News Entries Archive - Page 43 of 73

Design Team Unveils Preliminary Concepts for New Charleston Cruise Terminal at Union Pier

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and its design team today presented to the public the Preliminary Concept Plan for the Port of Charleston's new cruise terminal, which will serve as the catalyst to transform more than 60 acres of waterfront property in downtown Charleston.

The plan serves to remake and reconnect what is currently an industrial site back into the fabric of downtown Charleston by removing of nearly one mile of chain link fences, the addition of city streets - including the re-establishment of Concord Street through the site - and by utilizing materials, lighting, design elements and landscaping contextual and consistent with the rest of the peninsula.

Shifting cruise north on Union Pier will not only deliver a world-class passenger terminal that fits contextually in Charleston, it will remove cargo operations from the lower peninsula and allow the balance of the site - about 35 acres of waterfront property - to be redeveloped and knitted into the rest of the city.

"This dramatically reduces the industrial footprint on the lower peninsula and gives new life to what is currently a blighted area," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The key to unlocking these great opportunities is the new passenger terminal at the north end of the property."

The plan covers the look and feel of the terminal building and surrounding area, logistics within the terminal footprint, and, importantly, responds to the public input received from numerous meetings with community members and neighborhood groups. The full presentation from the meeting, which includes a sketch site plan and terminal rendering, is available online at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

"The Preliminary Concept Plan is in direct response to the extremely helpful community input we have received," said Newsome. "The community has shared their excitement about the possibilities related to the new terminal and its surroundings. Our world-class design team has translated those suggestions into a plan that delivers what the community wants to see."

Thom Penney, president of local architecture firm LS3P, which is part of the design team, presented the preliminary concept plan. "Our preliminary concepts offer so many benefits and demonstrate our consideration of the public's interests and desires," Penney said. "The before-and-after for the entire area is quite compelling."

The public's comments centered on three main areas: circulation and parking, connecting the terminal to the surrounding area, and the design of the building itself.

Vehicle circulation will be greatly improved with the new terminal, which will be located on the northern end of the Union Pier property at the site of an existing warehouse. While today embarking cruise guests are ushered through several different checkpoints before boarding the ship, at the new site, passengers will have only one stop - the terminal's main entrance. This entrance will be on the terminal's southern side at the direct suggestion of public input to ease traffic flow and other impacts. Parking areas adjacent to the terminal will be attractively landscaped. Additionally, Concord Street will be re-established through the terminal site in the first phase, and the existing street closure during embarkation goes away.

Drawing inspirations from elements around Charleston - south-facing porches, architectural elements like louvers and water features, native plants and building materials like tabby and white siding - the new terminal's look reflects the unique qualities of the city.

Summary benefits of the Preliminary Concept Plan include:

Later this summer, the design team plans to present the final design of the terminal to the public. Conversion of the existing building is slated to begin in fourth quarter 2011, with the new terminal facility opening in late 2012. Following that, the SCSPA will be able to turn attention to the master plan for redeveloping the southern portion of the Union Pier property.

The public is encouraged to submit feedback and comments throughout the design process. Created with extensive public involvement, the Union Pier Concept Plan can be seen at www.UnionPierPlan.com, where the public can also provide input.

Corps Green Lights Charleston Deepening

Charleston, SC - The deepening of the Port of Charleston took a huge leap forward today when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Work Plan for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011. The Corps included funds to kick-off the next phase of the Charleston Harbor post-45 foot deepening project, which the agency has estimated will bring $100 million in annual national benefits.

The Corps and the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) will now sign a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement in the coming days, allowing the project to move into the next phase.

"We could not be more excited for this port, our customers, this state and our nation," said Bill Stern, chairman of the SCPA Board. "With bigger ships and expanding exports, the United States needs a true 50-foot harbor in the Southeast. At a time of scarce resources, Charleston is the nation's best buy in harbor deepening. The Corps has made a great decision to include this project."

The U.S. Congress has already authorized Charleston deepening through the study phases, and the Corps last summer stated in its Reconnaissance Study that Charleston is likely "the cheapest South Atlantic harbor to deepen to 50 feet."

"Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Jim Clyburn and Congressman Tim Scott have each individually championed this project in working with the leadership, the Administration and the Corps," said Stern. "We are grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation, Governor Nikki Haley and the General Assembly, as well as mayors from across South Carolina led by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley. They have all helped highlight how important this project is to our country. We look forward to advancing Charleston Harbor Deepening for the benefit of our state and nation."

More than 20,000 companies in several 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.

Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCPA, said port officials, elected leaders, workers and business leaders will certainly take a moment to celebrate before sharpening their focus on the task at hand.

"Our attention now turns to launching the study and securing funds in the FY2012 budget for the Corps to continue with their share of the work," said Newsome.

The Feasibility Study is estimated to be a three- to five-year process totaling $12-20 million and cost-shared 50/50 by the Federal Government and the local sponsor. The total project is estimated at $300 million.

"These projects are marathons -- not sprints -- requiring great persistence, involvement and support," said Newsome. "I'm confident that we have the public support and political leadership to get us across the finish line. And the winners will be U.S. industries, consumers and taxpayers."

The next Charleston deepening will open the port to all classes of the world's most modern vessels under any tidal condition. Current channel depths at low tide are 47 feet in the entrance channel and 45 feet in the inner harbor.

Charleston already has the area's deepest channels and routinely handles ships drawing up to 48 feet on the tides today. More than 300 ships too big for the Panama Canal have already called Charleston, three years before the $5-billion canal expansion is completed in 2014. Greater than 80 percent of the ship capacity on order is for ships too big for the existing canal.

About the South Carolina State 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 https://scspa.com.

South Carolina Port Volume Up for Year

Charleston, SC - While the pace of global recovery is cooling, shipping activity through South Carolina's ports remains up through the current fiscal year.

At its regular monthly board meeting today, the South Carolina Ports Authority today reported that container volume is up 10 percent in the current fiscal year to date (July 2010 through April 2011).

Public port facilities in Charleston moved 666,831 pier containers, up from 605,632 in the same period last year.

Breakbulk volume through the state's ports - driven primarily by vehicle shipments from BMW and energy related projects - rose 40 percent from 551,000 tons last year to 773,000 tons this year.

The Ports Authority Board also approved two projects at its meeting.

As part of the organization's Security Improvement Plan, the Ports Authority is acquiring five modular pre-manufactured structures for use as guard and security buildings at the North Charleston, Columbus Street and Veterans Terminals.

B.I.G. Enterprises will provide the buildings at a cost of $536,425. The purchase will be funded through a combination of federal Port Security Grants (75 percent) and the Authority (25 percent).

The Board also approved a project to adjust timber fenders between the ship and the dock at the existing Union Pier passenger terminal. Salmons Dredging of Charleston is being recommended to do the work at a cost of $197,764.

About the South Carolina State 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.

Charleston Container Volume Up 12%

Charleston, SC - Container shipping volume through the Port of Charleston increased nearly 12 percent in the first three quarters of the fiscal year, and the state’s breakbulk tonnage increased 48 percent, even as the pace of volume gains has slowed.

In the July to March period, container traffic increased 11.6 percent to 1,033,062 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up from 925,837 TEUs in the same period last year. March volume alone was 120,265 TEUs, up 5.7 percent from March 2010.

“While the rate of growth is slowing from last year’s initial volume recovery, we are still moving in the right direction,” said Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). “New distribution and manufacturing investments in the state and across the region, as well as export strength, will be felt in the coming months.”

Vessel calls were also up for the nine-month period, rising 11 percent to 1,271 ships.

At the Ports of Charleston and Georgetown, breakbulk cargo, including automobiles, project cargo, heavy lift shipments, were up 48 percent to 754,000 tons cfrom 511,000 tons in the first three quarters of 2011. A $21-million investment at Charleston’s Columbus Street Terminal is increasing the port’s breakbulk cargo-handling capacity.

“Through Columbus Street Terminal, the Port of Charleston now offers a ro-ro, heavy lift and project cargo terminal that rivals the best out there,” said Newsome. “With on-dock rail, excellent oversize clearances inland, substantial lay-down areas and mobile lifting capacity up to 500 tons, Charleston offers tremendous capabilities.”

At its regularly monthly meeting today, the SCSPA Board approved engineering services related to the relocation, realignment and removal of container cranes at Columbus Street and Wando Welch terminals. Shaw GBB will perform the services at a cost of $277,518.

The entire project, estimated at nearly $5 million, is driven by increasing arrivals of ships too large for the Panama Canal. Every week, Charleston receives four post-Panamax ships actually drafting up to 48 feet.

The SCSPA Board also approved security, entrance and roadway improvements at Veterans Terminal at a cost of $522,000. The project will be covered primarily by federal port security grant funding.

About the South Carolina State 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.

South Carolina Ports Prepare to Greet Hometown Hero with New Sponsorship

Posted on behalf of Team Lazarus/ Le Pingouin

APRIL 18, 2011 - (Charleston, SC) It has been a grueling eight months for American solo sailor Brad Van Liew, braving the elements at sea alone and pushing hard to bring home a win for the USA. Although the VELUX 5 OCEANS race pits sailors against each other in the ultimate solo challenge of racing around the globe alone, the event is far from lacking the element of teamwork. Van Liew will be welcomed to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina this week with an abundance of fans and a notable new supporting sponsor. The South Carolina State Ports Authority has agreed to join Van Liew's campaign as an Associate Sponsor.

"The South Carolina Ports Authority is proud to have such a remarkable platform to communicate the vast assets of our state," said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. "Our ports are diverse, providing jobs for 260,000 men and women while also offering tremendous recreational and educational opportunities." Last year, South Carolina's ports ranked eighth nationally in cargo value with $50 billion in goods moving across the docks.

Since announcing his campaign to compete and win the race, Van Liew has been buoyed by the support of the South Carolina community, and in particular that of the maritime industry. His tired race boat was hauled by Detyens Shipyard last year in preparation for the VELUX 5 OCEANS event. Various parts were machined by CMMC in North Charleston and Charleston Rigging helped with equipment to complete the refit and make Le Pingouin a winning race machine. There has been no shortage of community enthusiasm for Van Liew's attempt to be the first American to ever complete three solo circumnavigation races around the globe and represent the Palmetto State in the international community of ocean racing.

"After 20,000 miles on the ocean I am really looking forward to sailing into Charleston Harbor and seeing the familiar landscape of home," said Van Liew from 31 degrees North. "The South Carolina State Ports Authority is a vital part of our community, and as I race across the Atlantic to the finish line and then visits ports in Europe and the USA, I look forward to sharing the values and maritime excellence of South Carolina with the world."

Van Liew has competed in this epic solo race twice before aboard 50-foot race boats, taking third place as an underdog entry in 1999 and winning first place in his class in 2003 with a convincing cumulative lead of 21 days. The VELUX 5 OCEANS race of 2010-11 marks his first race on a 60-foot race boat and the introduction of the ECO-60 class. Each competitor is challenged with not only sailing around the world alone, but also showcasing sustainable practices that care for the delicate ocean environment.

The Velux 5 Oceans started from La Rochelle in France on October 17, 2010 and features five ocean sprints. After heading from La Rochelle, France to Cape Town, South Africa, the fleet sailed across the vast Southern Indian Ocean to Wellington, New Zealand. From there, the racing yachts sailed to Punta del Este, Uruguay, and are now headed up the Atlantic to Charleston, South Carolina before returning across the ocean to France to the finish.

For further information on Brad Van Liew or Team Lazarus, please contact:

Team Lazarus/ Le Pingouin
Meaghan Van Liew
M: + 1 843-814-3966
E: mvanliew@oceanracing.org
W: www.oceanracing.org

South Carolina State Ports Authority
Byron Miller
O: +1 843-577-8197
E: bmiller@scspa.com

New All-Water Asia Service Picks Port of Charleston

A group of major shipping lines has selected the Port of Charleston for a new, all-water service connecting the growing Southeast U.S. region with South Korea and Central and South China.

The South China East Coast Express 2 (SCE2) service, a joint service operated by the Grand Alliance carriers of Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL and NYK Line, along with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services and Hyundai Merchant Marine, will launch on May 12 from Pusan, South Korea.

The carriers will add weekly capacity of approximately 4,200 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) to the trade, expanding business opportunities for the hundreds of South Carolina companies that rely on international trade.

International ports of call on the service are Pusan, South Korea; Shanghai, Xiamen, Da Chan Bay, Hong Kong and Yantian, China; Manzanillo, Panama; and Kingston, Jamaica.

"Charleston offers efficient access to a healthy, growing base for both import and export cargo," said Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "On the export side, Charleston is an ideal gateway for the export-rich Southeast, and this service links shippers across the region to another growing consumer market - China."

Exports from South Carolina to North Asia continue to demonstrate strong growth. The Southeast U.S. is an expanding consumer base for import goods and continues to grow in population. Over the past 10 years, population growth in the South outpaced any other U.S. region at 14.3 percent, according to 2010 Census figures.

The SCE2 will call North Charleston Terminal, adding 52 ship calls a year and boosting economic impacts and jobs across the local maritime community.

February Volume Up 7% at South Carolina Ports

Charleston, SC - Volume at South Carolina’s public ports was up in February on the heels on major improvements to container operations and the completion of a nearly $22-million project to accommodate growth in Charleston’s breakbulk sector.

Container volume in the Port of Charleston climbed 7 percent in February over the same month last year while volume for the first eight months of the South Carolina State Ports Authority’s (SCSPA) fiscal year increased more than 12 percent.

The Port of Charleston handled 108,994 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in February, up from 101,900 TEUs in February of last year. Fiscal year to date (July through February), Charleston handled 912,789 TEUs, up 12.4 percent from the same period last year.

The increase follows a major streamlining in January of the SCSPA’s container business segment, where all container business was consolidated in two terminals in Charleston while gate operations and processes were harmonized at those terminals. The move offered numerous benefits to port users, including extended gate hours and access to the SCSPA’s information systems for all port customers, all while boosting capacity by about 10 percent.

The SCSPA anticipates continued, but moderate, growth through the year. “Our team has re-established South Carolina’s commercial position and we are headed in the right direction,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA.

Breakbulk tonnage in the Ports of Charleston and Georgetown was up more than 44 percent for the first eight months of the fiscal year, with 657,528 tons handled at the two ports in fiscal year 2011 versus 455,449 tons handled last year.

A $21.7-million project to reconfigure and improve Columbus Street Terminal as Charleston’s principal breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off and project cargo-handling facility was completed last month. The terminal now handles BMW’s growing export vehicle business that last year totaled more than $4 billion in cars shipped through the Port of Charleston.

About the South Carolina State 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.

Port Awards Cruise Terminal Design to CH2M Hill & Local Partners

Charleston, SC - Today, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board awarded the design work for the new Union Pier passenger terminal to a team led by national firm CH2M Hill, along with local partners LS3P Associates, Collins Engineers, DesignWorks and Thomas & Hutton.

The $2.4-million design project for the new terminal will begin this month. Actual renovation work will also begin this year, with a targeted opening date by the third quarter of 2012.

"We were fortunate to have a number of qualified and accomplished firms submit for the Union Pier passenger terminal project," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The CH2M Hill team brings extensive experience in converting marine cargo structures into modern cruise facilities, along with a thorough understanding and appreciation of the need to fit contextually with Charleston's special character."

The design team will be converting and renovating an existing structure into the new passenger terminal. That building is located at the northern end of the SCSPA's Union Pier property. It will replace the present passenger terminal, built almost 40 years ago much farther south on the property.

Relocating the cruise terminal northward is the essential catalyst to realizing the Union Pier Concept Plan - a plan that includes moving all cargo operations off of Union Pier, reducing cargo-related traffic, eliminating trains, and opening up more than 35 acres to public and private uses, including unparalleled public access to Charleston's waterfront. The SCSPA recently relocated the BMW and other rolling stock business from Union Pier to an improved Columbus Street Terminal.

"Today is a major milestone toward the realization of the Union Pier Concept Plan," said City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. "This plan, which was driven by community input, presents an extraordinary opportunity to continue enhancing our economy with the cruise business, while also relocating cargo operations from Union Pier. I am delighted that we are moving forward with a great team, a great plan, a great boost to our economy, and a great future for Union Pier and this city."

Charleston City Council approved a resolution supporting the relocation of the cruise operation and the Union Pier Concept Plan last September. Created with extensive public involvement, the Union Pier Concept Plan can be seen at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

Newsome also emphasized the economic benefits of the cruise business. "It's a vital economic driver for the maritime industry," he said. "And, of course, other businesses benefit as the cruise ships and crew buy products and services here. In addition, passengers spend money in shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions."

The cruise business in the Charleston area supported more than 400 jobs and $37 million in total economic output in 2010, including $16 million in wages and $3.5 million in tax revenues. According to the Center for Business Research, the construction of the new terminal alone will deliver an estimated economic boost of $43 million and create more than 300 jobs.

The passenger terminal design assignment covers all architectural and engineering plans, contract documents, costs and schedules necessary to convert the existing building into a cruise passenger terminal. The assignment's scope includes the terminal building, parking, security, berth, baggage handling and other amenities necessary to efficiently handle one cruise vessel at a time.

Funds are in hand to renovate the building and deliver the new terminal -- the SCSPA issued $170 million in bonds to fund major projects, including the cruise facility, in December.

The Port of Charleston expects to welcome 90 cruise ships in 2011.

The public will continue to have ongoing opportunities to submit feedback and comments throughout the design process. Comments and questions also can be submitted through www.UnionPierPlan.com.

Charleston Delivers New Port Terminal for Vehicles, Other Non-Container Cargo

Charleston, SC - Thanks to a six-month, $22-million improvement project, the Port of Charleston has expanded to handle BMW's growing export business, along with other rolling stock, large machinery, power-generating equipment and additional non-container cargoes.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is putting the final touches on a new and improved Columbus Street Terminal. The $21.7-million investment enhances more than 70 acres of storage yard and adds additional rail infrastructure.

A primary driver of the work is BMW's growing export business. BMW manufactures X5, X6 and the all-new X3 vehicles at its Spartanburg, SC plant. In 2010, BMW's exports of the X-series to 130 global markets were valued at more than $4 billion.

To accommodate and better serve the automaker's business and other operations, the SCSPA is relocating roll-on/roll-off cargo operations from Union Pier Terminal to the larger Columbus Street Terminal, where the first BMW shipments arrived by rail last Tuesday.

"BMW is a strategic customer of the Port of Charleston, and this relocation to a more robust and capable terminal is essential to handle port growth," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "BMW's success in South Carolina demonstrates the impact trade and our ports have on jobs and economic health," said Newsome.

Ships serving the BMW business began calling at Columbus Street Terminal over the weekend with the arrival of "K" Line's California Highway. Additional carriers including Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Hegh Line and ARC offer roll-on/roll-off service in Charleston, and numerous other breakbulk carriers routinely call Columbus Street Terminal.

The expansion will also serve increases in other non-container cargoes. "With highly skilled labor, rail infrastructure and lifting capabilities up to 500 tons, Charleston offers solutions for over-dimensional moves, project cargoes and other breakbulk cargoes," said Newsome.

As a result of the move, daily trainloads of vehicles will no longer cross streets south of Columbus Street Terminal. Cargo operations, including other rail, will continue at Union Pier until the new cruise terminal opens and the redevelopment of non-maritime properties begins.

South Carolina Ports, Dandong Port Group Sign Cooperative Agreement

Charleston, SC - A cooperative agreement between the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and a Hong Kong-based company with port and infrastructure interests throughout North Asia was signed today in an effort to boost trade, particularly in agricultural commodities, between the two groups' respective ports.

Representatives from the Dandong Port Group Co., Ltd. visited the Port of Charleston earlier today to discuss ways to generate new business connections and better partner in infrastructure development. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Dandong Port Group Company, Ltd. and the SCSPA outlines a number of joint initiatives the two may undertake to promote trade between their respective port facilities, including joint marketing and business development efforts and other information sharing.

"China is clearly a growing trading partner of our port with many opportunities for trade growth, particularly on the export side," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "This agreement formalizes our cooperation in building ties between our two nations and between our ports."

"We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues in Charleston, South Carolina, and to increasing economic prosperity for both our regions," said Wenliang Wang, chairman of the Dandong Port Group Co., Ltd.

While in Charleston, the group toured the Wando Welch Terminal and its grain transload operation. Last month, the Scoular Company established a grain handling facility onsite, where grain is conveyed into international shipping containers for export. Based on growing market demand, Scoular could export more than 25 million pounds of product annually. Two other such facilities also operate in Charleston today.

Dandong Port Group Co. is a holding company based in Hong Kong with port and infrastructure assets throughout North Asia, including the Port of Dandong, which is located in the Liaoning Province.

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