal year to date increase in export twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled year over year. In total fiscal year to date TEU volume, the SCPA reported an increase of 7.03 percent over the same period last year, with 1,535,724 TEUs handled.

A recent ratings report completed by Standard and Poor's Rating Services affirmed the long-term A+ credit rating and stable outlook of SCPA revenue bonds. A balanced import-export cargo base as well as diverse cargo and customer profiles were cited as key credit strengths, as well as the port's solid position in the Southeastern maritime commerce industry.

The Board approved a $1.082 million contract to prepare Inland Port gate facilities infrastructure for the implementation of an upgraded terminal operating system. Construction is scheduled to begin in July and will be completed later this fall.

Congress Backs SC Ports Provisions in Water Resources Reform and Development Act

Charleston, S.C. - Today, Congress finalized the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), solidifying critical provisions for SCPA initiatives, including the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project.

"We applaud Congress for their demonstrated commitment to our nation's competitiveness through the passage of WRRDA," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This bill is critical to modernizing port and port-related infrastructure projects across the country, and we are extremely appreciative that key SCPA priorities, including our harbor deepening project, are included."

Through WRRDA, the first water resources bill to pass in seven years, Congress provides a path forward for harbor deepening projects ready to begin construction in the absence of congressional authorization. This language is essential to continuing the timely progress of Charleston's deepening project, which is expected to be ready for construction in late 2015 following the issuance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief's Report next September.

The bill increases the threshold for federal harbor maintenance funding from 45 to 50 feet in order to meet the depth needs of export-laden ports like Charleston, which receives an average of seven post-Panamax vessel calls each week. It also outlines eligibility requirements and the process through which non-federal entities can seek federal reimbursement for construction and O&M costs if Congress does not pass a water bill during a congressional term.

WRRDA also addresses the needs of smaller, emerging ports around the country to compete for federal funding, which could provide opportunities for the Port of Georgetown to seek maintenance funding to restore its harbor depth.

"Members of our delegation worked tirelessly to ensure WRRDA addressed the needs of our harbor deepening project," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "Their support speaks to the merit of our project, and the passage of this bill is incredibly important for South Carolina and the nation."

Other key provisions include an increased allocation of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund dollars to ports. Currently, only half of the $1.8 billion collected into the fund is being used for maintenance dredging. WRRDA sets target expenditures that increase each year so that by 2025, 100 percent of the trust fund is spent toward intended operations and maintenance.

The entire South Carolina delegation voted for the bill, which passed 412-4 in the House and 91-7 in the Senate. It now moves to the President's desk for signature.

SC Ports Posts Busiest Month Since 2008

Charleston, S.C. - April pier container volumes set a 6-year record, marking the busiest month at the Port of Charleston since May 2008.

The increase in pier containers pushed fiscal year 2014 volumes up by 5.5 percent year-over-year. April's pier container volume represented a 12.3 percent increase over April 2013 and a 21.7 percent increase over April 2012.

Measured in 20-foot-equivalent units, or TEUs, the South Carolina Ports Authority handled 151,790 TEUs during April and 1,374,066 TEUs during fiscal year 2014 with two months remaining.

"April reflected strong export growth at the Port of Charleston as we shipped 10.6 percent more containers overseas than the same month last year," said Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. "These growth figures stress the importance of our deepwater harbor as American manufacturers and exporters look for efficient, expedient ways to send their goods overseas."

In action items, the board approved a $1.2 million contract for routine maintenance dredging at Union Pier Terminal and Columbus Street Terminal to accommodate break-bulk operations. The board also approved an $897,244 contract for engineering work associated with improvements being made at the Wando Welch Terminal.

The board also approved a $195,000 sale of surplus land in Beaufort that was formerly used as part of a railroad corridor serving the Port of Port Royal, and the board voted for a contribution of up to $12 million to construct a building expansion for New Orleans Cold Storage to support a strategic initiative to boost cold storage and freezer space in the Charleston area. Lastly, the board agreed to sell a portion of the Coal Tipple Property of which 16 acres are high-ground for $3 million to facilitate an economic development project involving water-borne commerce.

"Much is happening at the state and federal levels," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "While we continue to see cargo growth in Charleston, our federal delegation gave its unified support for the Charleston Harbor deepening project and the Port of Georgetown by voting for the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. We thank our U.S. House and Senate members for their support."

U.S. House passes WRRDA conference report

Following the passage of the WRRDA conference report out of the U.S. House this afternoon, South Carolina Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome released the following statement:

"We applaud the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act through the U.S. House today and the resolute support of South Carolina's entire House delegation. This bill includes language that addresses our priorities, specifically, a seamless transition into construction for the Charleston Harbor deepening project and the possibility to secure channel maintenance funding for the Port of Georgetown. With the House's passage, we look forward to the U.S. Senate voting on the bill and the President's signature in the coming days."

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