News Entries Archive - Page 40 of 73

Grand Alliance Upsizes Ships in Port of Charleston

Charleston, SC - With today's call of the OOCL California, an alliance of ocean carriers is upsizing its vessels calling the Port of Charleston.

The Grand Alliance, which includes Hapag-Lloyd, NYK and OOCL, has upgraded its Atlantic Express Service (ATX), a North Europe container service that calls North Charleston Terminal on a weekly basis. The service has deployed four larger, post-Panamax vessels with capacity of 5,400 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in place of Panamax ships.

Charleston is the last U.S. port outbound on the service, signaling the importance of Southeast exports to the trade.

"Charleston is a natural gateway to North Europe, given the businesses with European ties that have established in South Carolina," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority.

Charleston leads the European market among South Atlantic ports, with approximately 36 percent of the port's container volume associated with North Europe. Additionally, the port's deep shipping channels - the deepest in the region today - allow more capability for post-Panamax calls.

"Large vessels are not only being deployed in the trade between Asia and the U.S. East Coast," Newsome said. "This represents the second carrier grouping to deploy post-Panamax container vessels in the trade between the U.S. and North Europe. When cargo operations are finished later today, this vessel will sail with a draft too deep to be accommodated in any other South Atlantic port."

The 5,400-TEU OOCL California will sail for Rotterdam, followed by calls in Hamburg, Le Havre and Southampton. Zim, ACL and Hamburg Sud also participate in the ATX service.

SC House Committee Sets Aside $180 Million for Harbor Deepening

Columbia, SC - The House committee shaping the state's budget is setting aside $180 million for harbor deepening in a key move to modernize South Carolina's harbor assets and boost the long-range economic outlook for the state.

The South Carolina House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee established the Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund and included $180 million in non-recurring funds to be used for deepening the state's harbors, including the Charleston Post 45 Harbor Deepening Project.

"We are most appreciative of the members of House Ways and Means for their strong commitment to our state's ports and the Charleston's Harbor Deepening Project," Bill Stern, chairman of the South Carolina Ports Authority, said. "By including $180 million for construction at this time, South Carolina shows that it stands firmly behind this project and is ready to usher it through to completion."

The fund would be used to cover the state's share of construction costs following the completion of the project's feasibility study. The total deepening project cost is estimated at $300 million and 60 percent, or $180 million, would be funded by the state. Any expenditures from the fund would require approval by the South Carolina General Assembly through a joint resolution.

Charleston's Harbor Deepening Project has built considerable momentum in recent weeks. Last week, $3.5 million toward the project's feasibility study was included in the President's Budget for fiscal year 2013. That allocation, along with the funds already included in the Corps Work Plan, means that the federal share of the feasibility study is more than halfway funded.

Already the deepest harbor in the region, Charleston's deepening project would open the port to the biggest vessels 24 hours a day, under any tidal condition. The Corps stated in its Reconnaissance Study in 2010 that Charleston is likely "the cheapest South Atlantic harbor to deepen to 50 feet."

"Each additional foot of depth in our harbor offers tremendous opportunities for businesses - in South Carolina and throughout the region - to compete in a rapidly expanding global marketplace," Stern said. "We believe this project offers the best value for a true post-Panamax harbor in the entire Southeast region, and we commend the Ways and Means Committee for recognizing the critical need for a deepened shipping channel in Charleston."

The full House of Representatives will take up the budget in early March.

South Carolina is serious about deepening the Port of Charleston and making our state more competitive. Instead of using this year's revenue surplus to grow government, we want to devote a significant portion of that surplus to funding our state's share of the deepening project. In this year's state budget, currently being debated in full committee this week, we are putting $180 million in a Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund, sending Washington a clear message that South Carolina is ready to move forward on this - now.

Our state depends on the Port of Charleston to attract investment and talent, evidenced by the many companies in the Upstate - such as Michelin - that do business across the globe each day using our seaports. This committee recognizes that the steps we take today ensure a bright future for South Carolina.

The future of South Carolina really is contingent upon the future of our port, and the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is an essential part of that. By funding the state's share of deepening now, we are showing that we as a state are serious about our competitive position relative to other ports in this region and the Port of Charleston's role as a major player in global shipping.

The $180 million from the state for the deepening project marks an important step as we move to creating a true post-Panamax harbor in Charleston to serve the region. I look forward to seeing the study for Charleston's deepening project completed as fast as possible so we can fire up the dredges.

Creating jobs is a huge priority for South Carolina. The success of our port drives our state's economic success as we compete with other states for new business and investment to come to South Carolina.

Companies in our state do a phenomenal job exporting their goods to overseas markets. By modernizing our state's harbors, we create more opportunities for South Carolinians to succeed in a globally competitive marketplace.

With the President including funds for Charleston's deepening study just last week, we are obligated as a state to be ready to fund our part of the project's construction. This ensures we can complete the deepening as quickly as possible.

I've seen first-hand how the port can impact a company's decision to come to South Carolina. Bridgestone Firestone is locating in Aiken and bringing 850 jobs to the county, and it wouldn't be possible without access to a competitive, deepwater port.

Performance Team Opens On-Terminal Transload Operation at Port of Charleston

Charleston, SC - One of the nation’s leading logistics providers is opening a container transloading facility at the Port of Charleston to speed its customers’ supply chains.

Performance Team is leasing space at the Wando Welch Terminal’s container freight station, where the company will transload cargo from ocean-going shipping container to truck for distribution to its network of customers throughout the Southeast.

“We are excited to be able to offer our customers on-port transload and distribution services,” said Cliff Katab, president of Performance Team. “The service will greatly improve turn times and allow their supply chains to be more flexible with increased speed.”

The Wando site is expected to handle both import and export cargo as the company continues to expand in the Southeast. Transloading the goods on-site allows for greater efficiencies, reduced cost and faster speed to market for retail imports.

“We welcome Performance Team’s expansion in the Charleston region,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “This on-terminal transloading service offers added value to shippers who rely on Charleston’s high productivity, proximity to population centers and extensive service network to get their product to market.”

Furthermore, the port’s deep shipping channels have placed Charleston in prime position for big-ship growth in the coming years, as carriers deploy larger vessels and the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2014. A next-generation harbor deepening project for Charleston is currently underway.

“As the premier East Coast deep water port, Charleston will be able to support all of our importers’ needs for years to come. It is a great match,” Katab said.

Performance Team, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., operates more than 5 million square feet of warehouse space across the U.S., including a 250,000-square-foot warehouse in nearby Goose Creek, SC. The company has extensive experience in product-handling for the retail sector, with customers including Belk, Positec, Best Buy and others.

David Madden, the company’s new senior director of operations, will oversee the Charleston facilities. After entering the local market in 2007, Performance Team’s local staff has grown more than 200 percent in just 5 years.

About Performance Team
With over 30 years experience, Performance Team has established itself as a national leader in custom end-to-end logistics solutions for the retail and manufacturing industries. No matter what size your business or what unique challenges you face, Performance Team’s proven national infrastructure is here to work with you to streamline your supply chain, affect your bottom line and get your products where they belong - in your customer’s hands.

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 and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $50 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.

Federal Share of Feasibility Study Now More than Halfway Funded

Charleston, SC - For the first time, the President's Budget includes funding for Charleston Harbor Deepening, demonstrating that leaders at the highest levels of government recognize the project as one critical to the nation's economic future.

In the budget announced today, the Administration included $3.549 million for Charleston's post-45 foot deepening project for fiscal year 2013, which begins October 1, 2012.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Administration for recognizing the importance of the Port of Charleston in the national economic strategy," said Bill Stern, chairman of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) Board. "This funding puts us well on our way to completing the feasibility phase of this project so we can move expeditiously to deepening Charleston Harbor.

"Sen. Lindsey Graham, along with Congressman Jim Clyburn, has gone above and beyond to champion this project with the Administration," Stern said. "Additionally, Mayor Riley's involvement has been invaluable as he has used every opportunity with the President to emphasize Charleston Harbor's merits."

Today's announcement comes on the heels of the release last week of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for the rest of fiscal year 2012, which included $2.5 million for the continued work on the Charleston Harbor post-45 foot deepening project. The latest allocation, if approved by Congress, also means that the federal government's share of the study cost is now more than halfway funded.

"We welcome any future opportunity to show the Administration that their investment in Charleston is the nation's best buy in harbor projects, with a payoff in new jobs and economic growth across the region," Stern said.

The feasibility study is estimated at $20 million, which is cost-shared 50/50 between the federal government and the South Carolina Ports Authority. The SCPA also has committed to accelerate its half of the study funds as needed to continue to advance the project.

The Corps stated in its Reconnaissance Study in 2010 that Charleston is likely "the cheapest South Atlantic harbor to deepen to 50 feet." Charleston's harbor deepening project is estimated to deliver $106 million in net benefits annually for an approximately $140-million federal investment. The total deepening project is estimated at $300 million.

Funds for the nation's Corps of Engineers' Civil Works projects in the President's Budget represented a 5.4 percent decrease in funding from the previous year. The Budget document stated that the savings were achieved "by prioritizing investments that will yield high economic and environmental returns." The President's Budget also included $15.8 million for maintenance dredging in Charleston Harbor.

With 45 feet of depth at mean low water, Charleston currently has the deepest channels in the South Atlantic region and can handle ships drafting up to 48 feet on high tide. Deepening Charleston Harbor will open the port to expanded trade opportunities and increased big-ship traffic via the new locks of the Panama Canal 24 hours a day.

Already in 2012, the Port of Charleston has handled 24 ships with actual docking or sailing drafts 40 feet or greater, too deep for today's Panama Canal.

Additional Quotes from South Carolina Leaders:

"This is great news for Charleston and our state's economy. I want to thank President Obama for his leadership on this important project, and I will continue to work with him, the Army Corps of Engineers and my colleagues in Congress to get this project done."

"This is the type of funding that the federal government should be investing in. The Charleston Port has gone through a merit-based process to prove its importance to our nation, and has obviously proven that worth not only to those of us in South Carolina, but to the President as well. While there are many problems with the President's budget - tax hikes and spending increases to name two - this is something he got right."

"I am pleased to see the President has included $3.5 million dollars in the FY2013 budget for the Charleston harbor deepening project. "The Charleston port is important to job creation in South Carolina as well as the Southeast. "It is my hope that the President will continue to support such measures that provide for economic growth and help put our American families back to work."

"It's another great day in South Carolina, and we are so appreciative for this recognition that the future of the Port of Charleston is a priority for the region and the country."

"I am happy the President provided $3.5 million to move this critical project farther down the road. We will continue to pursue ways to come up with money to complete this dredging project and secure a bright future for South Carolina."

"The Port of Charleston has long been our state's gateway to the rest of the world. For our citizens to succeed in the global arena of the future, our port must remain competitive. Without this project, generations of South Carolinians will not achieve the quality of life they would have had otherwise."

"This word will spread to the most important folks - the shippers - that we are truly open for business now and even more so in the future."

"This is a great victory for the South Carolina Ports Authority in our ongoing effort to deepen Charleston Harbor. With 1 in every 5 South Carolina jobs tied to our ports, it's nice to see Washington take action on something that will promote real job creation. As our state's lawmakers are committed to doing everything possible on our side to make this project a reality, it is encouraging to see Washington stepping up to the plate on this vital economic development project."

"I am pleased to see that the President is investing in Charleston as a true post-Panamax harbor, as all other projects being studied in the region come up short."

"I, along with my fellow members of the South Carolina General Assembly, as evidenced in my Concurrent Resolution, am pleased President Obama included in his 2013 federal budget the funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue a feasibility study on deepening Charleston Harbor to at least fifty feet."

"The deepening of Charleston's Harbor is critically important to our port, our community, our region, and our state's economic success in the future. A deepened harbor translates into jobs in our community and throughout South Carolina and is a great benefit to businesses in this part of our country."

"As the Port of Charleston is a vital part of the economy of our region and state, we are very pleased that President Obama has placed money in his budget to bring our Port's deepening project closer to a reality."

"This is great news for South Carolina. The Charleston Harbor Deepening is essential to long-term economic success in our state, and presents a compelling business opportunity for the United States as we prepare for the Panama Canal expansion."

"Today's announcement is a significant milestone in the Port's ongoing effort to deepen its harbor. For manufacturing to continue to grow in South Carolina, we must have port facilities that can efficiently handle cargo which more and more will be carried by post-Panamax ships. If we can deepen Charleston's harbor, finish the Navy Base expansion, and build adequate infrastructure surrounding the port, Charleston will maintain its place as a port of choice for the manufacturing sector."

"The business community is pleased that the president, at the request of our federal delegation, included $3.5 million in his budget for Charleston's post-45 foot deepening project. Today's announcement shows that creating jobs is a bipartisan effort. The completion of harbor deepening is critical to companies all over the state that do business with the port. This announcement is another great step in the right direction for South Carolina and the entire Southeast region."

"The Port is a key attraction asset and a deciding factor for companies considering the Charleston market for an expansion or location. Companies today require efficient access to world markets and as the deepest harbor in the South Atlantic, Charleston is strategically positioned to offer those direct connections. We are thankful our leaders recognize the tremendous economic boost the deepwater Port of Charleston offers our region, our state and also our nation."

Corps Funding Advances Charleston Harbor Project

Charleston, SC - Charleston's already-underway harbor deepening project got another boost today with the release of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Work Plan for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2012. In it the Corps included $2.5 million for the continued work on the Charleston Harbor post-45 foot deepening project.

"This is wonderful news for the 260,000 South Carolinians whose jobs depend on the competitiveness of our port," said Bill Stern, chairman of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) Board. "The nation needs a true 50-foot harbor in the Southeast region to serve the growing needs of trade, including bigger ships and increased demand overseas for U.S. goods.We applaud the Corps for including funds to advance Charleston's project, which is the nation's best buy in harbor deepening."

The $2.5 million included in the Work Plan will continue progress on the Feasibility Study that began last summer. The study is expected to cost around $20 million, which is funded 50/50 by the Federal Government and the local sponsor.The SCPA also has committed to accelerate its half of the study funds as needed to keep the project moving in an expeditious manner.

"Our leaders at the local, state and federal level all stand united in support of this project," said Stern. "In particular, Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Jim Clyburn have worked tirelessly to ensure that we continue to advance Charleston deepening for the benefit of our state, our region and the entire nation. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts."

More than 20,000 companies in two dozen states use the Port of Charleston to access global markets. These businesses ship goods worth $50 billion a year through the Charleston Customs District and pay more than $600 million in duties into the General Treasury annually.

Given national manufacturing, distribution, agricultural and export growth, along with the Panama Canal expansion in 2014, the U.S. needs a South Atlantic port able to efficiently handle larger ships calling in greater frequency over the coming years.

Charleston already has the deepest channels in the region and routinely handles the biggest ships calling the U.S. East Coast today. While Charleston can accommodate vessels drawing up to 48 feet by using the tides, further deepening will open the port to expanded trade via the world's most modern ships under any tidal condition.

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 and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $50 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.

New World Alliance Adds Charleston Calls to New Trans-Atlantic Service

Charleston, SC -The New World Alliance consortium of ocean carriers announced today a new Trans-Atlantic service that includes twice-weekly calls at the Port of Charleston's Wando Welch Terminal.

The new Americas Europe Express service will connect Charleston to Northern Europe through direct calls at Rotterdam, Bremerhaven and Felixstowe, as well as Latin America through the transshipment hub of Manzanillo, Panama. The double call in Charleston adds 104 vessel calls a year for the local maritime community.

Participating in the Americas Europe Express service are the alliance carriers of APL, operating three vessels, and Hyundai Merchant Marine and Mitsui OSK Lines, operating one vessel apiece.

Significantly, Charleston is one of only two U.S. ports - and the only port in the region - selected for the new service.

"Double calls in Charleston will enable the New World Alliance's network of customers ample coverage across the U.S. Southeast and beyond," said Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for the South Carolina Ports Authority. "This also provides the region's exporters additional reach to markets in Latin America and Europe where there is demand."

The first vessels on the service will call Charleston in early March with calls by the APL Shanghai, sailing westbound from Rotterdam on February 29, and the APL Indonesia, sailing eastbound from Manzanillo on March 5.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $50 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.

Business Up at South Carolina Ports in 2011, Charleston Harbor Deepening Advances

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) closed calendar year 2011 with volume increases across business segments, concluding a year highlighted by progress on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, record big ship traffic and the completion of major capital improvements.

In results announced today at the SCPA’s regular meeting, December saw a slight increase in Charleston’s box volume, with a 2.4 percent uptick in container traffic. Charleston handled 109,472 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, compared to 106,866 TEUs in December 2010. Despite continued weakness in the economy, container volume for calendar year 2011 was up 1.2 percent from 2010.

Midway through the fiscal year that began July 1, container traffic is off slightly, with volume down less than one-third of one percent from the same six-month period last year.

"We are continuing to experience a flat economic environment here in the U.S.,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. Industry analysts predict continued weakness in retail imports until spring while exports, particularly agricultural products, are expected to grow throughout 2012.

Breakbulk pier tonnage in Charleston and Georgetown was up 26.8 percent in December and up 54.9 percent in calendar 2011 over 2010 figures.

In the fiscal year to date (July through December), total breakbulk at the two ports was up 59.2 percent. Charleston’s non-container tonnage rose 21.5 percent in the first six months of the fiscal year (from 339,693 tons last year to 412,847 tons in FY12), while tonnage at the Port of Georgetown has grown more than threefold. Georgetown handled 268,147 pier tons in FY12 to date, up from 88,175 tons in the same period of FY11.

"Our sales team has made great strides to further diversify our business, including growing the non-container side,” said Newsome. "And we are continuing to be creative and aggressive to increase business opportunities in the Port of Georgetown.”

In addition, last year saw several advancements with the Charleston Post-45-Foot Harbor Deepening Project, currently in the feasibility phase. The Corps of Engineers and the SCPA are cost-sharing the feasibility study, with a commitment from the Corps’ South Atlantic Division to get to the construction phase as soon as practical. Meanwhile, big ship traffic in the port increased in 2011, including the first call by a 9,200-TEU ship in July. Each week, Charleston handles four post-Panamax vessel calls.

"There is no greater priority for our port than the harbor deepening project,” Newsome stated. "The Southeast region needs a true post-Panamax port to handle trade demand and the size of ships calling the East Coast in the years ahead, and Charleston is poised to be that port.”

Also at the meeting the SCPA Board approved projects totaling $5.2 million in capital improvements, including construction of a new, $3.05-million, 100,000-square-foot warehouse at Columbus Street Terminal to serve growing customer demand. This comes on the heels of major investments totaling $23 million to improve the terminal. Columbus Street Terminal serves the Port of Charleston’s non-container segment, including BMWs manufactured in the South Carolina Upstate.

The automaker announced last week that the facility located in Greer, S.C. will add the X4 production while increasing the plant’s capacity to 300,000 vehicles annually. About 70 percent of the plant’s production last year was exported.

SC Ports Authority Suspends Jasper Funding, Sets Path Forward

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) Board today said deepening of the Savannah River up to the future Jasper Ocean Terminal should be an alternative to the currently proposed deepening project. Until that happens, it has suspended future funding related to the Jasper Ocean Terminal and set out a path for the two states to get the project back on track.

At its regular monthly meeting, the SCPA board discussed how the proposed Savannah River deepening project would be insufficient to handle the larger container ships that already call the U.S. East Coast and that are expected to increase with the expansion of the Panama Canal.

“The proposed Savannah River deepening was probably fine when first conceived in 1999, but today’s global shipping environment requires more,” said Bill Stern, chairman of the SCPA.

He noted that a 50-foot deep channel has emerged as the minimum standard for the post-Panamax world in other East Coast ports - including New York, Baltimore, Norfolk and Miami - but the Savannah River would fall short even after deepening.

For some time Stern and others have warned that the proposed Savannah River deepening project could severely delay or even kill the prospects for a terminal in Jasper.

“It’s a bad deal for the taxpayer to spend billions of dollars for a new Jasper Ocean Terminal on a last generation river,” said Stern. “That means another deepening project, beyond the one currently being reviewed, would be required.”

The Board concluded that it is not feasible to build a multi-billion-dollar Jasper Ocean Terminal under current and proposed conditions, voting to suspend funding related to the project.

To realize a terminal in Jasper, Stern called on Georgia to join with South Carolina in requesting that the Corps consider dredging to the Jasper site as an alternative in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, noting that such a project would cost much less and generate significantly fewer environmental impacts.

The SCPA will also seek to amend the intergovernmental agreement between the states, detailing specific actions required to help the Jasper Ocean Terminal.

Changes would include releasing the 50-year Federal easements on the entire site, sharing equally the costs of infrastructure to the site, determining the navigational capacity of the Savannah River and ensuring equal, dual-rail access from both major railroads.

“I hope our neighbors in Georgia share our long-term commitment to a Jasper Ocean Terminal and work with South Carolina to ensure its future,” Stern said.

The Board also took other actions at its meeting today in Charleston:

1) Strategic Plan Update - Approved an update to its Strategic Plan, reflecting changes in the global economy, the container shipping industry and the Atlantic Coast port industry. The three-month effort resulted in a focus on four key strategic issues:

2) New TOS - Approved an $11.9-million contract for HITT Contracting of North Charleston to install infrastructure related to a new terminal operating system (TOS) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals. Implementation of the Navis SPARCS N4 TOS will improve customer service, increase efficiency and enhance cargo visibility.

3) Engineering for New Cranes - Approved a $1.2-million contract with Shaw GBB of Mobile for engineering consulting services related to the purchase four new super-post-Panamax container cranes for the North Charleston Terminal.

4) Personnel Actions - Approved a new organizational structure and related personnel actions to better align the organization with its strategic priorities. Four senior vice presidents include: Paul McClintock, chief commercial officer; Bill McLean, chief operations officer; Peter Hughes, chief financial officer; and Barbara Melvin, external affairs.

November Volume Update

Results in the container business segment continue to reflect some weakness in the U.S. economy. Container volume in the Port of Charleston totaled 112,431 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) in November, up 1.5 percent from November 2010. Fiscal year-to-date (Jul-Nov) totaled 579,449 TEU, down slightly (0.82 percent) from same five months last year.

“While we are tracking well with other U.S. ports, we are in a flat economic environment,” SCPA President & CEO Jim Newsome stated.

While container business remains relatively flat, other cargo segments remain healthy. The SCPA’s non-container business is up nearly 54 percent in FY2011, totaling 556,800 tons compared to 362,011 tons the year prior. These results came despite a 26 percent decline in November.

The Port of Georgetown is leading the increase in non-container business this year, more than doubling from last year to 207,540 tons. Breakbulk, bulk and ro-ro business through the SCPA’s terminals in Charleston was 349,260 tons July-November, up 30 percent from last year.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Garners Support

Charleston, SC - With Charleston's next harbor deepening project underway, business and maritime leaders today joined with elected officials to support both the reduced transportation costs and the job benefits of a true post-Panamax harbor in the U.S. southeast.

Meeting at the Charleston Maritime Center on Charleston Harbor, a diverse group of leaders rallied behind Charleston's harbor project, calling it essential to the state and national economy and job creation across the region.

"Charleston is our nation's best chance to deliver a next-generation harbor for the Southeast region," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA). "This deepening project will drive economic investment and jobs in our state while customers across the entire region will benefit from lower supply chain costs. And, importantly, this is the nation's best buy for a South Atlantic deepening project."

More than 20,000 companies in several dozen states use the Port of Charleston to access global markets, shipping cargo valued at $50 billion a year through the Charleston Customs District.

Charleston's project will have an estimated $106 million in annual net benefits for a $140-million federal investment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers described that based on preliminary studies at other nearby harbors, "Charleston Harbor would probably be the cheapest South Atlantic harbor to deepen to 50 feet."

The industry's big ship trend is changing the competitive landscape for the nation's ports. The expansion of the Panama Canal - a game-changer for the shipping industry - will open the U.S. East Coast to more big ships and expanded direct trade. In fact, nearly 80 percent of the ships on order today are post-Panamax in size.

Additionally, increasing exports from the Southeast necessitates deep harbors. Exports are typically denser and heavier than import goods.

While Charleston currently has the deepest water in the region, the largest ships call during high tide, when water depths accommodate vessels drafting up to 48 feet of water. Having unrestricted access for these big ships will attract the world's leading ocean carriers and inspire new investment from companies looking to efficiently serve trade demand and growing markets.

For its part, the SCPA is investing $1.3 billion over the next decade on landside improvements to its facilities, including a new container terminal at the former Navy Base to handle increased trade demand.

"Harbor deepening is the only missing component," Newsome stated.

The public is invited to learn more about the project and provide comment at a Public Scoping Meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. The workshop-style meeting will be held in Mark Clark Hall on the campus of The Citadel.

Additional comments from today's media event today:

"Without [deepening Charleston Harbor] generations of South Carolinians will not achieve the quality of life they would have had otherwise."
- Sen. Larry Grooms

"The effort to deepen our harbor to post-Panamax depths is the most significant issue for our state's well-being that I can recall."
- Sen. Glenn McConnell

"The beginning of this project is an important milestone in the Port of Charleston's race to become the Southeast's regional hub in a post-Panamax world."
- Sen. Chip Campsen

"From where we are standing today you can see the Atlantic Ocean. This is a very wise, cost-effective investment in the economic health of South Carolina."
- Mayor Joe Riley, City of Charleston

"Two of the most talked about issues in our country are spending and jobs. So it would appear that this project makes perfect sense and is the wise decision for our nation."
- Ken Riley, President, ILA Local 1422

"The Port has been a key attraction asset and a deciding factor for the majority of companies considering the Charleston market for an expansion or location. In fact, Charleston is the best and perhaps only option for a true post-Panamax port in the Southeastern United States."
- David Ginn, President & CEO, Charleston Regional Development Alliance

"Companies in all 46 counties of the state do business in this port on a daily basis. This project will reduce the cost of doing business for the thousands of companies in South Carolina that ship internationally."
- Otis Rawl, President & CEO, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

"Today, the port and the associated trade and commerce it represents, are THE driver of the economy of our region and our entire state."
- Ron Jones, Chairman, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

For more information:
Byron D. Miller
843-577-8197
www.scspa.com

Evergreen's Eco-Ships Featured On Discovery Channel

Port of Charleston carrier Evergreen Line's environmental philosophy and excellence was recently featured in Green Room, a television program on the Discovery Channel. The show detailed the global ocean carrier's proactive green shipbuilding efforts initiated by Evergreen Group Chairman Dr. Yung-Fa Chang and helps to promote the importance of marine environmental protection.

Click here to view the piece, which aired November 19th (opens in Windows Media Player).

Evergreen Line embraces the concept that only with a sustainable marine environment will there be long-term success for the shipping industry. In line with its ongoing fleet renewal program, Evergreen Line has ordered 30 more 8,000 TEU L-class Greenships from July 2010. The new green fleet will well position the container carrier to provide marine transportation service in a more environmental friendly way in the future. For more information about the video of Greenships and Evergreen Line's eco solutions, please log onto www.evergreen-line.com .

For additional information on the Port of Charleston?s own environmental efforts, visit www.pledgeforgrowth.com.

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