News Entries Archive - Page 34 of 73

SC Ports Report Record Pier Container Volumes

Charleston, S.C - Today South Carolina Ports reported March pier container volumes were the highest since August 2008. Last month the Port handled 85,616 boxes, totaling 692,338 pier containers fiscal year to date.

"March is traditionally a seasonally strong month," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The SCPA saw an 11 percent year over year increase in pier container volumes for the month, with growth of both import and export cargo. We expect April to be a strong month as well."

In March, the Port handled 150,516 TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, a 10 percent increase over the same month last year. TEU volume is up 5.3 percent fiscal year over year, with 1.2 million TEUs handled since July 1. The Port continues to grow above the market average.

In the non-containerized cargo segment, Union Pier (UPT) has seen significant increases in breakbulk tonnage primarily used in the manufacturing and construction industries. The Port moved 9,654 tons at UPT last month for a total of 89,422 pier tons handled fiscal year to date.

"Union Pier recently had the opportunity to handle additional cargo in the breakbulk segment, and we expect strong growth of non-containerized cargo volumes in the last quarter of our fiscal year," Newsome said.

Georgetown also saw gains in breakbulk tonnage, handling 22,757 tons in March and 395,371 tons fiscal year to date for an increase of 10 percent over the same period last year.

In action items, the Board authorized the purchase of 11 new container handlers to replace older models at Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals. The new models provide added capabilities to handle heavier cargo and stack containers higher than the handlers currently in use, allowing for further densification of container stacks.

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 Welcomes New Coffee Warehouse

Charleston, S.C -Today Dupuy Storage and Forwarding, LLC opens its newest coffee warehouse and?handling facility in North Charleston to serve the rising levels of imported coffee beans through the SC Ports Authority.

Coffee volumes at the Port of Charleston are up 60 percent over the last two years, due largely to demand by U.S. coffee roasters and consumption by the Southeast's growing population.

"Coffee is a highly specialized type of cargo, and SC Ports welcomes Dupuy's newest coffee warehouse to Charleston," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Their opening is a significant addition to our local coffee storage capacity, enabling our Port to continue growing coffee import volumes through Charleston."

Both Arabica and Robusta beans are imported through the SCPA from coffee growers primarily in Latin America and Africa. Beans imported in Charleston are distributed throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast.

"We are very excited to be in?the dynamic and growing Port of Charleston and hope we can contribute to the area's growth and prosperity by expanding our business there," said Allan Colley, President of Dupuy Storage and Forwarding. "Establishing a location in the Charleston area will allow Dupuy to serve a growing number of traditional coffee customers in the Southeast."

The 100,000-square-foot Dupuy Storage Charleston warehouse is located on Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston.

SC Inland Port Earns Economic Development Impact Award

Charleston, S.C. - The SC Inland Port (SCIP) received the Economic Development Impact Award yesterday at the Upstate Alliance's annual meeting.

The annual award recognizes a public or private sector project that strengthens the Upstate business climate and enhances the area's marketability to prospective industry, resulting in an overall positive impact to the economic development efforts of the region.

"The SC Ports Authority is honored to receive this award for the Inland Port," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The support of Upstate business leaders and elected officials was critical to the success of the facility, and I believe that together we have improved the logistics infrastructure of our state for years to come. The Upstate is home to a large concentration of port users who will benefit from using the Inland Port, and we look forward to seeing the positive economic impacts it will continue to bring to the region."

SCIP opened in October 2013 in Greer, 212 miles inland from the Port of Charleston. Utilizing an existing overnight Norfolk Southern rail service, it links Charleston's deep-water container terminals with the rising import-export needs of the growing Southeast region. SCIP established a new rail ramp for intermodal freight in the Southeast, providing access to nearly 100 million consumers within 500 miles along the I-85 corridor.

"Our region's competitive advantage grows stronger with every train that departs the South Carolina Inland Port bound for the Port of Charleston. The South Carolina Ports Authority plays a crucial role in fueling our global economy and we are most grateful for their continued investment and support of our economic development efforts," said Jennifer Miller, interim President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.

Container Traffic Up Five Percent at SC Ports

Charleston, S.C. - South Carolina Ports continues to see growth in the container market with a nearly 5 percent increase in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled fiscal year to date.

The port has moved 1,071,760 TEUs since the beginning of the fiscal year in July, up from 1,024,421 TEUs handled during the same period last year, according to February financial results presented at the SCPA’s regular Board meeting today. Container volume remains on plan for the fiscal year, which runs July through June. Calendar year to date, TEU volume is up 2.5 percent.

Georgetown remains ahead of planned volumes for the fiscal year and handled 12.4 percent in additional tonnage compared to last fiscal year to date. In February the Port of Georgetown moved 27,697 pier tons of breakbulk cargo for use in the manufacturing and construction industries.

In action items, the Board modified plans for the design and construction of two super-post-Panamax cranes. Originally approved for North Charleston Terminal (NCT), the design of the new cranes will be adjusted for use at Wando Welch Terminal (WWT). The ship-to-shore cranes are being manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, LTD to meet the needs of larger container ships calling the Port of Charleston. The purchase allows three existing cranes in the WWT fleet to be moved to NCT, ensuring both terminals have the high speed and structurally robust cranes needed to load and discharge containers from larger vessels and accommodate heavy export container volumes from the Southeast’s manufacturing industry.

“Given the trends of the maritime industry, particularly the deployment of big ships through the mega-alliances, ports must modernize to remain competitive,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “The SCPA’s continued efforts to reinvest in our existing terminals ensure we are ready and capable to handle industry needs with appropriate equipment and technology.

The Board also announced recent discussions with the Town of Port Royal regarding the potential sale of the port facility.

“The SCPA has put forth a proposal to the Town of Port Royal regarding the sale of the port property,” said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. “While specific contract details have not yet been determined, we look forward to continuing dialogue with the Town and are optimistic that we can reach an agreement to benefit the citizens of Port Royal Town as well as the SCPA as required by law.”

Heavy-Lift Crane Makes Debut in Charleston Harbor

Charleston, S.C - The Ocean Ranger, Charleston Harbor's newest heavy-lift crane, made its Lowcountry debut last week unloading a 308-ton generator onto a barge at Columbus Street Terminal.

The Ocean Ranger has a 500-ton lift capacity and can achieve a lift rating of up to 740 tons for heavier cargo. As a fully mobile barge crane, the Ocean Ranger is designed primarily for heavy project cargo lifts to and from breakbulk vessels but can also lift cargo on barges, railcars, trucks and container vessels.

The SC Ports Authority invested in the construction of the Ocean Ranger to ensure priority access and dedicated service over the life of the crane for Port of Charleston terminals. It is owned and operated by Charleston Heavy Lift, Inc.

"The Ocean Ranger is the newest asset in the Charleston Harbor," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "It brings a new capability to meet the needs of our customers who transport their breakbulk and non-container project cargo across our docks."

Ocean Ranger boasts a LOA of 200 feet and a 162-feet long lifting boom. Certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and offshore-capable, the crane has the functionality to be used for salvage and recovery projects outside of the Charleston Harbor.

"We look forward to supporting breakbulk cargo operations and offering ocean carriers the benefit of our expanded services," said Charleston Heavy Lift General Manager Bos Smith.

The crane barge was locally manufactured by Metal Trades, Inc. at their shipyard in Yonges Island. Ocean Ranger will be docked on the Cooper River near Veterans Terminal.

President Backs SC Ports Initiatives in Budget

Charleston, SC - The President included more than $15 million in critical funding for SC Ports Authority projects, including the Post-45 harbor deepening project, in his fiscal year 2015 budget.

"The Administration has included funding for the SCPA's deepening project in its budget for three consecutive years," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We're deeply appreciative that the Administration recognizes our harbor deepening as a critical infrastructure project. The support from President Obama and Vice President Biden - along with members of Congress, the South Carolina delegation, South Carolina Legislature, Gov. Haley and Mayor Riley - cannot be overstated in its impact on the SCPA's future competitiveness and our role in the region and nation's prosperity."

The Administration allocated the requested $695,000 to continue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study of the Charleston Harbor deepening. The project's Draft Environmental Impact Statement is scheduled to be released later this year and the Chief's Report in September of 2015, which will recommend to Congress a depth to dredge the harbor. President Barack Obama's allocations ensure that all aspects of the project remain on time and within budget.

Charleston Harbor is designated to receive $1.57 million in construction funding and $13.15 million in operations and maintenance funding.

"Being included in the executive budget again this year is incredibly important for our project," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "Our team is on track to ensure Charleston remains the most capable harbor in the Southeast, and we are grateful for the productive relationship we have with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers."

All levels of government have supported deepening Charleston Harbor. Vice President Joe Biden visited the Port of Charleston last year and emphasized the importance of deepening to 50 feet to accommodate post-Panamax ships that will access the East Coast after the Panama Canal expansion. The Administration has named the Charleston Harbor Post-45 Project in its "We Can't Wait" initiative, which seeks to expedite the most critical infrastructure projects in the country.

Congress has demonstrated support for SC Ports initiatives with authorization and appropriations efforts through the Water Resources and Reform Development Act (WRRDA) and passage of the Omnibus bill. And in 2012, the South Carolina General Assembly set aside $300 million to cover the full estimated cost of construction for 50-foot or deeper harbor, ensuring that funding issues would not create delays in the project's progress.

Harbor funding recommendations will now be considered by the full Congress.

With 45 feet of depth at mean low water, Charleston currently has the deepest harbor in the region and can handle ships drafting up to 48 feet on high tide. Deepening Charleston Harbor to 50 feet or more will open the port to larger post-Panamax container ships 24 hours a day. Currently, Charleston receives seven post-Panamax ship calls weekly.

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.

Strong Container Volume Growth at SC Ports

Charleston, S.C. - SCPA container volume rose nearly 7 percent in January compared to same month last year, with 129,562 twenty-foot equivalent units handled by the port in January.

In fiscal year to date results announced at the SCPA?s regular Board meeting today, container volume in Charleston is up 5.5 percent. A total of 942,013 TEUs were handled from July to January, an increase from the 892,487 TEUs moved during the same period last fiscal year.

Since 2010, the SCPA has captured nearly half of all container volume growth in the South Atlantic market through the addition of new customers and cargo from discretionary markets, inland-favorable freight and growth of bulk transload operations.

"Container volume in Charleston has grown consistently year over year since fiscal year 2010," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We remain a top ten port, and through our efforts to deepen the harbor and prepare for big ships to call in greater frequency, we are poised to meet the future growth of the industry and remain a leader in our competitive region."

In addition to growth in the container business, Georgetown is up 12.6 percent fiscal year to date as a result of increased tonnages for bulk mill scale, a recyclable product for steel plants, and bulk cement for the construction industry. Georgetown remains over 8 percent ahead of plan for the period.

Maintenance Projects

The Board voted to approve three terminal maintenance projects in Charleston. The overhead electrical network for refrigerated cargo at North Charleston Terminal will be replaced with an underground service, and the RTG container storage area will receive surface upgrades to increase storage capacity. Wharf substructure maintenance repairs for Columbus Street Terminal were also approved.

Air Quality

Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines ,will install exhaust-gas cleaning technology, or scrubbers, on 32 ships in its fleet including the Charleston-based Carnival Fantasy. The cutting-edge technology, which combines the removal of sulfur with a substantial reduction in particulate matter and black carbon, will be installed on the Fantasy in October 2015.

The Fantasy began burning low sulfur marine gas oil during port stays in Charleston in December 2013, although international law does not require reductions in sulfur content to 0.1 percent until 2015. The ship is in full compliance with the North American Emission Control Area ECA guidelines that were established in 2012. Carnival will continue using the low sulfur fuel until scrubber installation in accordance with their agreement with the EPA.

"The maritime industry, both cargo and cruise, works proactively on the forefront of emissions reductions globally and is acutely aware of the need to regulate these issues in a comprehensive and consistent manner," Newsome said. "The SCPA has spent more than $16 million in the last decade to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, and this investment in scrubber technology by Carnival enhances our efforts. The Fantasy is operating in a clean, environmentally conscious way both today and in the future."

"This is a significant accomplishment as well as an important milestone for our company," said Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Arnold Donald. "This is a breakthrough solution for cleaner air that will set a new course in environmental protection for years to come."

SCPA also announced plans to work through the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control to install an investigatory air monitor at Union Pier to voluntarily evaluate levels of criteria pollutants in the ambient air.

The Carnival Fantasy accounted for 68 of the 88 total cruise calls on Charleston in 2013, and the ship is the only embark/debark cruise line operating out of the Port of Charleston.

SC Ports Boasts 50 Percent Increase in Intermodal Rail Lifts

Charleston, SC -The Port of Charleston increased its intermodal rail volume by 50 percent since 2011, thanks to efforts aimed at capturing discretionary cargo from major points in the Southeast, Gulf, Midwest and Ohio Valley.

International intermodal rail lifts in Charleston increased 18 percent in 2013 to nearly 145,000 containers. This followed a 27 percent increase in 2012. New initiatives, including the RapidRail drayage program and the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer, are expected to continue driving increases in rail container traffic.

"Charleston offers competitive rail facilities and services, providing our customers an advantage to moving discretionary cargo through our port," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We've seen tremendous growth in intermodal rail traffic over the last two years as more ocean carriers utilize our capable intermodal network to fill their ships with heavy export loads for transit through our natural, deepwater harbor."

The growth in rail container traffic is also the result of the SCPA's collaboration with ocean carriers to recruit and direct discretionary cargo to and from Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville, Louisville, Chicago and Cincinnati.

RapidRail, launched by SCPA in April 2012, has also positively impacted rail movements at the port. The program coordinates container movements to and from rail yards, and RapidRail accounts for 85 percent of rail drays. As the only program of its kind in the Southeast, RapidRail provides seamless, cost-effective drayage opportunities with little administrative burden.

Open in November 2013, the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer further enhances the SCPA's rail capabilities by establishing a new intermodal point along the expanding I-85 corridor in the Upstate of South Carolina. Growth at this facility is expected to further support intermodal cargo movement through Charleston facilities.

The new Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, a joint project with the SC Department of Commerce and Palmetto Railways, will boost intermodal capabilities when it opens in 2018.

SC Ports Authority Named "Spare the Air" Award Recipient

Charleston, S.C. - South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recently honored the SC Ports Authority with the "Spare the Air" Award for its emissions reductions efforts, the Port announced today.

Established in 2008, the award recognizes the leadership and voluntary commitment of companies, governments and other entities for promoting and demonstrating air quality improvements.

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reduced port-related pollutants by 50 percent since 2005 through equipment upgrades, partnerships and operational commitments to improve air quality.

"We are committed to operating in a way that is safe for our employees, neighbors and the environment," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We are pleased to be recognized by DHEC with this award, which is only possible through the support of our partners in the maritime industry and trucking community."

SCPA's emissions reduction efforts include:

"These voluntary, common sense and cost effective emission reduction measures taken by the SCPA set a great example for other businesses and industries in South Carolina," said Elizabeth Dieck, Director of Environmental Affairs at SC DHEC. "The 'Spare the Air' awards place a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of our clean air partners and illustrate that job creation and public health protection are not mutually exclusive. We sincerely appreciate the SCPA's leadership and all of their efforts to support our mission of ensuring clean healthy air for all communities across the state."

Last year's award recipients include Bosch Anderson, Daniel Island Academy and the City of Rock Hill.

Officials Celebrate Inland Port Opening with Norfolk Southern Inspection Train

Charleston, S.C. - Over 150 port users, partners, business leaders and elected officials gathered at the SC Inland Port (SCIP) in Greer today to welcome a ceremonial train trip by Norfolk Southern, SC Ports Authority partner for the SCIP.

"This is a great opportunity for SC Ports to celebrate the fully open and operational Inland Port with our partner, Norfolk Southern," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We have opened a new intermodal origin and destination in the fastest growing part of the Southeast, the I-85 corridor. We've had tremendous support from the Upstate and look forward to growing our Greer cargo base this year."

The Norfolk Southern inspection train made a special trip from Columbia to Greer to commemorate the successful SCIP opening. The train, which consists of restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars, is traditionally used for company officers to view the railroad's property and visit its employees. It includes five passenger cars, with the final car offering an up-close look at the track with 28 theater-style seats facing a rear observation window.

Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman thanked local elected officials and administrators for their "hard and very fast work to pave the way to bring this project from concept to reality in such a short amount of time. This year alone, Norfolk Southern will take 25,000 truck moves off I-26, saving fuel and emissions and alleviating congestion. Considering the growing pressures on truck operations, we anticipate this new service will provide upstate shippers with a cost-effective alternative for fulfilling their supply chain," he said.

"We're focused on growing business in South Carolina, and there's no question that the Inland Port helps us to do that," said SC Governor Nikki Haley. "Its presence in Greer will attract new companies to the Upstate and foster the expansion of those already located here. The partnership between the Port and Norfolk Southern not only strengthens our competitiveness as a manufacturing state, but one that can efficiently transport goods to customers nationally and internationally."

"The Inland Port is a game-changing investment that will shape the future of not only the Upstate but all of South Carolina," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. "Even though it's more than 200 miles from the coast, the Inland Port will act as a force multiplier for the Port of Charleston. It's yet another tool for helping bring new business to South Carolina and for helping increase the efficiency of those already here."

"The Inland Port will give companies in the 4th District an efficient and cost-effective way to move their products across the state, making the Upstate an even more attractive location for investment, economic development and job creation," said U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy.

"I am pleased to welcome the Norfolk Southern Inspection Train and the officers aboard to South Carolina and the Inland Port," said U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan. "The Inland Port serves an imperative role in the transportation of goods throughout our state and the region, and will continue to remain a source of economic development for South Carolina for years to come."

The Inland Port opened in October of 2013 to improve the efficiency of international container movements between the Port of Charleston, South Carolina Upstate and neighboring states. In partnership with Norfolk Southern, the project utilizes an overnight train service to handle double-stack container trains to and from the Port of Charleston's productive seaport facilities. The SCIP is expected to convert an estimated 25,000 container movements from truck to rail in the first year of operation.

Prev 1 … 32 33 34 35 36 … 73 Next