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On behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce:

"Products valued at billions of dollars pass through the Port of Charleston, and many of these are made in South Carolina and destined for international markets," said Gutierrez. "Made in USA products such as BMWs, machinery, consumer goods and agricultural products are being exported right through this port, supporting tens of thousands of jobs."

South Carolina's overall exports in 2006 totaled $13.6 billion and went to over 150 countries around the world.

"South Carolina contributed to last year's record high for U.S. exports, which totaled more than $1.4 trillion," Gutierrez said. "International trade generated $23 billion for South Carolina's economy."

Gutierrez noted that while countries that the United States has free trade agreements with make up only 7.5 percent of the world GDP, they purchase more than 42 percent of U.S. exports.

"Exports are helping to drive the U.S. economy and were a significant source of U.S. GDP growth in the 2007 second quarter.

"Free trade agreements are the best way to open markets and create growth and new American jobs," said Gutierrez, adding that Congress is now considering four FTAs with Peru, Colombia, Panama and South Korea that would open doors to 126 million consumers with a combined GDP of $1.1 trillion.

"Passage of these four agreements is critical to U.S. economic and foreign policy and will help Charleston and South Carolina grow," Gutierrez said.

CONTACT:

Richard Mills or Dan Nelson

Department of Commerce Public Affairs
202-482-4883

 

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston has retained a sales representative in India to help serve the rapidly expanding trade, the S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) announced at a dinner last night featuring India's Ambassador to the United States.

The Ambassador of India to the U.S. and Chief of Mission, Raminder Singh Jassal, traveled to Charleston earlier this week to discuss growing trade relations with India. His visit was coordinated by the S.C. World Trade Center.

"India is major market for the Port of Charleston," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the SCSPA. "Charleston enjoys a dominant market share in this trade and our action to retain a sales representative in India shows our commitment."

Charleston's container trade with India has grown five-fold since 1999 and India is now the port's third largest trading partner. Last year, Charleston handled about half of all container cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and ports from Florida to Virginia.

To continue to expand cargo and business opportunities between India and South Carolina, the SCSPA has retained Anthony Lobo as its newest sales representative, based in Mumbai.

Mr. Lobo retired from the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, having held senior positions in the company for 22 years. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at sea. Most recently, Mr. Lobo was general manager for Safmarine India.

Presently working with Titan Sea and Air Services Pvt. Ltd. (TSASPL), Mr. Lobo will represent the Port of Charleston with shippers, importers, logistics companies and prospective clients in India.

In addition to its Charleston-based sales staff, the Port of Charleston has representatives in Atlanta, New Jersey, Europe, Japan and China.

Mr. Lobo's contact information can be found at: https://scspa.com/about_the_port/contact_MandS.asp#India

Sent on behalf of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (www.crda.org):

"MSC has grown exponentially in recent years and will continue to grow as we add new generation mega-container ships," Vice President Sergio Fedelini says. "Charleston has been able to offer us what many other locations have not - great incentives, a dedicated workforce and reasonable coastal living. We could have located anywhere. Being near a port is not required for daily operations, but it is a very nice benefit."

MSC operates 350 ships around the world and has 20 North American offices. MSC could have chosen to expand any one of the cities in which it's located and seriously considered Houston, Baltimore and several cities in New Jersey. But, for the third time (the first when the company opened its Charleston office in 1993 and again when it expanded in 1999), the company chose to grow here. "We looked at many locations, but we couldn't find any better alternative than the Charleston region," Fedelini says. "It is a credit to the community and to MSC's workforce that we have chosen to expand our operations yet again."

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance facilitated this announcement. Alliance Chairman William A. "Bill" Finn said, "This announcement proves that our area has the right qualities to not only attract and retain world-class companies, but also foster continued growth. We're extremely pleased that this global company has chosen to remain and grow here."

"Congratulations to Mediterranean Shipping Company on reaching yet another plateau," said Timothy E. Scott, Chairman of Charleston County Council. "MSC is among the pre-eminent global players in international trade logistics, and their presence in Charleston bolsters our 'global reach.' This headquarters expansion is yet more evidence of the company's stratospheric growth, and the Charleston waterfront community and our area citizens are the winners!"

"Mediterranean Shipping Company is one of the Town of Mount Pleasant's largest employers, and over the past several years, our Town Council and staff have worked with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Alliance, and Charleston County to assist in the company's expansion," said Mayor Harry M. Hallman, Jr. "I am extremely pleased that MSC has now decided to locate its Southeast corporate headquarters in the town. Our Economic Development Committee really worked hard with the company and the property owner to make this happen. It was a great partnership and we look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with the company," added Hallman.

"Once again, our state's business-friendly climate, proximity to markets, and quality infrastructure are producing real results. Sergio Fedelini and Mediterranean Shipping have been long-time friends to the Port of Charleston and an asset to the state as an economic driver. With more businesses utilizing South Carolina's strategic location than ever before, our ability to grow logistics companies like Mediterranean Shipping is critical to the continued growth of industry in the state," said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.

To advance development of the new 280-acre marine terminal, which received federal permits in April, PB Americas has been selected to provide construction management services related to site stabilization and preparation.

The work covers contract administration, full-time inspection, quality assurance and other services related to preparing and consolidating the Port of Charleston's new terminal site. Additional construction management services will be required in the future for actual construction of the first phase of the terminal.

The SCSPA Board also approved its fiscal year 2008 financial plan, which calls for 4.5% growth in container business.

For the SCSPA's fiscal year which starts July 1, operating revenues are budgeted to increase 8.6% to $164 million, while total operating expenses will be held to a 6% increase, or $110.7 million. This is projected to drive operating earnings up 14.4% to $53.4 million.

Integral to this revenue and earnings growth is a 4.5% increase in container business, which is projected to top 1.117 million pier containers in the coming year.

The SCSPA Board also adopted a capital funding plan totaling $128.7 million in FY08 for capacity enhancements and terminal improvements. Major elements of this plan include $93 million for the new container terminal at the former Navy Base, as well as $25.4 million for container yard expansions, improvements and repairs.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has signed a new four-year agreement with the New World Alliance (NWA), securing current business and adding a weekly, all-water service through the Suez Canal that connects Charleston to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The NWA includes major global carriers American President Lines (APL), Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., and Mitsui OSK Lines.

"We are proud to announce this new multi-year agreement with the New World Alliance," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The NWA carriers have been strong partners in the Port of Charleston's success, and they are set to grow rapidly with the new Suez Express Service. This is a significant addition of cargo and vessels to our port."

George Hearn, vice president of APL's Southern region said, "This is a great market opportunity for APL and the Port of Charleston because Charleston offers a solid base of cargo. We hope to tap that demand."

"Charleston is a highly productive port," said Hearn. "The terminal is close to the ocean. The channels are deep, so we don't have any tidal restrictions. Overall, APL ships can get in and out very quickly. Time is money to a ship operator."

Currently, the NWA has one service with two weekly calls in Charleston. The Atlantic Pacific Express (APX) service is a pendulum connecting Charleston with Asia and North Europe and brings an annual throughput of more than 175,000 TEU to the port.

The Suez Express (SZX) service will deploy eight vessels capable of carrying between 4,000 and 4,500 20-foot equivalent units (TEU).

The SZX service, which begins in July, will include calls in Colombo, Sri Lanka; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Kelang, Malaysia; and Singapore.

"This service touches two critical cargo hubs for customers of the Port of Charleston," said Fred Stribling, vice president of marketing and sales for the SCSPA. "Singapore is a tremendous transshipment hub for Indonesia and all of Southeast Asia, and Colombo draws cargo from the Indian subcontinent. Access to those ports, and the regions they serve, is important, and this service offers very fast transit times that our cargo customers will appreciate."

The SZX service offers inbound transit times of 27 days from Kelang, 24 days from Singapore and 21 days from Colombo. Outbound transit times from Charleston are 14 days to Jebel Ali, 29 days to Kelang, 30 days to Singapore and 35 days to Colombo. The service will call the Wando Welch Terminal.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) was selected to receive $3.7 million in the latest round of Port Security Grants (PSG), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday.

In the previous six grant rounds, the SCSPA received more than $20 million, bringing total announced security grant funding to $23.8 million. The SCSPA has used previous PSG funding for physical security measures such as CCTV surveillance, perimeter security and access control systems.

"Port security is a top priority for the South Carolina State Ports Authority, so we're naturally very pleased with this latest announcement," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and chief executive officer of the SCSPA. "We're also thankful for the South Carolina Congressional delegation's steadfast support for appropriate security measures and additional funding," said Groseclose.

The Charleston port area has been the leading grant recipient in Tier II since inception of the PSG program, with grant awards totaling more than $33 million. Nationally, only four port areas (Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Houston and Seattle) have received more PSG funding than the Charleston port area.

In this latest round, more than $202 million in federal Port Security Grants were awarded to 183 public and private entities nationwide. Charleston was classified as a Tier II port area and received approximately 10 percent of the total announced for Tier II ports. In its latest application, the SCSPA requested $12.6 million in federal funds for port security projects to combine with a match of $3.15 million.

The complete DHS press release and listing of awards is available online at www.dhs.gov.

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston today celebrated the groundbreaking for a new container terminal on the former Navy Base with a special ceremony on the abandoned industrial property.

 

 

 

"It's a great day for South Carolina and for the Port of Charleston," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). "This terminal will handle our customers' needs, set new environmental standards, foster economic development in the community and create good jobs."

"The Ports Authority greatly appreciates all the support we've received from business, community and political leaders throughout the permitting process," said Bill H. Stern, SCSPA Board chairman.

The Corps' Charleston District studied the SCSPA's proposed terminal project on the former Charleston Navy Base for four years, reviewing the site location and potential environmental impacts.

The Corps worked closely with numerous regulatory and resource agencies charged with protecting and preserving the South Carolina coastal environment and received their concurrence with the decision.

"This project has been in the works for a long time, so we're delighted to sign the permit and move forward," said Groseclose. The SCSPA submitted the permit application in January 2003 after the S.C. General Assembly directed port expansion to the former Navy Base in 2002.

Agencies involved in the thorough permitting process include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's (DHEC) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) and Bureau of Environmental Quality Control (EQC), the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

These agencies were also involved in the review and approval of a landmark mitigation program and agree that the plan provides appropriate compensation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources.

Announced in December 2006, the SCSPA's terminal mitigation plan includes more than $10 million in environmental and community mitigation activities.

To offset indirect environmental impacts and serve the public interest, the plan includes $1 million to the Trust for Public Land for the Morris Island protection effort and $1 million toward protecting land through the Cooper River Initiative, a broad-based consortium of environmental agencies and groups.

To deal with direct impacts to aquatic resources and wetlands, the SCSPA will spend $2.5 million to recreate 22 acres of tidal marsh on Drum Island, restore more than five miles of oyster reefs and purchase mitigation bank credits.

Beyond traditional environmental mitigation, the SCSPA, the City of North Charleston and surrounding neighborhoods worked for months on initiatives to ensure the most positive impact from the terminal. This culminated in May 2006 with a signed agreement for $4 million in community programming to fund education and job training programs, establish an affordable housing trust and other projects.

In addition, the SCSPA and DHEC signed a memorandum of agreement in late March to further reduce air impacts from new and existing marine terminals. Under the agreement, the SCSPA commits to fund a particulate matter monitoring station, purchase cleaner equipment for the Navy Base and buy cleaner engines when replacing equipment, among other steps. The SCSPA will also include contractor guidelines in all construction bid documents for the new terminal to minimize air impacts.

Last week, the SCSPA Board approved a contract to begin an air emissions inventory.

The SCSPA has already brought on engineers to start planning the demolition and site preparation work, and design work is well underway. The first phase of the terminal is scheduled to open in five years and, at build out, the facility will add 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in new capacity.

For a copy of the Corps' announcement, please visit http://www.sac.usace.army.mil/.

Charleston, SC - In a voluntary effort to proactively reduce port-related air emissions, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SPA) today announced a formal agreement and partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

The Memorandum of Agreement jointly signed on Tuesday formalizes the relationship between the SPA and DHEC. The two will evaluate and implement means to cut emissions at the port's existing and future facilities, improving air quality in the Charleston region.

"A cleaner environment and economic development are mutually compatible goals," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the SPA. "This agreement provides dual benefits to the Charleston community. It preserves quality of life by studying and enacting ways to cut port-related air emissions. At the same time, it generates more high-paying jobs as business expands at the Port of Charleston."

The agreement calls for DHEC to designate an individual to coordinate air quality consultation for new and existing port facilities. DHEC will also develop and conduct training for SPA personnel on an annual basis.

"The Ports Authority has stepped up to address not only impacts from the new terminal, but existing terminals as well," said DHEC commissioner C. Earl Hunter. "DHEC appreciates this commitment to improve air quality in the Charleston region and we look forward to working with the Ports Authority," Hunter said.

The SPA will take a number of specific steps at new and existing facilities, including:

Also, the agreement recognizes productivity as a key means to reduce air emissions. The SPA is recognized as a leader in both crane productivity and trucker turn times. These strides in efficiency mean ships stay in port for shorter lengths of time, reducing ship emissions, and truckers spend less time idling at SPA facilities.

 

Charleston, SC - A ship carrying four massive new container cranes arrived in Charleston Harbor yesterday afternoon. The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) paid the more than $35 million price tag for the cranes and associated electrical and engineering services from internal funds and did not use any taxpayer dollars.

ZPMC of China constructed the cranes. The ship, ZHEN HUA 19, departed Shanghai in January for a 15,000-mile voyage to Charleston around the tip of Africa.

The new cranes operate solely off of electric power, replacing four older, diesel-electric models. They use power when lifting, but generate back into the system when lowering. Of the 21 cranes in the port's fleet, 20 are all-electric, which have eliminated emissions and provided an environmental benefit.

The cranes were purchased in September of 2005, when the Board of Directors of the South Carolina State Ports Authority approved the largest single equipment purchase in the agency's history. Also included in the $64 million investment were 16 rubber tire gantry cranes (RTGs) already installed and in operation at the SCSPA's Wando Welch Terminal.

Two cranes will be installed at the Wando Welch Terminal, and two are going to North Charleston Terminal. Once the cranes are moved onto the terminals, engineers will raise their booms, finalize construction and run tests on the equipment. The cranes should be fully operational within 90 days.