Archives: News Entries

Charleston, SC - Work began this week to install 3.5 million feet (662 miles) of wick drains at the port expansion site on the former Navy Base in Charleston, signaling that construction of the new, 280-acre container terminal is moving forward.

The wick drains, also known as prefabricated vertical (PV) drains, provide a channel for water to migrate vertically from sub-surface soils in order for the land to consolidate and the site to settle. This work is a necessary step before any construction may commence, and greatly reduces the destructive effects long-term settlement would have on above-ground pavement and structures.

The wick drains are pushed vertically deep into the silty clay soils. Once the wicks are in place a thick layer of soil (surcharge) is placed over the area to provide weight. The surcharge presses down on the wet soils, causing water to migrate vertically up the wick drains into the horizontal drainage layer above.

Charleston, SC - The Board of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) this week approved a $160-million budget, projecting more than $100 million in capital spending and a slight increase in container traffic for the coming fiscal year.

Approval of the financial plan comes on the heels strong results in the Port of Charleston. In May, the SCSPA handled 157,553 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in Charleston, up 7% from the same month last year and up 14% from the previous month.

More than $80 million of the anticipated capital spending in the next 12 months will go directly to projects adding new capacity to the SCSPA's port facilities, primarily in Charleston. Progress and spending is also anticipated on development of a new joint port facility on the Savannah River in Jasper County.

For the SCSPA's 2009 fiscal year which begins July 1, operating revenues are expected to increase 1.63% to $160.4 million and pier containers are projected to increase just slightly (0.5%) from the current year. The number of employees is projected to increase by nine to 593. Jobs could be added in Port Police and operations, along with a new environmental affairs position.

The SCSPA Board also approved $100.3 million in capital spending in FY09 for capacity enhancements and terminal improvements. The largest allocations of the plan are $56.2 million for the new container terminal at the former Navy Base and $24.7 million for container yard expansion and improvements.

In other action, the Board approved a $461,000 contract to Banks Construction of North Charleston to pave a two-acre parcel at Columbus Street Terminal that was formerly part of the right-of-way for the old Cooper River bridges. The Board also approved to allot $200,000 for maintenance berth dredging at the Port of Georgetown.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SPA) is issuing a challenge to business and community leaders"to take the 'Pledge for Growth' (www.PledgeforGrowth.com) by committing to projects beneficial to the environment and their communities.

"The South Carolina State Ports Authority has made a pledge to responsible growth," said Bernie Groseclose, president and CEO. "We understand that growth can mean even greater things for the entire area, including opportunities for better jobs, stronger communities and a cleaner, healthier environment."

The SPA is leading one of the state's largest environmental mitigation efforts to date - and was one of the first in the nation to consider "people" impacts for communities in the terminal expansion area. The Pledge for Growth encompasses all of the SPA-led environmental and community programs, many of which go above and beyond what is required.

All of the programs are related to four main areas"Land, Air, Water and People. Among the efforts, the SPA is reducing port-related air emissions and funding an air monitoring station, working with North Charleston to create new employment opportunities and create affordable housing, improving water quality and contributing to land conservation efforts in the Charleston area.

The announcement of the Pledge for Growth was held at the Harbor Grille at Fountain Walk in downtown Charleston, overlooking Drum Island and the Charleston Harbor. Drum Island is the site of a project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore 22 acres of tidal march into a functional march ecosystem"an area more than double the acreage affected by development of the new Port terminal.

During the presentation, Groseclose detailed potential Pledges, reinforcing that a Pledge can be something simple, such as expanding a recycling program, or a larger effort, such as switching to ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel or replacing equipment and vehicles with newer, more environmentally-sensitive models. Groseclose also announced that he would be reaching out to the SPA's maritime partners and encouraging them to take the Pledge.

Information was also shared about a new Web site (www.PledgeforGrowth.com) and series of videos created to better highlight the SPA's environmental and community efforts as a whole. The Web site and videos detail efforts related to the four main areas, and additional information can be downloaded and printed from the site. The videos, filmed by volunteer partners, detail some of the current environmental and community efforts.

Pledges can be made online at www.PledgeforGrowth.com, where a company, organization or individual can commit to one or more efforts related to Land, Air, Water and People. Through these new resources and the Pledge for Growth, the SPA is reinforcing that a cleaner environment is mutually compatible with economic development.

"The SPA realizes that, to truly enhance our communities, it will take a widespread effort. We hope the Pledge for Growth will inspire action by responsible executives and companies willing to do their part," added Groseclose.

Also in attendance was Pat Barber, president of the Charleston Motor Carriers Association, who announced a Pledge for Growth commitment. The Charleston Motor Carriers Association committed to continue working with the SPA and DHEC to determine additional ways to save fuel and reduce air emissions.

"The Port is leading the way in their environmental and community efforts, and going above and beyond what is required," said Barber. "The Motor Carriers Association applauds the Port for stepping forward and encourages other companies and organizations to take their own Pledge for Growth."

To learn more about the Port's environmental and community efforts, and to take a Pledge for Growth, visit www.PledgeforGrowth.com.

Charleston, SC - The S.C. State Ports Authority is wrapping up a pilot seaport security training program at the Wando Welch Terminal this week.

The Port of Charleston was selected as one of two test sites for a pilot course, which, once certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will provide a comprehensive curriculum on the knowledge and skills required by those in a secure maritime environment. Florida State University's (FSU) Learning Systems Institute (LSI) was awarded a grant by the DHS to design, develop, and implement a turnkey training and performance system to support national port security efforts by reaching all port stakeholders.

The initial courses for Law Enforcement Officer, Law Enforcement Supervisor, and Port Employee began in March at the Port of Charleston. Participants offered real-time, relevant feedback to the course designers for inclusion in the final version of the courses being tested this week. After Thursday's final Port Employee course, and certification by DHS, these courses will be made available nationwide at no charge to the training program's users. Each lesson is designed to stand alone and be taught in 15 to30 minute blocks. The courses address all training requirements specified by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), Coast Guard, and the SAFE Port Act of 2006.

Participating in the courses were SCSPA Port Police, Georgia Port Authority Port Police, Project Sea Hawk and Coast Guard. In addition to the three courses being piloted at the Port of Charleston, the comprehensive program will include training for: Security Officer, Security Officer Supervisor, First Responder, Port and Facility Management, and Facility Security Officer. Observing throughout the training are MARAD, DHS, and FSU senior officials.

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston will likely see a boost in business from an upgraded South America service and a relaunched Asia service, both commencing this month.

Charleston will see the return of a weekly all-water service from Asia that was suspended in December due to the market slump. The All Water 5 (AWE-5) service, a joint operation of the CKYH alliance carriers of Cosco, K Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin, will resume on May 21 with Charleston as the last U.S. port outbound. Eight vessels with an average capacity of 4,014 TEU will be deployed on the service. Port coverage includes Xiamen, Yantian, Ningbo, Shanghai and Pusan. The expected first call in Charleston is in late June.

Hanjin Shipping, K Line and Yang Ming are joining CSAV Norasia to introduce a new service that will provide additional capacity from the east coast of South America to the U.S. East Coast. The SNA (South and North America) service will deploy five ships with average capacity of 2,500 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The SNA service replaces the existing NSA service, which was operated by Hanjin, K Line, Yang Ming and Hyundai Merchant Marine with four 1,800-TEU vessels. The service offers calls in Sao Francisco do Sul, Santos and Salvador, Brazil; Puerto Cabello, Venezuela; and Rio de Janeiro. Charleston is the last U.S. port outbound, offering exporters quick transit times to overseas markets.

Charleston, SC - This weekend, four 1980s-era, diesel-powered cranes will depart Charleston Harbor, eliminating tons of related air emissions at the dock and signaling cleaner port operations at the Port of Charleston.

The four new, super post-Panamax cranes that replaced the older models are powered by electric power rather than diesel fuel, providing significant environmental benefits.

The old diesel cranes, which were the first dockside cranes commissioned at the S.C. State Ports Authority's (SCSPA) Wando Welch Terminal in 1981 and 1982, will begin their more than 6,000-mile voyage to APM Terminal's facility at the Port of Apapa in Lagos, Nigeria.

Cargotec Services USA Inc. of Mount Pleasant removed the cranes from their previous locations at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals and loaded them onto the barge CHICAGO BRIDGE. A crew of up to 50 worked to modify the cranes and prepare them for transport. The cranes legs were extended to fit the width of the tracks in Lagos. The tugboat AMERICAN PATRIOT will haul the barge to Nigeria..

The cranes were built by Canron Corp. of West Columbia, SC for $11.3 million in the early 1980s. Two of the cranes were at the dock to work the first ship at the Wando Welch Terminal, the DART ATLANTICA on November 12, 1981.

This equipment replacement is just one part of the SCSPA's ongoing efforts to reduce port-related air emissions. Other initiatives include a comprehensive air emissions inventory of the Charleston region, the switch to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel for all on-terminal equipment, and guidelines in all SCSPA contractor bid documents to reduce air impacts..

Operationally, the newest cranes are much larger, faster and better able to serve the ships calling Charleston today. The new cranes, built by ZPMC in China, stand more than 60 feet taller, can lift cargo weighing 60% more, and are almost twice as fast as the Canron cranes.

Charleston, SC - By the fall, every drop of fuel powering equipment at the Port of Charleston's public facilities will be cleaner ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), reaffirming the port community's commitment to cleaner air and cutting emissions by 10%.

The S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and seven on-terminal tenants all will be using ULSD no later than September of this year, nearly two years before it is required by federal regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all off-road equipment switch to ULSD by 2010.

Traditional low sulfur diesel meets a standard of 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content, while the ultra-low sulfur fuel used on SCSPA facilities must meet a standard of 15 ppm.

Today's announcement is the SCSPA's latest measure to improve port-related air quality since signing a voluntary agreement with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) one year ago this week.

The Ports Authority and seven different companies use fuel on the public marine terminals in Charleston to power on-terminal cranes, lifting equipment, buses, trucks, refrigerated container generators and other engines. The move to ULSD is estimated to reduce particulate matter emissions from affected equipment by 10%.

The upgrade is not without commercial impacts. ULSD can be more expensive than traditional low sulfur fuel. However, due to increased use and demand for off-road ULSD, the fuel is now available in larger quantities in the area. Also, engine upgrades or replacements may be necessary to use the cleaner fuel.

"We can achieve a cleaner environment while developing additional business in the Port of Charleston," said Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., president and CEO of the SCSPA. "Through these emissions-cutting efforts, the Ports Authority and other maritime companies are pledging their commitment to being responsible neighbors while continuing to support economic growth."

Other efforts to reduce air emissions at existing and future facilities have been successfully implemented, and more initiatives are on the way. Over the past year, the SCSPA has reduced truck idling on its facilities and decreased truck trips on local roads, lessened construction impacts, retired dirty equipment, and purchased cleaner engines.

The announcement comes on the first anniversary of a landmark voluntary agreement between the SCSPA and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to reduce port-related air emissions.

NCL Corporation today announced that Norwegian Majesty will sail a new seven-day Bahamas and Florida itinerary beginning this fall through April 2009. This family-friendly itinerary offers guests the opportunity to experience four diverse ports, in place of the existing three-port Western Caribbean itinerary. In addition, guests on Norwegian Majesty this fall will experience a number of Freestyle 2.0 enhancements, further adding to the overall cruise experience.

Starting November 15, 2008, the 1,462 passenger Norwegian Majesty will depart Charleston on Saturdays with stops in Grand Bahama Island; Nassau; Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas; and Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida. This new itinerary goes on sale today. Guests with existing reservations on Norwegian Majesty this fall will automatically be moved to the new itinerary or they will have the option to cancel.

"Our similar Bahamas and Florida itinerary from New York is extremely popular as it offers a range of family-friendly destinations from beaches and water sports to the theme parks of Orlando," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. "With this new itinerary on Norwegian Majesty, we are offering an exciting new Freestyle Cruising choice for guests departing from Charleston."

In addition to the new itinerary, a number of Freestyle 2.0 enhancements will be in place on Norwegian Majesty, specifically in regard to food and beverage. On embarkation day, guests will receive a bubbly welcome. Lobster Galore will be featured in the main dining rooms and lobster dishes will be available in the specialty restaurants every night of the cruise. Le Bistro, Norwegian Majesty's French restaurant, will introduce new specialty items, including C?te de Boeuf, a 32-ounce premium gold angus rib eye steak; Plateau de Fruits de Mar, a cold seafood platter including mussels, lobster tail, shrimp and raw oysters on the half shell; and Cardinal of the Seas, a braised Maine lobster. Nighttime entertainment on Norwegian Majesty will also be enhanced with the addition of two new themed parties.

"These Freestyle 2.0 enhancements take Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Majesty to a new level," added Stuart. "With the combination of the new itinerary and the enhanced guest experience, we believe Norwegian Majesty will offer an exceptional and memorable cruise for our guests."

NCL Corporation Ltd. Is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is building two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.

For high resolution, downloadable images, please log onto NCL's Web site at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on NCL Corporation, contact NCL in the U.S. and Canada at (866) 234-0292.

Charleston, SC - While container volume at the Port of Charleston fell 11% in 2007, breakbulk volume rose 18% for the year, new terminal construction advanced and more than 20 million square feet of new warehouse and industrial space is in the works.

In 2007, the Port of Charleston's total pier volume was 1.75 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), down from 1.97 million TEU in 2006. A number of factors drove the decline in the container sector, including weakness in the Europe trade, declining shipments of housing-related commodities and consolidations in the ocean carrier industry.

Meanwhile, breakbulk business, including rolling stock, increased 18% to 649,000 tons, primarily on the strength of export shipments.

Developments currently in progress should help Charleston's container volume rebound. Just inland from the port, a number of major developers have disclosed sites that will bring about 20 million square feet in new warehousing and distribution space to the region.

Major investments in the Charleston area by Hillwood Investment Properties, Childress Klein, Johnson Development, Rockefeller and others are moving along, taking advantage of the proximity of the Port of Charleston.

In nearby Orangeburg, SC, Jafza International has purchased 1,300 acres to develop a $600 million logistics, manufacturing and distribution hub.

Charleston is also adding port capacity with both short term and long term expansion efforts. The final phase of the Wando Welch Terminal is underway. These additional 50 acres will boost capacity in the near term. A $28-million contract to develop the first 25 acres of additional container yard was awarded in September and is underway.

Development of a new, 280-acre terminal at the former Navy Base is moving ahead, with permits issued in April of last year. Building demolition and site prep started last year, and PB Americas was awarded a more than $8-million contract to provide construction management services during the site preparation phase. The major dredge and fill contract is expected to be awarded early this year.

The $550-million Phase I of the project is expected to open in 2013, and the terminal at build out will increase Charleston's port capacity by about 50%, or 1.4 million TEU.
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The purpose of monitoring right whales using aerial surveys is two-fold. Aerial surveys provide vital information to wildlife managers on right whale calving distribution and most importantly the location of these slow-moving animals. The largest threats to the right whale population are human-related, including ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Wildlife Trust works to minimize the risk to these animals by locating right whales during daily aerial surveys from November through April and reporting locations to military and commercial shipping traffic to mitigate potential ship strikes. "Right whales are slow-moving, especially when accompanied by a calf, and they have a broad, flat back that makes it difficult for vessels to see them when they are at the surface of the water. During our daily aerial surveys, we get a bird's eye view of the whales and the shipping traffic offshore and we are able to report on the whereabouts of these amazing creatures in relation to the shipping traffic, said Cynthia Taylor, Director of Aquatic Programs and Senior Research Scientist at Wildlife Trust. Aerial flights are conducted three to four days a week during the best weather conditions and the team will log in an average 400 hours of flight time at the conclusion of calving season.

Wildlife Trust has conducted right whale surveys in the Southeast U.S. for over six years to ensure the protection and recovery of the species. "With fewer than 400 right whales remaining in the population every whale is vital to the survival of this critically endangered species," said Dr. Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust. SCSPA has pledged up to $200,000 per year for the next five years so Wildlife Trust can continue this important work. The surveys will provide valuable information through location and photo-identification of right whales and possibly location information for humpback whales and leatherback sea turtles as well.

About Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

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. Work in the United States includes research, conservation, and training programs in the metropolitan New York area, 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, the Wildlife Trust Alliance, and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique collaboration between Wildlife Trust and prestigious academic institutions around the world. To learn more please go to www.wildlifetrust.org.

About The South Carolina State Ports Authority
The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at $55 billion annually.

Contacts:
Anthony M. Ramos
Wildlife Trust
Tel: 212.380.4469
ramos@wildlifetrust.org

Byron D. Miller
South Carolina State Ports Authority
Tel: 843.577.8121
bmiller@scspa.com

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