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Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has hired Sarah S. Gaillard to the new position of Vice President, Carrier Sales, effective January 4, 2010.

Gaillard will report to Paul McClintock, Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and will lead ocean carrier sales efforts for South Carolina's public port system.

"Sarah's extensive knowledge and experience in our industry as well as her reputation in the shipping business is a tremendous addition to the South Carolina State Ports Authority," said Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the SCSPA. "We are pleased to welcome Sarah back to South Carolina."

A native of Charleston, Gaillard has more than 33 years of experience in the shipping industry. Most recently, she was Director of Container Logistics at the North Carolina State Ports Authority, where she spent 19 years in various sales and management positions. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Sales for the Charleston-based Palmetto Shipping and Stevedoring Company, where she developed an extensive background in container operations. Gaillard attended the College of Charleston.

"The Port of Charleston has an unrivaled reputation of efficient, productive operations and the deepest water in the Southeast," said Gaillard. "I am looking forward to expanding business opportunities and growing trade across South Carolina's docks."

To read Jim Newsome's remarks from the State-of-the-Port Address, please click here.

Addressing members of the Propeller Club, Newsome reinforced that the SCSPA is committed to building volume in the ports of Charleston and Georgetown and to being more competitive in retaining existing customers and attracting new business to its facilities. The highlight of his speech was the announcement on the Maersk contract, which drew a standing ovation from the more than 550 attendees assembled at the Passenger Terminal.

"Maersk Line is the largest line in the world, having 15 percent of the world's market share," Newsome said. "I cannot imagine running a major port without having Maersk as a prominent customer. The good news is that we will not have to."

The new contract runs through December 31, 2014 and is the culmination of several months of negotiations. Maersk noted in a statement the line's long, successful relationship with the SCSPA. Maersk has had a presence in the Port of Charleston for more than 50 years.

During his address, Newsome stated that the Port of Charleston will more aggressively market its key advantages, including its deep water, globally recognized productivity and the dedication and hard work of the local maritime community.

"Today we can handle two-way vessel traffic at up to 48 feet of draft with the tides," Newsome said. "This will today accommodate every ship that calls an East Coast port."

Newsome also noted that the Panama Canal expansion in 2014 will bring additional vessels carrying up to 9,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to East Coast ports, giving Charleston a competitive advantage.

Newsome thanked the employees of the SCSPA and members of the local maritime community for their support during his first seven weeks on the job.

"There is no port in the world with a more committed and talented group of industry professionals, and I am very thankful for that," he said. "The port business is a team, not an individual sport, and the success we will have will be ours collectively. The best years of this great port are ahead of us."

The executive summary of the strategic plan is available here.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board today adopted the first major update to the organization's strategic plan in several years. The plan highlights Charleston's tremendous harbor depth advantage, refines the agency's mission and points to several areas of focus in the coming years.

"Through this eight-month process, we have established the vision and direction for South Carolina's ports," said David J. Posek, chairman of the SCSPA. "Now, we're going to pursue it aggressively."

The objective of the strategic planning process that began in February was to set a clear direction and strategic priorities for addressing the Ports Authority's market and competitive challenges and opportunities.

The plan was also developed with the input of customers, stakeholders, the maritime community and elected officials through interviews with the planning team. In addition to refining the SCSPA's mission statement, detailed assessments of the competitive, industry, market, economic and financial situation were also conducted.

"It's obvious that Charleston's greatest competitive advantages are vessel access, along with a broad base of customers, efficient terminals and financial stability," said Jim Newsome, SCSPA president & CEO. "Charleston has the deepest channels on the South Atlantic," said Newsome. "Charleston can handle 90% of the world's existing and on-order container ships up to 9,000 TEUs. Even before the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2014, I believe this port will see post-Panamax ships with more regularity and frequency. This is a competitive advantage for our customers."

The strategic planning process identified a number of issues that fundamentally affect the SCSPA's ability to fulfill its mission. These strategic issues fell in four categories:

The plan includes specific actions that will be developed and implemented by both SCSPA staff and external stakeholders to address each focus area. Examples include building breakbulk business in Charleston and Georgetown, partnerships with stakeholders on new business, completing phase I of the new Navy Base Terminal, implementing a post-45' deepening project in Charleston, enhancing communications with stakeholders and advancing a new terminal in Jasper County.

"Working collaboratively, we will successfully put this plan into action, regain business, build market share and fulfill our mission," said Newsome. "We have a very dedicated staff of talented employees who are prepared to make this a reality."

At the South Carolina State Ports Authority's Wando Welch Terminal, the U.S. Coast Guard joined various maritime businesses that showcased projects to reduce the port industry's impact on air emissions. Tugs, a dredge, cranes, a pilot boat, trucks and rail were all featured as examples of cleaner operations.

"It is important to protect the environment as we efficiently move billions of dollars in cargo through this port," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The port industry recognizes that we can grow business and be a good steward of our natural environment."

As part of its comprehensive 'Pledge for Growth' environmental initiative, the SCSPA and private companies are taking a proactive role in improving air quality in the region through a number of programs, such as projects to reduce truck emissions and cleaner fuels and engines.

The SCSPA and several private companies are working in partnership with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the S.C. Trucking Association, the EPA and the American Lung Association. Together, they have partnered on more than $5 million in various projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions.

These projects include idle reduction devices and filters on trucks, repowering 57 pieces of cargo-handling equipment and repowering two local tug boats and a dredge. These projects alone will eliminate more than 2,500 tons of pollutants and reduce fuel consumption.

"Collaboration between the public and private sectors is making Charleston port operations cleaner and greener, while saving money and generating jobs," said Newsome.

World Maritime Day on October 16 is an annual event sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The U.S. Coast Guard, in cooperation with several additional federal agencies, is hosting parallel events in port communities across the nation to bring attention to the many environmental initiatives within the maritime community to reduce the effects of climate change.

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. (October 12, 2009) - TBC Corporation (TBC), one of the largest marketers of automotive replacement tires, today announced plans to occupy a 1.1 million square foot distribution center to be developed in Rockefeller Group Foreign Trade Zone/Charleston in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The 400-acre industrial park is a joint venture of Rockefeller Group Development Corporation (RGDC) and MeadWestvaco Corporation's (MWV) Community Development and Land Management Group.

"We are excited about the opportunity to consolidate a portion of our distribution network to a new and larger facility in the Charleston area," said Erik R. Olsen, President and CEO, TBC Wholesale Group. "The infrastructure and location of the Port of Charleston complements our growth and will allow us to meet the growing demands of our customers." The East Coast Distribution Center will primarily support TBC's wholesale operations.

The expansion of TBC's east coast distribution center to the Berkeley County site near the I 26/Jedburg Road interchange will provide necessary access to the deepwater Port of Charleston, which will allow TBC to receive product from international as well as domestic suppliers, subsequently streamlining product and inventory management to the benefit of its customers.

TBC's distribution center will have a dramatic positive impact on Berkeley County, the Charleston region, and the entire State of South Carolina. Accordingly, a collaborative private/public effort was forged to pursue TBC. Dan Davis of Berkeley County; Senators Glenn McConnell (R- Charleston County) President Pro Tempore of the Senate; Hugh Leatherman (R- Florence County), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee; Larry Grooms (R- Berkeley County), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee; and Paul Campbell (R- Berkeley County); and the South Carolina Department of Commerce were instrumental in this effort. "Berkeley County is excited to be a part of the team securing the first business for the Jedburg Distribution Cluster," commented Dan Davis, Berkeley County Supervisor. "This is a win for the County and the Region."

Senator Glenn McConnell said, "This is great news for the people of the Lowcountry and for the citizens of South Carolina. This was a great team effort of the public and private sectors and I was pleased to be part of this team. This shows what we can do when we work together to bring investment and jobs to our state."

"The announcement by TBC is a win-win," Said Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. "It is a win for the State Ports Authority since the number of containers moving through our port will increase significantly. It is a win because it will be the first of many millions square feet of distribution centers close to our port which should encourage other companies to locate there. And, it is a win for our dedicated workers who deserve opportunities to make a better life for their families. I am absolutely happy that I had an opportunity to work with my colleagues in the General Assembly to make sure that TBC Corporation came to South Carolina instead of the Port of Savannah."

Senator Larry K. Grooms said, "The more economic development negotiations that I'm involved in, the more I'm convinced that our Port is the engine that can move our economy down the road of prosperity. This shows other prospects that South Carolina is where it's at, that when it comes to productivity and success, we are where the rubber meets the road'."

"Berkeley County and the Trident Region are honored to be the new home of TBC's east coast Distribution Center," said Senator Paul Campbell. "All parties worked together with TBC to create a synergy and partnership which will provide opportunities for our citizens who have the quality and work ethic to make this venture successful for TBC. This is a huge win for our region."

"Today's announcement is the result of a true team effort. From the state level to the Ports Authority to local leadership to private industry partners, this announcement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all parties committed to bringing new job opportunities to South Carolina and supporting jobs along the waterfront at the Port," said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. "TBC Corporation is a world-class company supplying customers throughout North America and their decision to locate here is true testament to our state's strong market access. With the Port of Charleston - one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast, five interstate highways and our strategic location half way between New York and Miami, South Carolina offers TBC the access it needs to reach markets across the country and the globe. We are pleased to welcome TBC Corporation to South Carolina and wish them much success in their endeavors here.

TBC will be one of the largest users of the Port of Charleston, and TBC expects to bring thousands of containers (TEUs) through the Port annually."The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), through interim President, John Hassell, and new President, Jim Newsome, and their sales team played a vital role in attracting TBC to the Berkeley County site. "The Ports Authority is pleased to welcome TBC to South Carolina, and we are proud to be a part of the team that worked to bring them here," said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCSPA. "This new business provides another anchor customer in the Port of Charleston and will support hundreds of jobs across the maritime industry."

Leslie E. Smith, Jr., Executive Vice President of RGDC said, "We firmly believe that this transaction will cause other companies seeking institutional-quality distribution space to seriously consider locating in Charleston. Our joint venture is thrilled to be leading the way in the creation of a distribution space market along I-26 in Berkeley County, which will become known nationally and which will foster the growth of the Port of Charleston and create thousands of jobs."

"MeadWestvaco and, our partner, The Rockefeller Group, are deeply appreciative of the public sector support we received in this transaction. We know that TBC would not have chosen to locate in South Carolina without the cooperative efforts of our local leaders. Our state and local governments and their leaders made this deal happen" commented Ken Seeger, MWV President Community Development and Land Management Group.

"We are extremely pleased to have been selected by TBC, especially given the tough competition that we faced locally and in the other markets that were considered. TBC's decision affirms the desirability of Rockefeller Group Foreign Trade Zone/Charleston and the Port of Charleston and of doing business in South Carolina. This deal will yield many positive results for the region and the State, and it is rewarding to be part of it." said Ed Guiltinan, Vice President and Regional Director of RGDC.

"We are excited to be a part of this team which is bringing jobs to South Carolina," said Jim Hill, Vice President of MWV's Community Development and Land Management Group. "The construction of the building and roads will put local people back to work very soon."

Special appreciation is also extended to the Charleston Regional Development Alliance for their support in this effort and their leadership in promoting economic development in the Charleston Region.

Jones Lang LaSalle's Russ Westlake, Managing Director in Memphis and Chris Skibinski, Managing Director in Charlotte, advised TBC Corporation on the site selection process, while the firm's Amy Gerber, Senior Vice President, played a leadership role.

"Understanding TBC's operational and financial requirements were essential to the success of the project," said Russ Westlake of Jones Lang LaSalle. "TBC led a very thorough analysis of the site options and to locate the facility in South Carolina was a very competitive decision as each finalist state provided an exceptional proposal."

"We utilized our market knowledge and incentive expertise to find the ideal location which would work with TBC's long-term goals. We are extremely pleased that TBC was able to find such a successful solution," he added.

Construction of the TBC distribution center is expected to begin in the 4th quarter of 2009 with a tentative opening set for late 2010.

Peter Fennelly, Vice President of Colliers Keenan, represented the joint venture partners.

"The Ports Authority has been thinking about the future needs of the Union Pier Cruise Terminal for some time - this is the right time to move forward," said SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "This project has the potential to provide a world-class cruise terminal that conforms to current security requirements, while also enhancing this area of the downtown Charleston waterfront for Charleston residents and our visitors. Throughout the planning process, we encourage the public to be involved by attending public meetings and submitting input through our Web site www.UnionPierPlan.com."

The noon event was led by Newsome, who spoke about the project and introduced the planning team, including SCSPA project manager Joe Bryant, vice president of terminal development, and Peter Lehman, director of planning and business development. Newsome also recognized Helen Hill, president of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and City of Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.

"We have a great opportunity for the City of Charleston, this region and the entire state to have a cruise terminal that reflects Charleston's character, creates new economic opportunities and provides more public access to our historic waterfront," said Mayor Riley. "We look forward to hearing public input, and working with the Ports Authority and its strong planning team."

SCSPA has brought on Cooper, Robertson & Partners (CRP) to lead an experienced project team and the creation of the Union Pier Cruise Terminal Plan. Jaquelin Robertson, founding partner for CRP, introduced the planning team at the Kickoff Event, which includes:

Paul Milana, also of CRP, described the four-phase planning process and opportunities for public input. The process will take an estimated four months.

In addition to attending the public meetings, the community is encouraged to visit the Union Pier Cruise Terminal Web site, www.UnionPierPlan.com, for additional information and to submit comments, questions and feedback. More information about the late October public 'listening session' will be provided in the coming weeks.

Charleston, SC - South Carolina's seaports in Charleston and Georgetown, as well as its coastal waterways, stand to gain more than $17 million in additional funding for channel deepening and maintenance dredging following action in the U.S. House of Representatives today.

"Shipping channels are our ports' arteries," said David J. Posek, chairman of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). "Thanks to Congressman Henry Brown, as well as our allies and the Congressional delegation, the Ports of Charleston and Georgetown will be even more competitive."

The U.S. House today approved the joint Senate and House conference report on the Energy & Water Appropriations Bill. For South Carolina, the bill includes funding for the resumption of the Charleston Harbor Deepening reconnaissance study, as well as:

"With 45 feet at low water, Charleston already has the region's deepest channels and accommodates post-Panamax ships today," said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCSPA. "The next deepening will take Charleston beyond 45 and 47 feet, opening the port to all classes of the world's most modern vessels. We are ready for the Panama Canal expansion and beyond."

Charleston, SC - Next spring Carnival Cruise Lines will begin offering regular cruises from Charleston, the first ever year-round cruise schedule for the port.

Carnival will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla., from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston beginning May 18, 2010.

Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), joined representatives of the Charleston maritime community, the City of Charleston and the tourism industry in making the announcement.

"This commitment by Carnival underscores Charleston's cruise development potential and is a testament to the local maritime and tourism community's hard work," said Newsome.

Newsome cited the tremendous partnership of everyone involved in the Charleston cruise business, including the local hospitality industry, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, longshoremen, agents, stevedores and others.

"Each ship that calls the port brings jobs and positive economic impact to the community," said Newsome. "At the same time, the cruise business adds another dimension to Charleston's diverse and world-class tourism industry."

Charleston's centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city's strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in Carnival's decision.

"Charleston is an extraordinary city within easy reach of millions of U.S. residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival's fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "Our past experience with the Port of Charleston, which has a very efficient and conveniently located cruise terminal, has been outstanding."

The cruises from the Port of Charleston will be aboard the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy.

"This vessel is a perfect fit for the Port of Charleston and is similar in size to others we have hosted in years past," said Newsome. "We have enjoyed a successful, long-standing relationship with Carnival, and we are very pleased to extend that relationship with a year-round calendar."

Previously, Carnival has operated seasonal voyages from Charleston, including two five-day departures on the Carnival Triumph this year and two on the Carnival Glory next year.

On its new Charleston-based program, Carnival will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

Coinciding with the new business is the collaborative effort by the SCSPA and the City of Charleston to upgrade the Passenger Terminal to more effectively meet new security requirements, as well as to better serve the market needs of its cruise customers. An urban design firm has been selected to update the Master Plan for nine acres in downtown Charleston, including and surrounding the Passenger Terminal.

Carnival's reservation system for the new voyages launched today, and travelers can book now by contacting a travel agent, by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL or by visiting www.carnival.com.

For more information:

Byron Miller, S.C. State Ports Authority
843-577-8197, bmiller@scspa.com

Jennifer de la Cruz/Tim Gallagher, Carnival Cruise Lines
1-800-438-6744 or 305-599-2600 Ext. 16000, media@carnival.com

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has selected an urban design firm to update the Master Plan for nine acres in downtown Charleston, including the Port of Charleston Passenger Terminal.

At its monthly meeting today in Charleston, the SCSPA Board approved a recommendation to engage Cooper, Robertson & Partners.

Cooper Robertson will help guide the update of a portion of the 1996 Union Pier Conceptual Master Plan. This update will serve as a basis for the redevelopment of the Passenger Terminal and surrounding area.

Key elements and considerations of the planning effort will include a public involvement process, zoning recommendations, permitting issues, land uses, traffic management, construction costs, market analysis and financial viability.

The SCSPA and the City of Charleston are working collaboratively on the plan to upgrade the Passenger Terminal to more effectively meet new security requirements, as well as to better serve the market needs of its cruise customers.

A joint selection group made up of representatives from the SCSPA and the City of Charleston evaluated proposals and recommended Cooper Robertson, a nationally recognized firm with experience working in the local community.

The work to update the plan is scheduled to be complete by early 2010 and is not to exceed $700,000. With the updated plan in hand, the SCSPA will seek development partners interested in portions or all of the nine acres.

The existing Passenger Terminal was built in 1971 and has served Charleston's cruise business well over the years. However, post-9/11 federal security requirements have introduced new facility requirements, while ship sizes have increased and passengers have greater expectations for cruise facilities.

Importantly, the project supports the SCSPA's core mission of developing new maritime business and provides jobs in the local community.

Charleston, SC - Despite a widespread decline in global shipping, in fiscal year 2009 the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) handled 1.37 million 20-foot equivalent container units, secured several new major business accounts and is primed to take advantage of the deepest harbor in the U.S. Southeast.

"The global economic situation has been incredibly tough on port communities across the world, including ours," said David J. Posek, chairman of the SCSPA. "We should be proud that the people of South Carolina's ports have banded together to better serve our existing customers, while at the same time attracting new business."

Ocean carriers have idled 10% of the world's shipping fleet amid the recession, but the shuffling and juggling of container services today should play to Charleston's advantages, said the SCSPA's interim president & CEO, John F. Hassell III.

"Fewer, larger ships will handle world trade in the years to come," said Hassell. "With the deepest shipping channels in the region, Charleston is well positioned for this development, as well as for the expanded Panama Canal in 2014. South Carolina is the place to do business now, and in the future."

In addition, Hassell noted several accomplishments over the past fiscal year, such as:

Also during the past year, the search for a new president and chief executive officer concluded with the hiring of James I. (Jim) Newsome III as the fifth leader in the SCSPA's history. Mr. Newsome begins on September 1 after a more than 30-year shipping industry career, most recently as president of Hapag-Lloyd (America), Inc., part of the world's fifth-largest ocean shipping company.

In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the SCSPA handled 1.37 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) at its three container terminals in the Port of Charleston, down 19 percent from 1.69 million TEU in FY2008.

Breakbulk volume in Charleston was down 17 percent, with 549,008 pier tons handled in FY2009 versus 660,096 pier tons in the previous year.

The Port of Georgetown's volume was up 3 percent over last year to 286,254 tons of cargo. In addition to the new renewable energy project in Georgetown, several additional contracts could bring several million tons of new cargo through the port.

The SCSPA continued to post strong financial results, with an operating margin approaching 19 percent. Operating revenues were off 18 percent to $136.2 million, while operating expenses were flat at $111 million, and earnings decreased by 53 percent to $25.7 million.