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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.

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.

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.

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.

Charleston, S.C. - The South Carolina Ports Authority has awarded $30,000 in undesignated funds to nonprofits and the Charleston County School District as part of its Community Giving program.

The Community Giving program rewards nonprofits that impact maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness or community outreach, and this year's winners are engaged in projects to protect Lowcountry habitats, engage at-risk students and support the arts in Charleston.

"Our mission at the port goes beyond driving commerce and economic development for the state of South Carolina," said South Carolina Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome. "These and many other organizations are yielding great results in our community, and our Community Giving program gives us the opportunity to partner with outstanding nonprofits that work daily to better the environment, economy and society."

For more information about the Community Giving program, please visit http://www.port-of-charleston.com/About/community/community.asp.

This year's recipients are:

"Victims of home fires are often left without shelter, food, clothing, medications and more," said Louise Welch Williams, regional CEO for the American Red Cross. "The American Red Cross provides resources to meet our neighbors' immediate needs after a blaze, and we work with victims on a long-term recovery strategy as well. We are grateful to the South Carolina Ports Authority for its Community Giving award; it is only through the generosity of the Port and others in our community that the Red Cross is on the scene to assist home fire victims in their darkest hours."

"We are grateful to be a part of the SCPA's Community Giving program and proud that it recognizes the Center's educational and environmental work as important to the vitality of the Lowcountry and South Carolina," said Jim Elliott, founder and executive director of the Avian Conservation Center and its principle operating division, The Center for Birds of Prey.

"We are most appreciative to the South Carolina Ports Authority for its contribution to Charleston County School District's An Evening with the Stars event," said Anita Huggins, director for the district's Office of Teacher Effectiveness. "As a result of SCPA's generosity, we will be able to honor outstanding educators who are working daily to elevate the achievement of all students and close the achievement gap."

"The Charleston Symphony Orchestra is grateful for the support of the SC Ports Authority," said Monica Jenks, director of development for the orchestra. "This critical support enables us to accomplish our mission of providing musical performances and educational opportunities of the highest caliber to the Charleston area and beyond." 

"Charleston Waterkeeper greatly appreciates the South Carolina Ports Authority's support of our Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program," said Andrew Wunderley, program director and staff attorney for Charleston Waterkeeper. "The program regularly tests bacteria levels in local waterways so the public can determine where it's safe for activities like swimming, SUPing, kayaking and sailing."  

"Charleston Women in International Trade would like to thank the SCPA for the sponsorship," said English Struth, vice chair for CWIT. "This important contribution allows CWIT to continue to support its mission and programs, such as awarding $9,000 in student scholarships, funding for candidate training at the College of Charleston for preparation of the Certified Global Business Professional credential examination, mentoring, Woman-of-the-Year and monthly professional development events."

"Chucktown Squash greatly appreciates the South Carolina Ports Authority Community Giving Program's generous donation of $1,000 for academic supplies to be used during the one-on-one tutoring Chucktown Squash provides its students each day at the College of Charleston," said Sam Candler, executive director for Chucktown Squash. "The Ports Authority's contribution will help ensure the Chucktown Squash students have the tools necessary to recognize their full academic potential as they develop into outstanding scholars, athletes and community members."

"Communities In Schools is honored to be a recipient of funding support from the South Carolina Ports Authority," said Jane Riley-Gambrell, executive director for Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area. "This support will enable us to continue providing the range of services that help our students stay in school and achieve success."

"We're very thankful to receive the SCSPA Community Giving Award!" said Sara Clow, general manager of GrowFood Carolina. "Fostering a vibrant local food system is one of the most important things for a community to focus on and invest in and the SCPA is visionary in understanding this mission."

"We are grateful to the South Carolina Ports Authority for their support of the The Angel Oak Preserve and the Lowcountry Conservation Initiative," said Elizabeth Hagood, executive director for Lowcountry Open Land Trust. "Their support will allow the land trust to continue to protect the irreplaceable and critically important lands of the Lowcountry."

"The March of Dimes is honored to be a recipient," said Meredith Repik, executive director for the South Carolina chapter of March of Dimes. "Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, infant mortality and premature birth, and locally we have funded over $1 million in the past four years to research in our backyard at MUSC. Thank you so much for this gift, it allows more babies to be born healthy and on-time"

"South Carolina has a world-class port system that is the cornerstone of economic growth and global competitiveness in our state," said Laura McKinney, deputy executive director for New Carolina. "The port and the companies it serves must have a workforce with the knowledge and skills to meet their high standards. New Carolina is thrilled, on behalf of Transform SC, to be the recipient of the S.C. Ports Authority's Community Giving Award, which will help our schools meet those needs."

"We at PURE Theatre are thrilled to have been selected a recipient of a Community Giving award from the South Carolina Ports Authority," said Laurens Wilson, managing director for PURE Theatre. "It certainly means a great deal to have an organization like SCPA recognize the work we do. PURE uses our Core Ensemble of professionally trained theatre artists to bring the most exciting and dynamic work of the contemporary theatre to the Charleston community. We very much appreciate SCPA's commitment to PURE and the greater Charleston arts community."

"We are honored that the SCPA Community Giving program has chosen to support Push-Up & Up and our mission for dropout prevention among at-risk youth," said Mindelle Ziff, co-chair of Push-Up & Up. "This generous gift kicks off the fundraising campaign for our 2014 Push-Up & Up Challenge on May 3rd at Marion Square. We encourage other businesses to join as event sponsors and with corporate teams to promote employee wellness and team-building. Thank you for helping us push-up at-risk students in South Carolina!"   

"The Southeastern Coastal Wind Coalition is proud to have the support of the South Carolina Ports Authority as we work to bring the economic and environmental benefits of wind energy to the Southeast," said Brian O'Hara, president for SECWC. "We believe South Carolina's ports are well-positioned to attract new business from this growing industry."

"We are honored to receive our first-ever community outreach grant from the South Carolina Ports Authority to help fund Water Missions International's Educators' Think Tank initiative, Lessons in a Bucket," said Molly Greene, co-founder and chairman of the board at Water Missions International. "Lessons in a Bucket activities teach about the science of safe water, resource management and the global water crisis across academic disciplines. This grant allows us to print additional free teaching resources and distribute them to educators throughout tri-county schools. We are amazed at how students immediately want to make a difference once they learn about the severity of the global water crisis."

"World Trade Center Charleston is delighted to be a recipient of the South Carolina Ports Authority Community Grant," said Pennie Bingham, executive director for the World Trade Center Charleston. "Your support is instrumental in the implementation of the Metro Charleston Export Plan - enabling our region to increase our export intensity, the number of companies exporting and job growth."

Charleston, S.C. - The South Carolina Ports Authority handled 144,649 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in August and recorded its highest monthly volume since October 2008.

August container volumes increased 5.6% year-over-year and helped drive a 4.5% increase in container volumes since FY2014 began. In July and August, the Port of Charleston handled 280,808 TEUs compared to 268,806 TEUs during the same period last year, and year-to-date TEU volumes are ahead of FY2014 plan by 1.8%.

The Port of Charleston also exported more containers in July and August compared to the same two months in FY2013, posting exports of 146,497 TEUs, an increase of 6.7% year-over-year.

"We are working on a lot of projects and need to continually be in front of our customers," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "Our cargo volumes should continue to be influenced by big ship deployments and increased cooperation by ocean carriers in mega-alliances."

The ports authority board also elected its officers during the September meeting. Bill Stern was reelected as Chairman; John Hassell was reelected as Vice Chairman; Michael Sisk was reelected as Treasurer; and Willie Jeffries was reelected as Secretary.

"I appreciate the confidence of the board and look forward to working as Chairman for the next two years,” Stern said. "I'd be remiss if I didn't compliment our CEO Jim Newsome and our entire staff, which is one of the best teams in the country. We're in an exciting time for the Authority. Our No. 1 priority is cargo growth, and our harbor deepening, South Carolina Inland Port project and new Navy Base terminal will impact that growth."

Stern has served as Chairman since November 2009. Since taking over as Chairman, Stern has overseen the Port of Charleston regrow its cargo base by 22% since FY2010. FY2013 container TEUs increased 9% year-over-year and marked the third consecutive year of year-over-year growth.

Local and statewide leaders praised Stern’s reelection.

"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," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "The growth of our ports means more jobs and their continued growth will help us add to the over 37,000 new jobs and over $9 billion in new investment we have brought to South Carolina. We can be confident that under the continued strong and focused leadership of Bill Stern, Jim Newsome, and the Ports Authority board, we will see Charleston deepened to 50 feet, Georgetown revitalized with new life and a port in Jasper approved and built."

"This is a critical time for our state and our ports as we are moving forward on a number of major initiatives," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. "I was pleased to see the SCPA Board re-elect Bill Stern as Board Chairman, a reaffirming decision that supports the progress being made. Bill is a proven leader with a solid track record of success and is just the Ports Authority Chairman our state needs right now."

"Bill is a tireless leader," said state Sen. Larry Grooms. "Our state is fortunate to have a businessman like Bill Stern at the helm of one of our most important assets."

"I commend the Members of the Board of the South Carolina Ports Authority for re-electing Bill Stern as Chair," said S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore John Courson. "Nothing is more important to our statewide economy than a modern, competitive port. We need Bill's continuity of leadership as we face the challenge of deepening Charleston Harbor to accommodate the larger commercial vessels of the future."

"You better deepen it to 50 feet and it better happen or guess what, you will be left behind," Biden said. "That's because other ports along the East Coast will go ahead and do it."

Biden also praised Gov. Nikki Haley, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and the South Carolina federal delegation for their dedication to the harbor deepening project.

"Since the last four and half years, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say there’s not been 10 days and two weeks that’s gone by we haven’t heard about the need to invest in infrastructure down here, particularly in the port," Biden said.

Newsome said Biden’s visit to Charleston reinforces the Administration’s commitment to the Port of Charleston and its harbor deepening project.

The Charleston Harbor Post-45 project is now in the study phase, and the Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District has completed collecting data. The district is now analyzing that data and expects to provide a Chief’s Report by September 2015. The report recommend a depth to dredge the harbor and will be presented to Congress.

Newsome has said the harbor must be deepened to 50 feet so SCPA can provide 24-hour access to post-Panamax ships carrying up to 9,000 TEUs and drafting 48 feet.