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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.

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston's Union Pier Terminal is bustling with breakbulk cargo. Driven primarily by steel shipments, activity on the dock and in the facility's two largest warehouses has grown substantially in recent months.  

In the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year (April-June), the terminal handled 50,079 tons of non-containerized freight, predominantly steel wire rod and coils, much of which is utilized in tire production, and steel billets. This was an 85 percent jump from the preceding nine months of the fiscal year combined, during which the terminal handled 27,109 tons of cargo.  

Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), credits the agency's focus on recruiting non-container accounts as well as a new, monthly breakbulk service that was announced in the spring. 

"We've been aggressive in recruiting breakbulk in an ongoing effort to diversify the port's business," McClintock said. "We're exporting a large amount of steel used in construction. On the import side, we are seeing steel wire rod and coils used to manufacture tires, which is a large and growing segment in the state." 

South Carolina ranks first in the nation for tire exporting. With Michelin, Bridgestone and Continental Tire all locating to or expanding in South Carolina, tire manufacturing is one of the largest industrial sector employers in South Carolina. These three companies employ more than 12,000 in the state.  

"At Union Pier, we have more than 290,000 square feet of warehouse storage space to handle weather-sensitive cargo, like steel wire rod and coils and paper, as well as large lay-down areas suitable for traditional breakbulk," McClintock said. 

Since repositioning the port's major ro-ro accounts to Columbus Street Terminal in March 2011, Union Pier offers additional space for non-containerized accounts. The SCPA invested nearly $25 million to convert Columbus Street Terminal from a container facility to a premier, vehicle-handling and multi-use facility. 

Earlier this year, Grieg Star Shipping selected Charleston for its monthly service, which calls Union Pier Terminal. Since March, the terminal has handled a total of 14 cargo vessels.

Charleston's non-container facilities handled 1.12 million tons of bulk and breakbulk cargo in fiscal year 2013, a 30 percent jump from the previous year. The SCPA projects an approximately 10 percent increase in breakbulk and non-containerized cargo at the Port of Charleston during the next 12 months.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has been named to an industry best list of organizations “pushing the sustainability envelope” within the transportation sector.

Inbound Logistics selected global companies and organizations making measurable progress and “leading by example” for its 75 Green Supply Chain Partners list. Only six ports in the nation, including just two port authorities on the East Coast, were selected for the honor.

“Our efforts to reduce emissions through new and upgraded equipment, better fuels and replacing the oldest trucks that serve our port are leading among ports in the region,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. “We know that green efforts not only make good business sense, but they are also key to being a productive and responsible part of the local community.”

Starting with a pool of more than 200 transportation and logistics companies, the publication’s selection process took into account an organization’s involvement in three areas: public-private partnerships, corporate sustainability initiatives and collaborative customer-driven projects.

The publication cited the SCPA’s commitment to reducing air emissions, including electrification and repowering of on-terminal equipment and its first-in-the region truck replacement program, which aims to eliminate the oldest, dirtiest trucks from the local private-sector truck fleet.

Earlier this year, the SCPA released the results of its latest air emissions inventory, which analyzed emissions of six criteria pollutants from trucks, trains, cargo-handling equipment, ships and tugs and spanned an approximately 2,500-square-mile area. In a five-year period, emissions related to the SCPA’s cargo-handling equipment demonstrated double-digit reductions for all criteria pollutants, including a 60 percent reduction in Nox, a 57 percent reduction in particulate matter (PM) and a 99 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2). The report also found that emissions from trucks calling the SCPA’s facilities similarly have made major air-quality strides, with reductions in all six criteria pollutants.

Several other companies that do business in and around the SCPA’s terminals, including ocean carriers, trucking companies, third-party logistics providers and others, were also named to the list in the magazine’s June issue.

Inbound Logistics is the leading trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers. The magazine's editorial mission is to help companies of all sizes better manage corporate resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure, and better matching demand signals to supply lines.

The magazine’s G75 special section is available online.

Charleston, SC - In results announced at today’s regular Board meeting, South Carolina’s public seaport system continued above-market growth during fiscal year 2013.

Container business at the Port of Charleston was up nine percent in the fiscal year that ended June 30, with 1.56 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled during the past 12 months.

“The shipping industry trend toward mega-consortia will ultimately be an advantage for deepwater harbors, like Charleston,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), referring to the rise of new carrier consortia such as the G6 and, more recently, the P3. “While just under the aggressive target we set for the past fiscal year, Charleston’s growth remains at more than double the average market growth for the nation’s ports,” he said.
June container figures were up four percent from the same month last year, reflecting the start of new or upsized container services in the port this summer. Charleston’s two container facilities handled 125,257 TEUs last month.

Charleston’s non-container facilities - Columbus Street, Union Pier and Veterans terminals - handled 1.12 million tons of bulk and breakbulk cargo in FY13, a 30 percent jump from the previous year. While breakbulk volumes grew around one percent, the biggest gains in these combined segments were associated with a large-scale, local paving project that has since concluded.

In the Port of Georgetown, business at the dock was off 10 percent, with 494,645 pier tons handled from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Additional highlights from FY13 included:

In other action, the SCPA Board approved a contract for nearly $2 million related to dike raising at Drum Island, a 200-acre upland disposal site for material from berth maintenance dredging at Columbus Street and Union Pier terminals. L&L Contractors, Inc. of Andrews, South Carolina was awarded a $1.99-million construction contract to raise the dikes by six feet, which will create an additional 1.5 million cubic yards of dredge capacity at the site.

Charleston, SC - Nearly 1,000 acres of environmentally and historically significant properties in the Cooper River watershed are being permanently protected, under a $1-million land preservation program by the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA). The effort is part of the SCPA’s $12-million environmental and community mitigation package related to the new container terminal under construction at the former Navy Base in North Charleston.

“As the port grows and thrives, it is vital that we continue to be a productive component of the local community,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. “That is accomplished both through the jobs and opportunities afforded to our neighbors through the maritime community, and also through efforts like this that enhance the Charleston region overall.”

In all, three properties totaling more than 967 acres are being preserved through the SCPA plan. Protection of the largest tract, the 824-acre Buck Hall Plantation property, was finalized last week.

Buck Hall is located on the west branch of the Cooper River adjacent to Mepkin Abbey. The property includes 375 acres of wetlands that will be preserved, free of further development, in perpetuity.

Additional properties now under conservation easements through the SCPA funds include 22 acres at the St. James Chapel of Ease in Goose Creek and 122 acres at Brickyard Plantation, which is located on the east branch of the Cooper River at the upper stream of Quimby Creek.

The SCPA partnered with the Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust to identify and acquire the properties. The property owners each have signed agreements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, placing their properties under conservation easements.

Additional components in the SCPA’s $12-million mitigation plan included a $1 million contribution to protect the 126-acre Morris Island site as a public space for future generations, a five-year collaboration with EcoHealth Alliance on aerial surveys of right whale migrations and a $1-million partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement) program to restore approximately five miles of oyster reefs in the area. Elsewhere in the harbor, the SCPA will be recreating a 22-acre tract of tidal marsh on the southern end of Drum Island.

In addition to the traditional environmental mitigation activities, the SCPA, in coordination with the City of North Charleston and neighborhoods surrounding the new terminal, is funding $4 million toward education and job training programs, an affordable housing trust and other community initiatives.

The new terminal at the former Navy Base is currently the only permitted, new container terminal under construction on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. The facility, at build out, will boost the Port of Charleston’s container capacity by 50 percent.

Charleston, SC - Continuing its growth trajectory, container volume in the Port of Charleston was up nine percent in April compared to the same month last year, with 134,718 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled at the port’s two container terminals. April 2013 represented a more than 17 percent increase from the same month two years ago.

“Our volume continues to grow above the market, and we must continue our aggressive sales efforts as we heavily invest in our port’s infrastructure,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. The SCPA is building an inland port in Greer, SC to enhance freight movement to and from a key area for the port’s customers in the region. Additionally, the SCPA is constructing a new container terminal on the former Charleston Navy Base in North Charleston to boost container capacity by 50 percent at full build out.

In the fiscal year to date (July through April), container volume was 10 percent ahead of the same period last year and represents the highest fiscal year to date in five years. The Port of Charleston moved 1,295,717 TEUs during the past 10 months, compared to 1,178,843 TEUs in fiscal year 2012.

“With new service deployments beginning in June, and additional large vessels calling our port this month, we expect a solid finish to the fiscal year,” Newsome said.

Non-containerized cargo tonnage spiked in April, in part from increased breakbulk activity at Union Pier Terminal as well as bulk project cargo related to a large-scale, local paving project. The SCPA’s non-containerized facilities in Charleston and Georgetown handled 155,842 tons of cargo in April, a 42 percent increase from the same month last year. Pier tons at the two ports totaled 1,361,036 tons of bulk and breakbulk cargo from July to April, a 17 percent gain from the same period in fiscal year 2012.

The month of April also saw the first Maersk ship of more than 8,000-TEU capacity to call the Port of Charleston, with the 1,155-foot-long Axel Maersk call on April 1. On April 30, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, along with the SCPA, hosted a meeting updating the public about progress of Charleston’s Post 45 Harbor Deepening Project. LTC Ed Chamberlayne and Corps staff members shared information about the environmental, economic, and engineering aspects the deepening study, which is ahead of the originally projected schedule and under initial budget estimates. A “We Can’t Wait” project as designated by the President, Charleston’s feasibility study and necessary reviews are to be completed by September 2015.

For more information:
Allison Skipper, APR
Manager, Public Relations
South Carolina Ports Authority
843-577-8121
www.scspa.com

Charleston, SC - To support export growth and economic investment associated with international trade, the nation must develop a prioritization system, a merit-based budget process and predictable means of authorization for needed port infrastructure, the head of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) told members of a Congressional committee today.

This morning, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation heard testimony about the state of the nation’s freight transportation system from five industry executives representing different areas of the supply chain.

At the hearing, SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome gave an overview of the changes seen in the maritime industry as a result of globalization, noting that U.S. manufacturing and export activity has been on the rise in recent years and, simultaneously, the global fleet is upsizing.

“The global shipping industry, especially the container carriers, has responded with significant investment in new vessels,” Newsome stated. “Two-thousand thirteen will see the largest injection of new container capacity into the global container fleet in the history of containerization.”

Newsome highlighted the approximately $2 billion in investments in port-related infrastructure by the SCPA and the State of South Carolina to support the growth of the Southeast region as both a consumption market and exporting hub. These investments include significant additional container capacity as well as $300 million set aside by the S.C. General Assembly to cover the entire cost of Charleston’s harbor deepening project to take the port’s shipping channel to 50 feet.

“The federal harbor system has not kept pace with the dramatic increase in size of ships,” Newsome said. “Going forward, it is vital that a viable strategy and process is established at the federal level to bring port capability in line with the handling requirements of such large ships.

“As with other major transportation projects, harbor deepening, maintenance and infrastructure improvements should be treated as high-priority projects subject to streamlined approval and with a steady and reliable stream of funding,” he said.

Newsome recognized the strides made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, though its SMART Planning directive, to accelerate the study of port infrastructure projects.

“But sustainable improvement will only be realized when a ‘private sector’ type capital budgeting approach is taken to such port improvement projects,” Newsome said.

Such an approach might include these components:

Additional witnesses at the hearing included Fred Smith of FedEx Corp., Charles Moorman of Norfolk Southern Corp., Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises and Edward Wytkind of AFL-CIO.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing on the Panama Canal expansion’s impact on the nation’s freight movements and infrastructure needs. At the hearing, local trucking executive Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express and first vice chairman of the American Trucking Association, outlined how inland modes of transportation must keep pace with improvements made on the water side. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), a member of this committee, highlighted during the hearing the importance of the Port of Charleston to serve the nation’s economy.

Newsome’s testimony to the Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation is available in its entirety by clicking here.