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CHARLESTON, SC — Oct. 9, 2023 — South Carolina Ports kicked off the 2023-2024 Port Ambassadors program, welcoming its largest class in the program’s six-year history.

Over the next year, 31 professionals from across the state will get a front row seat to the Port’s statewide operations. Monthly educational sessions will feature discussions with port leadership and state legislators, tours of marine and rail-served inland terminals, and an opportunity to visit manufacturing facilities dependent on port infrastructure.

Upon completion of the program, delegates will emerge with a thorough understanding of the Port’s vital role in supporting the Southeast supply chain and driving economic development in South Carolina.

“We are thrilled to have such a large group of leaders in this year’s program,” said Jordi Yarborough, SC Ports’ senior vice president of statewide stakeholders and local government engagement. “For these participants to be able to see firsthand how SC Ports’ operations directly benefit their communities is an invaluable experience.”

The class kicked off with a tour of Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant. This year’s class will be the first to participate in a session featuring rail-served Inland Port Dillon. Since operations began at the facility more than five years ago, Inland Port Dillon has continued to set new volume records, and now supports an estimated 25,000 jobs in the Pee Dee region.

Port Ambassador Tim Harper, who serves as Dillon County’s Administrator, says he looks forward to having his fellow ambassadors visit the region this year. Participants will also tour Harbor Freight Tools distribution facility and soybean transloading operations at C&M Farms during the visit.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact SC Ports’ investments have had on the Pee Dee region with Inland Port Dillon,” Harper said. “Connecting Dillon directly to Charleston by rail has brought tremendous economic growth to our region and allows farmers, manufacturers and retailers to reach customers more efficiently. I’m glad my fellow ambassadors will have an opportunity to see these successes for themselves, and I look forward to growing my network with such a tremendous group of leaders from our state.”

To date, approximately 175 participants have been accepted to the program.

2023-2024 Ambassadors:

• Trent Acker, Duke Energy Carolinas
• Tony Allen, S.C. Department of Commerce
• Quinn Balderson, Choate Construction Company
• Jessica Bright, Emerge South Carolina
• George Druyos, Berkeley Habitat for Humanity
• Barnwell Fishburne, Fishburne & Company Development Corporation, SC Department of Transportation
• Edward Frazier, SC Treasurer’s Office
• Anthony Gibson, Sumter City Council, Grace Cathedral Ministries
• Hamilton Grant, Grant Business Advisors
• Therese Griffin, Dominion Energy South Carolina
• Liz Griffith, International Transportation Innovation Center
• Taylor Grooms, Steinberg Law Firm
• Natalie Ham, Charleston County
• Mark Harmon, Maynard-Nexsen
• Tim Harper, Dillon County
• Rick Havekost, RDBP, Inc., Mickey Finn’s
• Bill Hearn, Dorchester County, William Hearn Law Firm
• Nikki Huber, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Kristen Lanier, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
• Rob Lapin, Trinity Partners
• Amanda Loveday, NP Strategy
• Kelly Moore, SC Department of Transportation
• Ken Nagel, Thomas & Hutton
• Mike Nickel, Choate Construction Company
• Sergey Ponomarov, The Citadel
• Alison Raffety, Mercedes-Benz Vans
• Dawn Robinson, Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Amy Sartain, SC Council for Competitiveness
• Jessica Takach, United Community Bank
• Dillon Swayngim, Colliers International
• Eric Woods, Palmetto Grain Brokerage

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 3, 2023 — South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin was named 2023 Leading Woman by SC Women in Leadership.

SC Women in Leadership celebrates South Carolina women who have blazed trails in civic leadership. Melvin received the Leading Woman award for her commitment to working across party lines and working to create more economic opportunities in South Carolina.

“I am honored to be recognized by SC Women in Leadership as a leader whose work helps to improve the quality of life for South Carolinians,” Melvin said. “Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of working toward a common goal and having a diverse group of decision makers at the table.”

Melvin was also recognized for her role leading the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, in partnership with many elected leaders and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District.

For over a decade, Melvin navigated complex regulatory processes and worked to secure the $580 million in state and federal funding needed to complete the project.

Charleston now has the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet.

“Barbara Melvin is navigating uncharted waters as the first woman to lead a port of this size,” said Barbara Rackes, CEO and president of the SC Women in Leadership Board of Directors. “She has proved herself a capable captain, working collaboratively with state elected leaders, members of Congress, state and federal agencies, project partners, and business and maritime community leaders. We celebrate her achievements as a model our future women leaders can emulate.”

CHARLESTON, SC — SEPT. 19, 2023 — South Carolina Ports’ rail-served inland ports continue to see strong volumes, serving as a key connection between inland markets and the Port of Charleston.

Inland Port Greer achieved an all-time record month in August, handling 16,857 rail moves. This marked the most monthly moves in its history and an impressive 52% increase year-over-year.

Inland Port Greer sits between the Charlotte and Atlanta markets in Upstate South Carolina. Norfolk Southern moves cargo to and from the inland port for many advanced manufacturers, automotive companies, solar panel producers and retailers.

Inland Port Dillon, which sits along the North Carolina border and is served by CSX, also had a strong month. Inland Port Dillon handled 3,439 rail moves, a whopping 83% increase from a year ago.

“SC Ports' rail-served inland ports create more reliability, flexibility and speed for our customers’ supply chains,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our incredibly successful inland port network reinforces the importance of providing near-port rail to the Port of Charleston with the new Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which is on track to open in 2025."

Container volumes were down for the month of August. SC Ports handled 203,169 TEUs and 111,745 pier containers in August, down 9% year-over-year. The U.S. port industry is anticipating a slower peak season than typical due to a lower consumer appetite and tempered U.S. economy.

“Customers looking for efficient operations and reliable service on the U.S. East Coast find a powerful alternative gateway with South Carolina Ports,” Melvin said. “SC Ports delivers cargo capacity and excellent port service in the thriving Southeast market.”

The vehicle segment remained strong with 17,876 vehicles moving through the Port of Charleston in August, up 9% year-over-year. Cruise passengers were up 11%, with 25,905 passengers coming through the port in August.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — AUG. 21, 2023 — South Carolina Ports enters fiscal year 2024 showing signs of strength.

SC Ports handled 208,134 TEUs and 115,422 pier containers in July. Imports flowing into the Port of Charleston outperformed U.S. volumes with a 12% increase from June and a 3% increase year-over-year. Exports were up 9% from last year.

Total container volume was down about 4% year-over-year in July, driven by lower exports of empty containers.

“Although overall volumes continue to reflect the tempered U.S. economy, the Southeast is booming and the U.S. East Coast port market continues to attract new cargo,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “SC Ports is a powerhouse port on the East Coast with a reputation for providing reliable port service. We quickly work ships and efficiently move cargo for our customers.”

While manufacturing and retail remain down in the U.S., the Southeast market is thriving with an influx of new residents and industrial growth. Port-dependent companies are investing in manufacturing facilities, electric vehicle operations and retail distribution centers.

These investments are expected to drive SC Ports’ cargo growth at a higher rate than national trends. SC Ports has invested more than $2 billion into critical port infrastructure and is currently building a $400 million intermodal yard to provide near-port rail to the Port of Charleston.

SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports continue to yield strong volumes, handling a combined 17,724 rail moves in July, which is a 55% increase year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon continues to break records, reporting a record July with 2,919 rail moves. Inland Port Greer also had a strong month with 14,805 rail moves in July.

Ro-ro cargo remained steady year-over-year, with 20,866 vehicles rolling across the docks at the Port of Charleston.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JULY 18, 2023 — South Carolina Ports finished fiscal year 2023 with steady container volumes and stellar activity at its rail-served inland ports.

In fiscal year 2023, SC Ports handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs and 1.4 million pier containers. While this is down about 10% from fiscal year 2022 — when pandemic spending spurred an unprecedented cargo boom — volumes are up 1% from fiscal year 2021, a much more typical year.

In June, SC Ports handled 203,091 TEUs and 112,883 pier containers, up more than 3% year-over-year. Retail, advanced manufacturing, automotive and cold storage sectors continue to drive growth at the Port of Charleston.

“SC Ports provides reliable, efficient service for companies’ supply chains,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Port-dependent businesses will continue to invest in South Carolina to gain access to a well-run port with capacity in the booming Southeast market.”

Inland Port Dillon had a record fiscal year 2023, handling 39,143 rail moves, which is an impressive 50% increase from the year prior. Inland Port Greer also had a strong fiscal year, with 146,813 rail moves, down about 3% year-over-year.

Both rail-served inland ports handled record June volumes. Inland Port Dillon recorded 4,048 rail moves, up 139% from last year. Inland Port Greer had its busiest June ever, with 14,887 rail moves, up 24% year-over-year.

The cruise business also had a strong year with a record 294,136 cruise passengers coming through Union Pier Terminal in fiscal year 2023.

SC Ports had 188,517 vehicles rolling across its docks in fiscal year 2023, which is a 14% decrease from the year prior. Over the past three months however, SC Ports has seen organic growth of automotive volumes, with exports increasing to meet international demand. In June, SC Ports moved 15,375 vehicles, a 20% increase year-over-year.

“In fiscal year 2023, we efficiently moved cargo while significantly expanding our capabilities for the future,” Melvin said. “We broke ground on a near-port, rail-served cargo yard, further expanded Inland Port Greer and successfully deepened Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. Our strategic investments make us more competitive for the future.”

CHARLESTON, SC — JULY 13, 2023 — South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin has been named a 2023 Rainmaker by DC Velocity.

This prestigious accolade is awarded to logistics professionals with outstanding achievements and who make significant contributions to the supply chain.

Melvin was recognized for her impressive career at SC Ports, the 8th largest U.S. container port. She leads a team of more than 1,000 people who keep freight moving at the Port of Charleston and rail-served Inland Ports Greer and Dillon.

“It is a true honor to lead the team at SC Ports and work alongside our maritime partners to keep freight moving,” Melvin said. “I learn so much from them every day. Leading them is by far the most rewarding thing I’ve experienced in my career.”

Throughout her career, Melvin has worked to break down barriers and diversify the logistics and maritime industry. Melvin became CEO of SC Ports in July 2022, becoming the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.

In this role, Melvin pursues bold, innovative approaches to enhance operations, deliver critical infrastructure and ensure supply chain fluidity.

“I have seen much more collaboration and partnership across the maritime and logistics industry in recent years,” Melvin said. We are all connected and reliant on one another. We can achieve great things when working together.”

Melvin’s career at SC Ports spans more than 20 years. She previously led government relations, community relations and public relations for the port. She then moved into leading operations, most recently serving as the port’s chief operating officer before becoming CEO.

She has also led numerous infrastructure projects, including the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which made Charleston Harbor the deepest on the East Coast at 52 feet. She is now overseeing more than $2 billion in infrastructure investments.

“Business on the East Coast, and the Southeast in particular, is booming,” Melvin said. “To handle the significant growth, I tell my team to focus on operational excellence every day. Having a successful supply chain is absolutely critical to the success of our economy, and we should all take pride in that.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JULY 5, 2023 — The application process is now open for South Carolina Ports’ Community Giving Program, giving nonprofits an opportunity to expand their reach.

SC Ports dedicates a portion of its revenues each year to support charitable organizations. Since the program launched in 2013, SC Ports has given nearly $1 million to nonprofits and workforce development efforts around the state.

“One of the many impactful commitments our SC Ports team makes each year is its firm promise to consistently serve our communities,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are proud to support the efforts of nonprofits around the state who work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of South Carolinians.”

For fiscal year 2024, SC Ports will award $7,500, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 grants to help further organizations’ missions. Programs with measurable, sustained impacts receive priority during the selection process.

Learn more details and apply here.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 26, 2023 — South Carolina Ports’ Leatherman Terminal was recognized as one of the top eight engineering projects in the country.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) recognized Leatherman Terminal as a 2023 Grand Award Winner and as a finalist for the 2023 Grand Conceptor Award, which signifies the year’s best overall engineering achievement.

“The SC Ports’ engineering team is proud to receive this prestigious recognition from the American Council of Engineering Companies,” said Walter Lagarenne, SC Ports’ Vice President of Engineering and Facilities. “Hundreds of people from every engineering discipline worked together on the site every day to build this container terminal. It was the best project coordination I’ve seen in my nearly 40-year career.”

The state-of-the-art Leatherman Terminal opened in April 2021, marking the first new greenfield container terminal to open in the U.S. since 2009.

The SC Ports’ engineering team worked with many contractors, including HDR Inc., Banks Construction Co., Samet Corp., Cape Romain/McLean A Joint Venture and Cape Romain Contractors Inc. The $1 billion project was finished on time and under budget.

“The complexities of building a container terminal require great teamwork and persistence over many years,” said Butch Weber, SC Ports’ General Manager of Project Management and Construction. “SC Ports is proud to add a world-class port terminal to the East Coast port market.”

Situated along the Cooper River in North Charleston, Leatherman Terminal’s 169-foot-tall ship-to-shore cranes can be seen throughout the Charleston region.

The terminal was designed with sustainability in mind. It boasts five electric ship-to-shore cranes and 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes to significantly reduce emissions.

Phase One of Leatherman Terminal can handle 700,000 TEUs of cargo and a 20,000-TEU vessel. At full buildout, the terminal will have three berths capable of handling 2.4 million TEUs of cargo.

“South Carolina Ports invests in port infrastructure to support South Carolina’s businesses, and our amazing engineering team brings these projects to life,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Congratulations to the team for this great success. Leatherman Terminal will support Southeast supply chains for years to come.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 21, 2023 — South Carolina Ports’ cargo business segments had a strong May, with inland ports, vehicles and cruise passengers trending up.

SC Ports handled 20,026 vehicles for global automakers at Columbus Street Terminal in May, up 14% year-over-year.

SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports, which swiftly move cargo via rail between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, continued to see strong volumes.

Inland Port Dillon had another record-breaking month, handling 4,415 rail moves in May, which is an impressive 138% jump from last year. Inland Port Greer also had a strong month handling 14,931 rail moves, up 4% year-over-year.

Union Pier Terminal saw nearly 26,000 cruise passengers come through, which is an 8% increase from last year.

For the container segments, SC Ports has handled nearly 2.4 million TEUs and 1.3 million pier containers thus far in fiscal year 2023.

“Our amazing SC Ports team and maritime community handle goods every day for businesses and communities throughout the state and beyond,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.

SC Ports handled 198,824 TEUs and 110,834 pier containers in May. Container volumes are down about 22% year-over-year in response to a constricting economy. Imports are down as people spend less on goods, while exports continue to trend up, with a 4% increase year-over-year.

“Though the landscape has shifted since the pandemic-induced import boom, we remain competitive as a well-run port in the thriving Southeast market,” Melvin said. “As an owner-operator port, we are customer-focused and efficiently run. We have cargo capacity, a strong infrastructure network, available land for import distribution centers, and the deepest harbor on the East Coast to keep freight moving.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 16, 2023 — In partnership with the City of Charleston, South Carolina Ports is bringing forth a new city-led and community-driven planning process to guide the redevelopment of Union Pier.

Following extensive community engagement over the past year, the City of Charleston and South Carolina Ports have reached an agreement that establishes a city-led planning process, requires engagement with third-party consultants and extends the planning timeline.

“It remains our shared goal to transform Union Pier into a beautiful neighborhood that blends with the city and offers significant public assets for Charlestonians. We now have a new agreement that puts the city and community at the forefront of the planning process,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We listened to the community, and with this new process, we believe we will have a new plan that we can all embrace.”

The Union Pier planning process will now be led by the city, community and stakeholders, and in coordination with third-party consultants.

The Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston will be engaged to guide and vet plans. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will also be engaged in the process.

SC Ports will defer its request to the Planning Commission to allow for more time and community input. This will all occur alongside extensive public engagement.

Notable quotes from partners:

"This agreement is a huge win for everyone who loves Charleston. I want to thank the port for listening when our residents spoke, and our residents for speaking so clearly. Now, let's get to work, and make sure that this is the kind of project our whole city can be proud of."
— Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg

“We are honored to be able to help facilitate an inclusive, community-driven process to support SC Ports and the City of Charleston in achieving a shared goal of creating an outcome for Union Pier that truly benefits Charleston.”
— Kendra Stewart, Professor and Director, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities, College of Charleston

“The Coastal Conservation League promotes thoughtful, balanced development and land conservation in the right areas, at the right scale. By working together, we have found a better path forward for the planning of Union Pier. We will work to ensure that we have more open space and coastal resiliency in the plan.”
— Faith Rivers James, Coastal Conservation League Executive Director

“Historic Charleston Foundation applauds the Port’s monumental decision to hit pause and engage in a community-focused planning process. We stand ready to work alongside the community, city, and SPA to determine a future for Union Pier that aligns with the needs of our citizens and the character of our world-renowned, historic city.”
— Winslow Hastie, President and CEO, Historic Charleston Foundation

“We are optimistic that this shift is a good faith effort that will result in a civic-minded plan that puts community values first.”
— Brian Turner, President and CEO, Preservation Society of Charleston

“Representing over 160,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce works to support a thriving economy. The redevelopment of Union Pier offers so many opportunities for our city, such as adding more commercial spaces to support our economy, creating green spaces to boost quality of life and building much-needed affordable housing on the peninsula. We look forward to seeing this vision realized.”
— Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

“Explore Charleston wholeheartedly supports the South Carolina State Ports Authority's initiative to seek increased community input for the development of Union Pier, with the esteemed College of Charleston Riley Center leading the effort. This unique opportunity presents a chance to collaboratively create something truly exceptional for the Charleston community, harnessing our collective vision and ensuring a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
— Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston

“We will continue to work with the Port and advocate that Union Pier include housing for all, is a resilient benefit to the city, and becomes a vibrant center.”
— Josh Dix, Government Affairs Director, Charleston Trident Association of Realtors

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 10 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.