News Entries Archive - Page 48 of 73

SCSPA Implements New Cruise Traffic Measures

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), the City of Charleston Police Department (CPD) and City staff have spent the past three months working closely to develop a new plan to more efficiently handle cruise traffic.

As a result of the discussions, several major changes were made to how guests arrive for their cruises, including:

-- Re-routing traffic
-- Better signage
-- Moving traffic off city streets
-- Improving communications

"We are thankful for the assistance of City staff, Chief Greg Mullen, as well as SCDOT in helping us to better handle cruise traffic," said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCSPA. "Effectively dealing with traffic has been raised in community meetings, and these changes will be put in place immediately."

The plan will be implemented on February 15 when the first cruise ship of 2010 departs from the Port of Charleston on an 11-night voyage for the eastern Caribbean.

Most cruise ships departing from Charleston bring about 350 to 400 cars that park in SCSPA storage buildings and lots. Limousines, taxis and buses deliver the remaining guests. Importantly, cruise traffic does not add to rush hour congestion as ships leaving from Charleston typically board from the middle of the day until the early afternoon.

The new route to the Passenger Terminal aims to get traffic on the east side of the peninsula as soon as possible. Cars from Interstate 26 are directed to Exit 219B, Morrison Drive. Vehicles are routed south down Morrison Drive and East Bay Street, which handles about 20,000 cars a day.

From East Bay, vehicles are directed east on Chapel Street to Washington Street, east on Charlotte Street, and south down Concord Street. Concord Street ends at the new gate where cars will now enter the terminal, Gate 2 at the corner of Concord & Laurens streets.

Another key element of the plan is new signage posted along the route. More than a dozen permanent and temporary signs will help guide guests along the route and inform locals on cruise embarkation days. The SCSPA contracts for off-duty CPD officers to assist with traffic control.

All cars, including drop-offs, will now enter Union Pier Terminal directly from Concord Street at the new access point at Gate 2. Limos, taxis and buses will continue to enter the Union Pier terminal main gate at 32 Washington Street.

Walk-ups are not permitted, so passengers should not be dropped-off in or around Market Street or the Passenger Terminal. Drop-offs should proceed through the Gate 2 entrance at Concord and Laurens streets.

The SCSPA has striped lanes inside its gates to effectively move traffic off City streets and place it within Union Pier Terminal. Approximately 250 cars can now be lined up on the terminal - not on City streets - as guests arrive for their cruise. The combination of the new entry point and the striping should effectively take cars and lines off local streets.

A final yet important action was to establish better communications both with cruise guests and the public. This includes sharing the details of the new plan with neighbors and cruises visitors.

In addition, residents, merchants and businesses can now receive regular updates and reminders on ship activity with a new "Cruise Notice" e-mail service. Nearly 1,700 people are already signed up.

When cruise ships are taking on passengers to embark from Charleston, there are two street closings, typically from 11 a.m. until around 3:30 p.m., including:

-- Concord Street just north of North Market
-- Washington Street just south of Hasell Street

Although streets are closed briefly during embarkations, there no closings during the debarkation process when guests get off ships after completing a cruise that started in Charleston. Port-of-calls also do not require street closings.

After traffic tie ups around the Passenger Terminal during a ship that departed in November, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Newsome agreed to work on a collaborative, fresh approach to more effectively managing cruise traffic.

Details on the cruise traffic plan, directions and the "Cruise Notice" are available online at: https://scspa.com/cruises.

Passenger Terminal Relocation, Union Pier Concept Plan Presented at Community Meeting

The meeting was hosted by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), which owns the property and has been working closely with the City of Charleston, the community and a professional planning team led by Cooper, Robertson & Partners.

"This has been a collaborative process," noted SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "We have benefited from community input all along the way, and this concept plan specifically reflects what the community told us they want."

Newsome said that the community's interests became very clear through a series of meetings with numerous neighborhoods, individuals and groups. "People told us that they want a more attractive cruise terminal, more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the Union Pier property. They certainly want a plan to address traffic. They also want a plan that is contextual, considering not only our entire Union Pier property, but also the context of other plans for the peninsula. We believe that this concept plan is responsive to all of those points."

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley echoed Newsome's enthusiasm for the new passenger terminal location and concept plan. "Shifting the cruise terminal north on the Union Pier property is a fine solution. It affords us the opportunity to better manage traffic, while also eventually opening the remaining land to additional uses and making this property an integral part of our city," he said. "The concept plan does that and more. It connects the community to the water, doing so in an appropriate scale, and it will enhance Charleston for residents and visitors alike."

The concept plan was presented by Cooper Robertson founding principal Jaquelin T. Robertson. He set the context for the plan, referring to Charleston's rich maritime history and how the uses of Charleston's waterfront have changed over the years.

Robertson traced the importance of the Market Street axis, leading to the historic Custom House. He also showed a working granite wharf that now lies buried beneath the parking lot in front of the current cruise ship terminal. The concept plan uncovers and restores that historic wharf as part of a substantial public space that will serve residents and visitors all year long.

Robertson showed how the cruise operations would be shifted to a more northern location on the property, a move that would mitigate traffic associated with cruise ships. The single terminal would accommodate only one ship embarking or debarking at a time, reflecting the scale of Charleston.

Robertson also explained that removing much of the deck and buildings around the existing terminal that reach out into the Cooper River could restore a green, natural shoreline approximately twice the length of Waterfront Park.

Finally, Robertson pointed out that the remainder of the property would then be available for a number of uses - residential, commercial and public - that could be created in response to the needs of the community and the market place.

Following the introduction of the concept plan, community members discussed the plan with members of the planning team in break-out sessions and provided additional input.

Newsome concluded the session. "In keeping with our goals and influenced by community input, this concept plan addresses the pressing need for a new cruise terminal in the context of how the remaining land could be used. The cruise terminal is the first step and will be our immediate focus, as further community input and the market place drive the concept plan's specifics and timing."

Newsome also noted that the community can continue to get information and comment at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

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 $62 billion annually and receiving no regular 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.

Cruises Float $37 Million to Charleston Area Economy

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston's cruise business makes broad and diverse contributions the local economy and is projected to pump $37 million into the region this year while supporting more than 400 jobs.

These are the results of a new study produced by Dr. John Crotts and Dr. Frank Hefner and commissioned by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). The researchers analyzed the economic contributions of planned cruise activity in 2010, which includes 16 port-of-calls and 53 embarkations from Charleston.

Among the study's key findings, Charleston's cruise business this year will support in the Tri-County economy:

-- More than $37 million in total economic output
-- 407 jobs
-- $16.2 million in salaries and wages
-- $3.5 million in state sales and income taxes

"Where most communities are only shedding jobs, Charleston is adding them," said Crotts. "Each time a cruise ship is at the dock, there is a local boost of more than $323,000."

Restaurants and hotels see positive impacts from the cruise business, yet the greatest spending occurs in transportation services, such as the ground shuttle and the port industry. Retail stores and wholesale trade, such as a ship's spending for food and other supplies, are other top sectors.

"Cruising contributes to the local community beyond the traditional tourism impacts," said Crotts. "A large portion of passenger and crew spending goes to support resident-oriented businesses, helping to keep them viable for our neighborhoods."

Cruises also serve as a vital marketing tool for the region, noted Crotts.

"Based on income and other demographics, the typical cruise passenger in Charleston is a great match with the local tourism industry's target visitor," said Crotts. "Nearly half are first-time visitors to Charleston and demonstrate a high likelihood to visit again and recommend the City as a vacation destination to family and friends."

Based on passenger surveys in November 2009, two-thirds of passengers on a port-of-call visit will leave the vessel and actively contribute to the local economy. Half of those who leave the vessel during a call will go on organized excursions to plantations, museums, historic houses and other attractions, while the other half will explore the City on their own.

The study was conducted utilizing the IMPLAN econometric model, passenger and crew surveys, as well as surveys of the cruise lines which will call Charleston this year. The surveys measured spending behavior by visitors, crew members, and cruise lines when they visit Charleston.

"The far-reaching economic benefits of the cruise business are clear," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "We will continue to serve the cruise business in a way that generates these economic contributions while also considering the interests of our neighbors."

Last fall, the SCSPA hired nationally the renowned planning firm of Cooper, Robertson & Partners to develop a master plan for the passenger terminal and surrounding property.

The goals of the project are to create a financially viable plan for a cruise terminal that reflects the character of Charleston and meets today's security requirements, as well as to provide more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property for the enjoyment of Charlestonians and the betterment of the economy. Initial planning concepts will be shared with the public on February 9.

The entire economic impact study is available online at www.scspa.com/cruisestudy.

Port Broadens Approach of Union Pier Cruise Terminal Master Plan Area

SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said today that the decision was a direct response to community input, which encouraged the SCSPA to think more contextually in its planning effort.

Through extensive discussions with the community, we have been encouraged not only to create the best plan for Charleston's cruise terminal but also to think more contextually, considering the entire footprint of our Union Pier property and other downtown planning initiatives, said Newsome.

Newsome emphasized that public participation continues to be a vital part of the planning process. "We have been working closely with the City and the community," he said. "In addition to a widely publicized listening session in late October, we have held several meetings with individual constituencies and gathered comments on our special website www.UnionPierPlan.com. All of this constructive input has informed the decision we are announcing today."

Public input to date has centered around four recommendations:
1. Create a more attractive cruise terminal.
2. Offer more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property.
3. Address traffic issues.
4. Ensure that the plan is contextual and fitting with other area plans.

Goals for the Union Pier area continue to be the creation of a financially viable plan for a cruise terminal that reflects the character of Charleston and meets today's security requirements, as well as providing more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property for the enjoyment of Charlestonians and the betterment of the economy.

In September, the SCSPA hired a world-class planning team led by Cooper, Robertson & Partners. The SCSPA Board today authorized a change order in the amount of $563,126 to include the additional work. The planning team and the SCSPA hope to share preliminary thinking for the Union Pier property next month.

Information on the planning process, along with opportunities to ask questions, make comments, and receive ongoing communication, can be found at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

For more information:
Byron D. Miller
Director, Public Relations
South Carolina State Ports Authority
843-577-8197
www.scspa.com
www.UnionPierPlan.com

MSC Adds New Suez Service in Charleston

Charleston, SC - MSC has added a new weekly Asia service through the Suez Canal to Charleston, the deepest seaport in the Southeast.

"South Carolina welcomes and embraces this new business from MSC, one of the world's leading global shipping lines," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). "MSC's decision to locate this service in Charleston speaks volumes about our ability to handle larger ships effectively and efficiently."

Charleston has the deepest channels on the South Atlantic coast, routinely handling post-Panamax ships and vessels drawing up to 47 feet of water.

The Golden Gate Service will call Charleston's Wando Welch Terminal on a weekly basis. The first vessel will be the MSC Turchia, which embarks from Shanghai on January 15, 2010.

The Golden Gate Service offers connections to Shanghai, Ningbo, Chiwan and Yantian, China; Singapore; Salalah, Oman; Freeport, Bahamas; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Singapore; Chiwan and Hong Kong, China.

The new service also marks an expansion of the line's already strong presence in the port and local community. MSC has five existing weekly carrier services calling in Charleston to the west Mediterranean, South America, Caribbean, Africa and Europe.

Earlier this year, MSC and the SCSPA signed a new five-year extension to the carrier's contract, lengthening its commitment in Charleston to 2017. In March, MSC dedicated its new, 45,000-square-foot South Atlantic corporate headquarters in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The company directly employs approximately 225 professionals in 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 $62 billion annually and 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.

Community Partnership Recognized with National Environmental Award

The EPA presented the award today at North Charleston City Hall to the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC), which includes seven North Charleston neighborhoods, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and the Mitigation Agreement Commission, the board overseeing a $4-million Community Mitigation Plan funded by the SCSPA.

The 2009 Environmental Justice Achievement Award recognizes successful multi-stakeholder partnerships that address environmental justice issues or employ the goals of environmental justice to positively impact their community.

Presenting the award were the EPA's Region IV Acting Deputy Regional Director Beverly Banister and Associate Director for Environmental Justice Kent Benjamin, who also recognized 13 local organizations partnering in the group from state and local government, non-profits and higher education. Only four other Environmental Justice Achievement Awards were presented nationally.

"This is a tremendous example of the positive changes that partnerships can effect in communities across South Carolina," said Nancy Whittle, environmental quality control community liaison with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). "Collaborative problem-solving is a powerful approach."

LAMC and its partners have worked on various issues impacting the health and economic well-being of their communities. One such project was the Community Mitigation Plan developed through the collaborative partnership of LAMC, the SCSPA and the City of North Charleston during the environmental permitting for a new container terminal at the former Navy Base. The mitigation plan includes funding for local scholarship programs, affordable housing, environmental monitoring, healthcare and wellness initiatives and other programs.

"LAMC was formed to create a unified voice for improving our neighborhoods," said Rahim Karreim, acting president of LAMC. "We will continue to work on a number of important issues confronting our community. Through the mitigation funding, we are striving to improve the quality of life in our communities while productively addressing the economic and environmental issues we face."

Over the past three years, LAMC and the Mitigation Agreement Commission have initiated several efforts, including a long-range Revitalization Plan for the LAMC communities, air monitoring discussions with DHEC and a public design charette for the Stromboli Road corridor with Clemson University Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture. Improvements to Stromboli Road are part of the planned Port Access Road that will connect the new port terminal at the former Navy Base to Interstate-26.

Also during the program, SCSPA Board Secretary John F. Hassell III presented a $300,000 check to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. This represents the SCSPA's third installment of the $4-million Community Mitigation Plan, bringing the total to $1,350,000 so far.

"This community has worked productively and collaboratively to advance their neighborhoods and certainly deserves this award," said Hassell. "Working together, we are maximizing the community benefits of port expansion and minimizing the undesirable impacts."

The community mitigation is part of a larger $12-million mitigation program to offset direct and indirect impacts of the SCSPA's new, 280-acre container terminal under construction at the former Navy Base.

Belk Boosts Business for Charleston Port

Charleston, SC - Just in time for the peak holiday shopping season, one of the Southeast's top retailers is bringing a boost to business at the Port of Charleston.

Belk, Inc., which operates more than 300 department stores across the Southeast, has begun importing more than 1,000 shipping containers annually through Charleston, boosting the local impact for dock workers, transportation providers and warehouse workers.

"The Port of Charleston's access to our distribution network and its reputation as one of the premier ports in the nation enhances our ability to serve our customers," said Diane Hartjes, director of private brand operations for Charlotte-based Belk, Inc.

Moving the freight through Charleston versus other ports offers a cost savings on transportation while reducing cycle time, Hartjes said.

"Belk has a great reputation within the retail industry, with quality stores and service and a loyal customer base," said Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "Belk's vote of confidence in the Port of Charleston demonstrates our port's strong ocean carrier presence and focus on the retail industry and distribution center development."

Beginning this week, Performance Team, a leading supply chain logistics and delivery company with nine hub cities nationwide, expands its local operation to transload import containers of apparel, accessories, housewares and footwear bound for Belk's distribution centers in Blythewood, S.C. and Jackson, Miss.

Mac Forehand, director of Southeast sales at Performance Team, says that the Port of Charleston's deep water capability is a major advantage in bringing in new business in the years leading to the Panama Canal improvements.

"There is a huge advantage in Charleston with the expansion of the Panama Canal," Forehand said. "Charleston has the deepest water in the Southeast region, and this is a growing market for retail business. We see a great future in Charleston or we wouldn't be here."

Locally, Performance Team is based in Goose Creek and operates out of a 200,000-square-foot space leased from Quiozel Lighting, another port customer. After starting locally with only nine employees, Performance Team's local staff now includes 75 employees.

Performance Team has been a domestic consolidator for Belk for more than 10 years and has extensive experience in the retail sector, including store sorting and delivery services for Gap, Old Navy, Anna's Linens, Gerber Childrenswear and others.

Belk operates five stores in the Charleston area, including at Citadel Mall, Northwoods Mall, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville and Walterboro.

Wildlife Trust, SC Ports Partner for Endangered Right Whale

New York, NY and Charleston, SC - For the third consecutive year, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has pledged up to $200,000 per year for a total of five years to increase Wildlife Trust's aerial surveys for the protection of endangered right whales. Aerial surveys provide valuable information including location and photo-identification of right whales during their winter calving season off the Southeastern coast of the U.S. "Our ports will continue to grow in a responsible way," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The port community's diverse environmental efforts underscore that developing the port's capacity and enhancing our natural environment go hand in hand. The Ports Authority is pleased with the productive partnership established between the port, Wildlife Trust and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service in this effort."

Endangered North Atlantic right whales migrate from November through April to give birth to their calves off of the Southeast coast. This region is the only known calving ground for the species and has been designated as a critical habitat for right whales. "For the past six years, Wildlife Trust's aerial survey team continues to aid in the protection of this highly endangered species. During these surveys, we document new calves, record sightings of returning whales, and alert port officials of the whereabouts of these slow moving mammals," said Cynthia R. Taylor, Associate Vice President, Aquatic Conservation Program at Wildlife Trust. "Today, the largest threats to right whales are human-related, including ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear." Wildlife Trust works to reduce the risk to these animals by reporting their locations to military and commercial shipping authorities to thwart potential ship strikes.

Aerial surveys provide the Wildlife Trust team with a bird's eye view of whales in relation to the heavily trafficked coastline navigated by cargo and fishing ships. Flights are conducted on average two days a week during the best weather conditions and the team will log in an average 300 hours of flight time at the conclusion of calving season in mid April 2010. Wildlife Trust's aerial survey team in South Carolina includes team leader Dianna Schulte, Jonathan Gwalthney and Melanie White. The team will cover the airspace from Cape Romain, SC to Fripp Island, SC. "Right whale populations were drastically reduced due to hunting in the 18th century and currently there are fewer than 500 right whales remaining - Wildlife Trust provides a critical role in protecting this endangered species," said Dr. Peter Daszak, President of Wildlife Trust.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

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. For information on the SCSPA's environmental programming, visit www.pledgeforgrowth.com.

Port Has Brush with Celebrity on Cruise Ship's First Call

Charleston, SC - The 1,898-passenger Celebrity Mercury made its inaugural call in the Port of Charleston today, offering a preview of the beautiful ship that will begin a series of cruises sailing from the Holy City in February.

The Celebrity Mercury will offer seven sailings direct from Charleston starting in February and running through April, including alternating 10- and 11-night Caribbean voyages with visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Tortola on the eastern series, and Key West; Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico, and Nassau on the western lineup.

Celebrity will also offer one 16-night transit through the Panama Canal that disembarks in Los Angeles, California. Beyond next year's schedule, the ship is also slated for a series of five sailings from Charleston in 2011.

"We are pleased to welcome the Celebrity Mercury to the Port of Charleston and eagerly await her return in the coming months," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), which owns and operates the Port of Charleston's cruise terminal. An updated master plan for the cruise terminal is underway.

On adding Charleston, Celebrity Cruises said that its travel agent partners and guests repeatedly say that they want more options to sail with Celebrity from the Eastern seaboard. According to the cruise line, the Charleston sailings represent very attractive new cruise options for Celebrity's loyal base of cruisers.

"Celebrity is a world-class cruise line and this is a world-class ship," said Newsome. "Its reputation and the amenities it offers its guests is a perfect fit for Charleston and what our cruise market wants."

The ship's next port-of-call in Charleston is December 14, before starting the embarkations on February 15 and 26, March 8, 19 and 29, and April 9 and 19.

For more information or to book a cruise, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

SCSPA Elects Stern Chairman, Hires Firm to Market Daniel Island Property

The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board of Directors today elected Bill Stern of Columbia to a two-year term as chairman, beginning in January 2010.

"With a Maersk contract in hand and the new leadership of Jim Newsome, our ports have great momentum and this slate of officers is the perfect complement to lead our port system forward," said David Posek, who has served as chairman of the SCSPA for 2008 and 2009. Posek also thanked his fellow board members for their support during the past two years.

"South Carolina's ports are economic engines for the state, and I greatly appreciate the Board's confidence in electing me as chairman," said Stern. "Improving our competitiveness, regaining business and expanding capacity will help us to better serve industries and our mission in the state."

Stern was appointed to the SCSPA Board in January 2002. He is the owner and president of Stern & Stern and Associates, a commercial real estate development company doing work throughout the Southeast. Stern previously served as chairman of the SCSPA Board for two years in 2006 and 2007 and chaired the search committee that resulted in the hiring of Jim Newsome as president & CEO of the SCSPA in June of this year.

Also elected to offices at today's meeting were John Hassell of Charleston, vice chairman, Rich Hagins of Greenville, treasurer, and Colden Battey of Beaufort, secretary.

In other action, the SCSPA has selected NAI Avant of Columbia to help market 495 acres of waterfront property on Daniel Island. Last month, the SCSPA solicited proposals from the South Carolina broker affiliates of nine national real estate firms to represent the organization in the sale of the land.

"After an internal team evaluated proposals from five very qualified firms, NAI Avant was selected," said Stern, who chairs the SCSPA's development committee. "NAI brings a large network to the sale of this property, and we hope to benefit from their professional marketing capabilities and their contacts with potential buyers."

The firm will serve as the agent for the SCSPA and their team will be responsible for all aspects of the sale, from marketing through closing. The next step will involve setting a listing price and assembling materials on the land for potential buyers. NAI Avant, which was founded in 1966, has about 60 associates, brokers and staff.

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