News Entries Archive - Page 35 of 73

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.

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.

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.

SC Ports Volume up Nearly 6 Percent in 2013

Charleston, S.C. - Today, the SC Ports Authority (SCPA) announced volume increases across all business segments in 2013, a year marked by the successful opening of the Inland Port and significant progress of both the construction of the Navy Base container terminal and the Post-45 harbor deepening project.

In calendar year-end results presented at the authority's regular Board meeting, container volumes measured in 20-foot equivalent units were up 5.7 percent from 2012 to 2013, with over 1.6 million TEUs handled during the year. Breakbulk cargo also grew during the period, increasing 3.3 percent over 2012 volumes.

Midway through the SCPA's fiscal year that began July 1, the port has seen a 5.4 percent increase in TEUs over the same period last year, and container volume remains slightly over plan. SC Ports handled 124,103 TEUs in December.

Cargo at Georgetown is up 20 percent fiscal year to date, with 302,242 total pier tons moved so far. Business at the Port of Georgetown is currently up 8.7 percent over plan for the fiscal year.

"We typically see a modest first quarter of the calendar year followed by a stronger second quarter, and we expect 2014 to follow a similar trend," said Jim Newsome, SC Ports president and CEO. "Much of our growth from April to June will be impacted by developments in export business and the implementation of the mega-alliance deployments by ocean carriers, if and when approved."

In addition to cargo volume growth in 2013, containerized rail shipments at SC Ports grew 18 percent last year, a 50 percent increase since 2011. Those shipments now represent about 16 percent of overall port volume, driven largely by a successful implementation the port's RapidRail drayage program that includes participation by all major carriers.

Maintenance Projects - The Board heard updates on two proposed projects for the North Charleston terminal, including replacement of the current refrigerated cargo (reefer) overhead electrical network with an underground service and surface upgrades to the RTG container storage area to increase storage capacity. In addition, a maintenance repair project for the Columbus Street Terminal substructure was reviewed. Final bids on all three projects will be presented to the Board for approval at the February meeting.

State Supreme Court Case Ruling The Board also discussed the South Carolina Supreme Court dismissal of the lawsuit filed in the June 2011 alleging the operations of Carnival Cruise Lines in Charleston are unlawful or a nuisance to citizens. Newsome praised the Court for hearing the case in its original jurisdiction and reiterated that the cruise industry is an important part of the port's business diversification.

Congressman Mulvaney's Remark - Before the meeting convened, Congressman Mick Mulvaney joined the SCPA Board to discuss harbor deepening efforts, particularly the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in October of 2013.

"As we move into a global economy, the importance of being able to ship goods into and out of South Carolina is absolutely critical," Mulvaney said. "The WRRDA will allow harbor dredging to begin five to seven years earlier than it would have otherwise, and it's important for our delegation to continue working together. Everyone in South Carolina recognizes the economic development value of the port."

Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman, thanked Mulvaney for his consistent support and vision on port issues.

"There has never been a more critical time that we pull together to foster job creation and economic development, expansion of existing industry and foreign investments in our state," Stern said. "Today we give much-deserved appreciation to our state leaders who support the port. We look forward to many opportunities to work together to solidify South Carolina's standing as a top port on the East Coast, the country and the world."

SC Ports Recognizes Congressional Members for Supporting U.S. House Appropriations Bill

Charleston, S.C. - This afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Omnibus appropriations bill, which includes critical funding to move forward the Port of Charleston's deepening project and opportunities for maintenance funding for the Port of Georgetown.

The bill passed 359-67 with support from S.C. Congressmen Joe Wilson, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney, Jim Clyburn, and Tom Rice.

"The South Carolina Ports Authority is extremely proud of the leadership demonstrated today by members of our delegation," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "Their support of this critical piece of legislation allows our harbor deepening project to continue to move forward, and South Carolina benefits from their commitment to the Port and its role in our state's prosperity and economic development."

The bill includes funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue its Feasibility Study of the Post-45 Harbor Deepening project, which expects to receive its Chief's Report in September 2015.

The bill also provides construction funds for Charleston that could enable the deepening project to move forward without delay upon receipt of the Chief's Report.

Additionally, it 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.

The bill will move to the Senate for a vote before being passed to the President's desk for signature.

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 Realize Strong Growth in November

Charleston, S.C. - Container traffic at the Port of Charleston increased more than 6 percent in November, according to results announced at today’s monthly SC Ports Authority (SCPA) Board meeting.

The Port handled 133,481 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, up from 125,780 TEUs moved during the same month last year. Exports have been strong throughout the year with increases of 12.5 percent container volume year over year and 7.6 percent fiscal year to date.

Shipments of agricultural products, particularly grain, were a significant driver of export gains. Agricultural exports alone have increased 16 percent since 2009, prompting SC Ports to add five transload operations in the last three years.

“Exports are driving our growth well above the industry average,” said Jim Newsome, SC Ports president and CEO, “and our deep harbor facilitates the handling of additional export cargo. I expect we will continue to see exports trending upward through the rest of the decade, ultimately balancing imports.”

SCPA breakbulk cargo segments also saw increases in November. Since the fiscal year began, the Port of Charleston has exported 191,862 breakbulk tons. Volume at Union Pier terminal is up 169 percent fiscal year to date, due in part to rising imports from Eastern Asia of pipe used to support various mechanical applications and wire for the manufacturing industry.

Cargo at Georgetown is up 21 percent fiscal year to date with 36,206 pier tons moved in November. The month’s gains are driven by domestic moves of bulk cement for the Northeastern construction industry as well as import shipments of petroleum coke and steel billet for local manufacturers.

Local Students Name Inland Port Cranes

Greer, SC - Five creative Greer elementary students earned $500 from SC Ports for their schools, thanks to their participation in a port contest to name equpiment at the newly opened Inland Port.

The Port partnered with five elementary schools, including Buena Vista, Chandler Creek, Crestview, Skyland and Woodland, for the contest during the month of October. Third through fifth grade students submitted names for three rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), which move loaded containers on and off trains and around the container yard, and two empty loaders, which transport and stack empty containers. Over 200 student entries were received.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following five entries as the winners:

The winning entries will be painted onto the equipment.

The Inland Port in Greer opened for business in October, extending the Port of Charleston's docks 212 miles inland. The facility represents new capacity to efficiently handle freight across the state via overnight train service provided by Norfolk Southern. It provides shippers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transporting their containers for Southeastern markets closer to their final destination.

Newsome's State of the Port Highlights Growth, Deepwater Harbor as Future of SC Ports

Charleston, S.C. - Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on growth, investment and harbor deepening in his message to nearly 700 maritime and business leaders
at the State of the Port, an annual event hosted by the Propeller Club of Charleston.

In his fifth address since joining the state's public port system, Newsome highlighted key industry trends and the impacts of a growing port on the state's and region's economy.

The Port of Charleston is a top-10 U.S. container port that grew 9% in FY2013, well above the U.S. port market. Above-market growth for the ensuing years is a critical part of the port's strategy.

Newsome noted that the Southeast is a growing region for both consumption and manufacturing. This fact, combined with the deployment of new Panamax container ships to the U.S. East Coast, requires top-10 container ports to invest in terminal facilities, harbor deepening and related road and rail logistics capabilities to maintain and enhance their competitiveness.

"The growth of exporting and the formation of mega-alliances that will feature the deployment of large container ships on the East Coast mean that deepened harbors are critical for supporting commerce in the Southeast region," Newsome said. "The Southeast needs a port of 50 feet or deeper to support this growth, and Charleston is well-positioned thanks to its post-45 foot deepening project."

Newsome said the state of South Carolina is unified in its commitment to see Charleston Harbor deepened, noting that 20,000 companies in two dozen states rely on our harbor for access to overseas production and markets.

"The port has further enhanced the logistics infrastructure of the state and the Southeast by building the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer," he said. "The Inland Port is served by overnight rail service provided by the Norfolk Southern Railroad and creates a new rail origin and destination in the Southeast. With its location within 500 miles of nearly 100 million consumers, it is poised to create a significant distribution hub to foster the growth of commerce in the upstate of South Carolina."

Newsome cited two key terminal projects in his remarks. The building of a new container terminal at the former Navy Base in Charleston is essential, Newsome said, and is the only permitted new container terminal on the U.S. East Coast. He discussed the joint venture terminal project in Jasper County as critical for future growth once the need for a deeper harbor is realized. Newsome also noted the need to restore Georgetown Harbor to its authorized depth of 27 feet.

"Ports are long-cycle businesses requiring great vision and planning," Newsome said." "Our port system is the major strategic asset for the state in the current era of global sourcing and manufacturing."

SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern recognized Newsome for his leadership since he joined the organization in 2009. "2014 was another great fiscal year for the Ports Authority. We grew at 9 percent while the rest of the industry averaged 2 percent growth. On behalf of the Board, I applaud Jim for his vision and leadership of our Ports."

"It's no secret that South Carolina's ports are a major economic development engine for our state, representing $45 billion in annual economic activity and helping our unemployment rate hit a 5 year low," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "The growth of our ports means more jobs and their continued growth will help us add to the over 39,000 new jobs and over $9.6 billion in new investment we have brought to South Carolina. Strengthening our ports is a team effort and thanks to our federal delegation we saw the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act - an incredibly positive step forward for our state, our ports and for job creation. Including the opening of the Inland Port in Greer, the progress we have made over the past year has been tremendous and we have never been more confident that we will see Charleston deepened to 50 feet, Georgetown revitalized with new life, and a port in Jasper approved and built."

"I am pleased with the progress the SC Ports Authority has made over the last year," said Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the S.C. Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority. "Cargo volume is growing well above the market. Infrastructure projects like harbor deepening and the inland port, which extends the port's reach over 200 miles inland, will solidify their footing as the region's primary port in the future."

Increased export traffic was driven by the rise in grain and agriculture products shipped through Charleston, while an extended peak season sustained growth on the import side.

Volume at the Port of Georgetown was up 15.9 percent fiscal year to date over the same period last year, led by increased bulk and breakbulk steel business.

"We are all proud that Phil is in such an important business leadership role," said John Hassell, SCPA Board of Directors Vice Chairman. "The ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry, and we're excited to work with him at its helm."

S. C. Ports Announces Clean Truck Certification Program

The SC Ports Authority has announced a new Clean Truck Certification Program to take effect on January 1, 2014, ensuring that a reliable, cleaner trucking fleet will serve SCPA container terminals in order to continue reducing port-related air emissions.

Launched as a result of the Navy Base Terminal permit process, the program requires trucks serving the container terminals to have engines manufactured in 1994 or later. Based on engine year rather than truck model year, the certification is designed with maximum flexibility for the trucking industry. Truck owners must enroll in the program using the website below between November 1st, 2013 and January 1, 2014.

“The Port is committed to operating in a way that is mindful of the environment and good for business,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. “By implementing this program, we achieve a reduction in the air quality impacts resulting from an older truck fleet, and modernize the over-the-road equipment just as we are doing on terminal with newer equipment. The Clean Truck Certification program is the next step in our well-established, common sense port-related emissions reductions strategy.”

During the month of November, the SCPA will continue offer an incentive of $5,000 plus scrap value to truck owners who use this opportunity to upgrade their truck engines. Over the last two years the SCPA has offered the only truck replacement incentive program in the Southeast, with 84 trucks replaced to date. Together the SCPA and SCDHEC have spent in excess of $1,000,000 on promotion and implementation of the truck replacement program.

"I didn't realize how much of a difference this program would make,” said truck driver Donald MacKinnon. “My 1992 International was still working fine, but with the help of the Truck Replacement Program, I was able to replace it with a 2007 Freightliner. With my new truck, I don't feel as tired at the end of the day, and I'm less worried about mechanical issues. I would recommend this to other drivers."

A limited number of hardship registrations will be available on a first come, first serve basis for trucks who have called on terminals at least 52 times in the previous 52 weeks. Hardship registrations will be accepted beginning on November 1, 2013 and will expire on June 30, 2014. Trucks calling on the terminals that do not have a hardship registration and have not been certified will be allowed to enter one time. They will be informed of the new certification program and directed to driver’s assistance.

“As truckers and residents of the Lowcountry, we seek to provide motor carrier service using the most fuel efficient and cleanest burning trucks possible,” said Keith Johnson, President of the Charleston Motor Carriers Association. “We support the Clean Truck Program and the opportunity it gives our members to upgrade their truck engines. This is a positive initiative both for our industry and for the environment.”

SCPA will conduct on-terminal spot checks to confirm engine year, and the program pertains to all container facilities including the SC Inland Port.

Registration Website: cleantruck.scspa.com

For media questions about the program, contact Erin Pabst at 843-577-8121.

For driver inquiries, please contact Patrick Moore at 843-577-8175.

Vote of Confidence for Port of Charleston in National Economist's 2013 Port Outlook

Charleston, SC - Colliers International Chief Economist and thought leader K.C. Conway highlighted the S.C. Ports Authority as an emerging dominant port in the East during a conference call focusing on bright spots and blind spots for the nation’s ports.

Conway’s comments were discussed on a Stifel Financial Corporation conference call during which Conway emphasized that state support of port funding needs will determine which ports dominate the industry in the era of post-Panamax ships.

“South Carolina absolutely gets it in terms of the importance of the Port of Charleston,” Conway said, “and has essentially written a blank check to do what is necessary and jump through whatever hurdles so that it continues to grow, retain and attract companies like Boeing and BMW.”

In 2012, the SC General Assembly set aside $300 million in a Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund to cover the entire estimated construction cost of the harbor deepening project in case of any shortfall in federal dollars. The harbor deepening project complements the SCPA’s $1.3-billion, 10-year capital plan for infrastructure improvements and new land-side capacity, including the Inland Port.

Conway highlighted the growth of ports in the Southeast, noting the SCPA’s success in balancing Charleston’s historic nature and tourism industry with the need for port growth by shifting expansion efforts to the interior of the state and developing an inland port in Greer.

“This is having a tremendous, positive impact on the Port of Charleston,” Conway said. “I think these inland ports are going to be a major game changer for who is most successful and who is not so successful in this first post-Panamax decade.”

The 91-acre Inland Port offers overnight rail service to and from the Port of Charleston with initial utilization of approximately 40,000 container moves annually with the potential to expand to 100,000 moves annually.

“I believe the Inland Port will be a major distribution hub located within 500 miles of 94 million consumers,” said SC Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome. “Reliable, cost-effective movement of freight is critical for serving the Southeast, which is the fastest growing region of the U.S., and the Inland Port positions us to do that.”

Conway also predicted that the Port of Charleston, in addition to the Port of New York and New Jersey, is the likely destination for post-Panamax ships who may only call on two ports per coast. The Port of Charleston is well-positioned to meet the needs of post-Panamax ships because of its proximity to the ocean, high efficiency and favorable weather.

Conway releases a North American ports analysis bi-annually. For more information, contact Erin Pabst at the SC Ports Authority.

SC Ports Posts Increase in Cargo Volume, Exports

Charleston, S.C. - The South Carolina Ports Authority handled 133,011 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in September, increasing its FY2014 first quarter total volume by 3.3% over the same period last year.

From July through September 2013, the SCPA moved 413,818 TEUs. Total exports for the quarter reached 216,680 TEUs, a 4% increase for the Port over the first quarter of FY2013.

During the period 459 ships called on SCPA facilities, representing a 4.8% increase over plan. The SCPA currently has seven post-Panamax ship calls per week.

"Cargo growth is a top priority for the SC Ports Authority, and we increased volumes on ships that validate our deep-water strategy during the first quarter, meeting an extremely aggressive growth goal for the period," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern.

"The maritime industry is experiencing a great deal of change," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "There is concern among ocean carriers about how much demand there will be, but one thing is for certain - 13,000 TEU ships will be calling on the East Coast as soon as the Bayonne Bridge is raised."

The Inland Port is open, with SCPA staff on-site testing IT systems and handling other preliminary operational activities. Regular cargo activity is expected to begin this week with construction ongoing at the site through the end of the year.

"In the long term, the Inland Port will be catalyst for redefining how distribution is done in South Carolina and surrounding areas," said Newsome. "We have to focus on innovative solutions to logistics challenges. I think we'll look back on this as an extremely good investment."

Situated on a 91-acre site, the terminal offers overnight rail service to and from the Port of Charleston with initial utilization of approximately 40,000 container moves annually with the potential to expand to 100,000 moves annually.

In other action items, the Board authorized preliminary engineering work for structural wharf repairs and upgrades to the Wando Welch Terminal.

"The ships that called on the Port of Charleston in the 1970s when the Wando Welch Terminal was designed and constructed are no longer the ships of today," said Stern. "We're modernizing our facilities for the future. With bigger ships and deeper water, we're working to best utilize the land assets we have to continue to grow our Port."

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