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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.

CHARLESTON, SC — JUNE 13, 2023 — South Carolina Ports congratulates 30 delegates for completing the 2022-2023 Port Ambassador Program, which provides participants a deep understanding of the connection between South Carolina Ports and South Carolina's thriving business community.

The yearlong Port Ambassador Program immerses participants in port operations through educational sessions and tours of oceanside terminals, inland ports and advanced manufacturers around the state. Throughout the year, ambassadors heard from Governor Henry McMaster, legislators, SC Ports’ teammates, business leaders and port customers.

“When Port Ambassadors spend time on our port terminals, they see firsthand how SC Ports moves cargo for manufacturers, retailers, healthcare companies, farmers and small businesses,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Port Ambassadors understand that having a world-class port in South Carolina drives economic growth and creates opportunities throughout our state.”

The Port Ambassador Program is designed to increase public awareness and educate community leaders on SC Ports’ operations, statewide impacts, infrastructure projects and economic impact. Since the program’s inception in 2016, more than 160 ambassadors have graduated.

“Our Port Ambassador Program provides a unique opportunity to see how a world-class port operates and how SC Ports makes a $63.4 billion economic impact in South Carolina each year,” said Jordi Yarborough, SC Ports’ Vice President of Statewide Stakeholders and Local Government Engagement. “We were thrilled to have such an impressive and diverse group of professionals for our sixth class of port ambassadors.”

2022-2023 Port Ambassadors

• Pat Black, Chairman, Calhoun County Economic Development Commission, Cameron, SC
• John Clark, Partner, The Clark Law Firm, Sumter, SC
• Leslie Clark, Vice President of Operations, Carolinas AGC, Lexington, SC
• Delores Dacosta, Executive Director, SC Commission for Minority Affairs, Columbia, SC
• Rick Danner, Mayor of Greer, Greer, SC
• Cashion Drolet, Chief Advocacy Officer, Historic Charleston Foundation, Charleston, SC
• Kimberlyn Davis, KD Marketing Group, John's Island, SC
• Barron Ervin, President, Ervin Engineering, Florence, SC
• Dewey Evans, Senior Associate, Site Selection Group, Greenville, SC
• Brooks Hearn, Senior Public Relations Manager, Chernoff Newman, Summerville, SC
• Bruce Greenberg, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Trinity Partners, Columbia, SC
• Emily Heflin, Director of Business Development, MAU, Greenville, SC
• Jerome Heyward, North Charleston Council Member and Mayor Pro Temp, City of North Charleston, North Charleston, SC
• Kaala Maple, Commissioner, SC Commission for Minority Affairs, Columbia, SC
• Jack Jamison, Principle and Broker-in-Charge, RealtyLink, Greenville, SC
• James T. “Jim” McCain, Jr., Sumter County Council Chairman, Sumter, SC
• Richie Murray, Partner and Realtor, Charter One Realty and Marketing, Hilton Head, SC
• Rob Perry, Chief Engineer for Bridges, SCDOT, Columbia, SC
• Joannie Nickel, Legislative & Public Policy Advocate, Municipal Association of SC, Columbia, SC
• Matt Pickard, Vice President – Investments, InLight, Charleston, SC
• Ashley M. Powell, Executive Director, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC), Summerville, SC
• Daniel Prohaska, President and CEO, Lions Vision Services, Columbia, SC
• Mark Sweatman, Chief of Government Relations & Senior Advisor to the Board, MUSC, Columbia, SC
• Brian Symmes, VP Government Relations – State, McGuireWoods Consulting, Columbia, SC
• John Truluck, Director of Economic Development, Dorchester County Economic Development, Summerville, SC
• John Wall, Counsel, Burr & Forman LLP, Columbia, SC
• Marshall West, Senior Real Estate Appraiser, Compass South Appraisals, Berkeley County Council, Pinopolis, SC
• Charlton “Chuck” Whipple, VP, Director of Business Development, ECS Southeast, LLP, Lexington, SC
• Michael Wood, Principle, Asset Integration Consultants, Summerville, SC
• Jonathan Yarborough, Director, Government Affairs & Economic Development, Dominion Energy, South Carolina, Columbia, SC

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 — MAY 26, 2023 — South Carolina Ports saw cargo volumes ticking up in April, buoyed by the strength of the Southeast market.

Retail importers and advanced manufacturers are investing billions to establish and expand operations in South Carolina. These port-dependent businesses benefit from access to a well-run port system.

“We have invested in port capacity to ensure South Carolina remains competitive,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Strategically investing in port infrastructure and operations supports economic growth and jobs throughout the state.”

In April, SC Ports moved 214,101 TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent container units) and 119,572 pier containers, which account for containers of any size.

While volumes are down 19% year-over-year as consumers continue to buy fewer goods compared to last year’s massive import boom, volumes trended up 11% month-over-month.

Thus far in fiscal year 2023, SC Ports and the maritime community handled 2.18 million TEUs and nearly 1.21 million pier containers. Fiscal year volumes are down about 9% from the same time a year prior.

SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon handled a combined 17,177 rail moves in April, up nearly 15% year-over-year, with Dillon achieving a record April with 3,752 rail moves.

SC Ports also handled 12,957 vehicles and 25,942 cruise passengers last month.

“Thanks to our amazing maritime community, our well-run port delivers reliable service to the booming Southeast market,” Melvin said. “To support future growth, we are actively investing to increase our rail competitiveness by building a near-port intermodal hub that will further enhance fluidity for our customers.”