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Charleston - Moody's Investors Service has affirmed an A1 rating for the South Carolina State Ports Authority's outstanding debt and provided a stable outlook, citing low debt levels, favorable financial performance and distinct competitive advantages.

The ratings update said the Port of Charleston's operating style and "unusually high productivity" have enabled the port "to achieve favorable financial performance and maintain market share within the highly competitive port industry."

The SCSPA is an operating port, running its own facilities. According to Moody's, this allows the port to maximize "both the use of its facilities and operating revenue." Since 2000, the Ports Authority's operating revenues have grown 7.2% on average each year.

The Port of Charleston, the report states, ranks closely with the most efficient ports in Asia, averaging 40 container moves per hour while a satisfactory U.S. average is 30 moves an hour. Container volume through Charleston increased to 1.97 million TEU (20-foot equivalent units) in FY05, up 14% from the previous year.

The A1 rating on $139.6 million in outstanding port revenue bonds takes into consideration the port's future growth and need to fund wharf and equipment improvements and expand its terminals. The SCSPA expects to spend $222 million on capital projects over the next three years.

Revenue bonds issued by the SCSPA have provided the funds for completion of the Wando Welch Terminal and other major projects. These bonds and the interest payable on them are an obligation of the Ports Authority - not the state of South Carolina or taxpayers.

The complete report is available online at www.moodys.com.

Contacts:

Byron D. Miller
Director, Public Relations
S.C. State Ports Authority
(843) 577-8197

Moody's Investors Services
(212) 553-0376

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North Charleston, SC - DaimlerChrysler, the world's largest commercial vehicle producer, has selected North Charleston as the site for its new Dodge Sprinter van assembly plant.

DaimlerChrysler will initially invest $35 million and employ 220 when the plant produces its first van in the final quarter of 2006. This is part one of a three-phase plan by the company that upon culmination could create 1,800 jobs and $435 million in investment.

For the complete press release, please visit:

http://www.crda.org/news_article.shtml?id=522

Charleston, SC - FoodHandler, Inc., the market leader in disposable gloves and safe food handling products and programs for the foodservice industry, will relocate its distribution center from Memphis, TN, to North Charleston, SC. The company will occupy a 196,000-square-foot speculative building owned by Pattillo Construction in Charleston County's Palmetto Commerce Park. About 30 new jobs will be created over five years, with an investment of approximately $1.2 million. Today's announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Headquartered in Westbury, NY, FoodHandler provides disposable gloves, bags, headwear, and apparel for the foodservice industry. FoodHandler manufacturing facilities are located in China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Thirteen other locations for FoodHandler's new warehouse were considered including Savannah, Jacksonville, Norfolk and Boston.

"Three factors were mandatory in this location decision: proximity with an East Coast port, the availability of an educated workforce, and competitive outbound freight rates to our customers," stated John Turner, president of FoodHandler. "The Charleston area offers everything we need in terms of logistics support and qualified labor."

Bill McCall, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed the news. "This announcement is another step forward in our region's effort to make the Charleston area more competitive in terms of attracting jobs. We sincerely thank FoodHandler for having confidence in our port and available talent."

Charleston County Council Chairman Leon Stavrinakis commented on the great fit that FoodHandler represents for Charleston County. "We congratulate the company for choosing Charleston for its port, its workforce and its logistics. As a famous author recently said, the world indeed is 'flat,' and the Asian and Charleston FoodHandler employees will now become partners in prosperity."

North Charleston's Mayor Keith Summey also welcomed the company, noting that the city has long been attractive to port-reliant firms. "We know that FoodHandler also considered other port cities for this operation," he said. "We intend to prove every day that the company made the right decision in choosing to locate in North Charleston."

In facilitating announcements such as today's, the Alliance works with numerous public and private allies. Its relationship with the South Carolina Department of Commerce has been of particular importance through the years.

"With our highly efficient port at Charleston, our extensive road system, and our strategic geographic position among the major markets of the East Coast, South Carolina is an outstanding choice for this distribution center," said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. "Moving forward, we will continue to build South Carolina's competitiveness, so that we can increase our aggressive pursuit of jobs and capital investment."

Alliance Media Contact:
Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
nlawrence@crda.org

FoodHandler, Inc. Contact:
Kim West,
VP, Marketing
800-338-4433 ext. 101

 

Charleston, SC - South Carolina today celebrated the one millionth BMW shipped through the Port of Charleston, demonstrating the strength of a relationship that began in 1992 when the automaker broke ground in the state on its first U.S. production facility.

"No one ever imagined that we'd reach this level of volume this quickly," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "BMW's success has far out-paced even our wildest expectations."

BMW first began shipping cars through Charleston in June 1994, when 65 imports crossed the docks. The first exports started rolling in March 1995 with 11 cars. By contrast, in August 2005, BMW's imports and exports totaled nearly 16,000 vehicles. On an average day, BMW ships more than 400 vehicles through the port.

BMW exports South Carolina-assembled X5 sports activity vehicles and Z4 roadsters through Charleston. BMW also imports 3-, 5-, 6-, 7-series and MINI vehicles through the port for distribution to 22 southern and central states. Last fall, the Ports Authority and BMW signed a new 10-year agreement for vehicle handling.

"This milestone symbolizes the strategic partnership between BMW and the Port of Charleston," said Bob Nitto, vice president for corporate affairs at BMW Manufacturing Co.

Since BMW's location in Spartanburg County in South Carolina's Upstate, 31 of its 40 South Carolina suppliers have established new operations in the state. Development of this new automotive cluster has meant thousands of better, higher paying jobs.

South Carolina continues to distinguish itself in the auto industry with Clemson University's development of the International Center for Automotive Research (ICAR), a research park in Greenville.

"BMW's positive impact ripples from its plant in Spartanburg County, to Charleston and to all corners of our state," Groseclose said.

Other attendees at the event included former Ports Authority Chairman Robert V. Royall and U.S. Congressman Henry Brown. Royall, who also served as S.C. Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, worked under Gov. Carroll Campbell in the effort to land BMW.

The Ports Authority acquired property where BMW is located today and assisted with efforts to prepare the site. BMW's South Carolina facility was the fastest ground-breaking to production in modern U.S. automotive history.

Immediately following the ceremony at the Union Pier Terminal, the Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel ELEKTRA, a recently lengthened roll-on roll-of ship, sailed from Charleston to carry the one millionth vehicle, and several hundred others, to Bremerhaven, Germany.

"While this is an important milestone, South Carolina should see this as the first chapter of a long, fruitful relationship," Groseclose said. "We look forward to our shared future with BMW."

Groseclose stressed the Ports Authority's commitment to meeting BMW's near-term and long-term growth needs through the necessary infrastructure investments. "Rest assured that South Carolina is ready to grow with you."

Union Pier Terminal has been vastly improved over the years to handle the rapidly growing business. Most recently, more than $3 million in improvements were made to handle both BMW's growth and the needs of the surrounding community.

In addition to its finished vehicles, BMW and its suppliers ship more than 200 containers a week through the Port of Charleston to keep the plant running.

To handle this growth and the growth of other existing customers, the Ports Authority is moving ahead with plans to build a new three-berth, 280-acre marine terminal on the former Charleston Naval Complex. Permits for the new $545-million facility are expected by August 2006.

Charleston, SC -- To handle growth over the next five years, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (Ports Authority) Board today approved seven contracts totaling $63.7 million for new equipment and terminal improvements.

The contracts cover four new super-post-Panamax container cranes, 16 new rubber-tired gantry (RTGs) cranes to stack containers and various upgrades to container-handling equipment.

"These projects will give us new capacity and serve as the bridge to port expansion on the former Charleston Naval Complex," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president & CEO of the Ports Authority.

Charleston expects permits for a new three-berth, 288-acre container terminal by August 2006. Completion of Phase I is expected by 2011.

"Today's action shows we're committed to a strategic expansion of the Port of Charleston's container handling capabilities," said Groseclose. "Our customers are ready to grow, and we're ready to serve them."

Charleston's container volume rose 14% in the fiscal year that ended June 30, reaching an all-time record of 1.97 million TEU (20-foot equivalent units). This is more than double the volume Charleston handled just 10 years ago in fiscal 1995.

The projects approved today include:

• Four container cranes (ZPMC - $33.155 million)
• Engineering services related to new cranes (GBB, Inc. - $718,000)
• Electrical substation for cranes (SCE&G - $1.36 million)
• Sixteen new RTGs (Kone - $25.824 million)
• Convert 13 full container handlers to 4-high stacking, two full container handlers,
• two empty container handlers and two lift trucks for chassis storage (Gregory Poole - $2.62 million)

The Wando Welch Terminal and North Charleston Terminal each will receive two new ship-to-shore container cranes. The new cranes, from ZPMC of China, are expected by early 2007. Also approved were engineering, quality assurance and electrical services associated with construction and installation of the new cranes.

The new RTGs, supplied by Kone, will be capable of stacking containers in the yard one over five high, improving the utilization of existing terminal space and allowing for greater handling capacity. The new machines will bring Charleston's total fleet to 43 RTGs.

The four container handlers, two loaded and two empty, and the conversion of 13 existing toplifters will increase capacity in the container yard, while chassis rotators will improve utilization of space in the chassis storage area. The new container handlers will bring Charleston's fleet of loaded and empty handlers to 59.

The Ports Authority Board also approved measures to enhance security systems and access control at all SPA facilities in Charleston and Georgetown. Virtually all of this $926,449 project will be funded through federal grants. M.C. Dean, Inc. will install the equipment.

In other action, the Ports Authority Board okayed $830,500 for berth maintenance dredging at Columbus Street and Union Pier Terminals. This will be the last dredging effort before installation of the sediment suspension system at Berths 1 and 2 at Columbus Street. Marinex will perform the work.

All of the work and equipment will be funded internally by the Ports Authority's earnings and the proceeds of revenue bonds and not through tax dollars.

Charleston - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is awarding $5.2 million in port security grants to the South Carolina State Ports Authority in the latest round of grants.

"This is the largest security grant we've ever received," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "Although it's only a portion of what we requested, the grants will go a long way toward improving seaport security. We thank our congressional delegation for their support and interest in South Carolina's port security needs."

The funding will be used to enhance physical security, such as gates, barriers, guard houses, lighting, video surveillance and vehicle-screening areas, at the Wando Welch Terminal.

In its application, the Ports Authority requested $18.1 million for port security projects. In the current round, more than $141 million in grants was awarded to facilities in 36 cities nationwide.

In the first four rounds of Port Security Grants, the Ports Authority received $7.5 million.

Charleston is the U.S. pilot location for Project Seahawk, an anti-terrorism task force of all local, state and federal law enforcement bodies that are co-located to share intelligence. In addition, the South Carolina State Ports Authority is a certified member of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, a public-private global supply chain security initiative.

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

Charleston, SC - Riding a wave of increased productivity and a solid financial position, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) closed its most successful fiscal year by posting record container volume and revenues.

The Port of Charleston handled 1.97 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in FY05, an increase of 14% from the previous year. Total SCSPA breakbulk tonnage also rose 14% to nearly two million tons.

Operating revenues totaled $138 million, up 18% from FY04. All net earnings are reinvested in the SCSPA's port facilities.

"Upgraded equipment and information systems allowed the Port of Charleston's employees to meet strong customer demand last year," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the SCSPA. "With an aggressive two-year capital plan, a new bridge, harbor deepening and port expansion, Charleston is preparing for the next wave."

Highlights from the past year include:

• • To handle near-term growth and improve utilization of existing Charleston terminals, the SCSPA approved a two-year, $159-million capital plan for new container stacking equipment, container cranes and other capacity enhancements.
  • More than $6 million in environmental, engineering and mitigation studies were started for a new 280-acre, three-berth container terminal at the former Charleston Naval Complex. Permits are expected in August 2006 and the project will boost capacity by 1.4 million TEU. The first phase is scheduled to open by the end of 2011.
  • The largest cable-stayed bridge in North America was completed in Charleston Harbor, offering higher and wider clearance.
  • The SCSPA announced in January its intention to acquire property for a state port in Jasper County on the Savannah River.
  • The Yard Management System (YMS) was deployed to all Charleston terminals after going online at the Wando Welch Terminal in January. This IT initiative boosted productivity and cut turn times for truckers.
  • The South Carolina General Assembly passed the International Trade Incentive Program, providing job or investment tax incentives to companies that increase their import/export volume through the port.
  • BMW renewed a 10-year contract with the SCSPA and announced that the company expected to increase its import/export volume to 150,000 vehicles over the next 10 years.
  • Several new shipping services began calling Charleston, including the first direct Charleston to Central America service, and additional services to South America and the Middle East.

Charleston, SC -- The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has received 11 responses from ocean carriers and marine terminal operators that wish to remain involved in South Carolina's port expansion projects.

Earlier this year, the SCSPA invited private participation in two expansion projects - a three-berth, 280-acre container terminal in Charleston at the former Navy Base and a 1,800-acre site on the Savannah River in Jasper County.

Companies expressing interest, participating in the process and submitting responses by the August 1 deadline include 10 ocean carriers and five marine terminal operators: APL, APM Terminals/Maersk Inc., CMA-CGM America, Ceres Terminals, CKYH (COSCO North America, K-Line America, Yang Ming America and Hanjin Shipping), Evergreen America, MTC (Marine Terminals Corp.), Mistui O.S.K. Line, OOCL (USA), P&O Ports North America and SSA Marine.

The Corps of Engineers expects a decision on permits for the Charleston expansion project by August 2006. In January, the SPA Board approved a nearly $5 million environmental study to obtain the necessary approvals. The SCSPA has since awarded $1.5 million in contracts for engineering, operational, environmental and mitigation work. In addition, the federal highway bill passed by Congress last week includes a $10 million earmark for the new port access road.

While the Charleston expansion is somewhat ahead of the Jasper project, the SCSPA intends to move both projects ahead on parallel courses.

The Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) issued in February was broad, seeking private sector interest in participating financially in terminal design and development and operation of either or both of South Carolina's major port expansion projects.

A number of ocean carriers and marine terminal operators responded favorably and expressed interest. In June, the SCSPA Board unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to the competitive process and held informational meetings with the firms to detail the two projects.

Interested companies were asked to respond in writing to confirm the nature and level of their interest. These confidential responses will be used to develop a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) that will be issued in the coming weeks.

Charleston, SC - Business leaders and elected officials gathered today to hail a $10 million federal earmark that will help fund a new direct access road to the port expansion site on the former Charleston Navy Base.

"This is a giant leap forward," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). "Sen. DeMint, Congressman Brown and our congressional leaders worked hard to secure recognition of the port access road's national importance."

A new federal highway spending bill, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), was approved the by the U.S. Congress on Friday. It includes $10 million for various studies related to the new port access road, including permitting, design and engineering work. President Bush is expected to sign the bill.

The $10 million earmark is a major milestone as the port expansion process moves forward. Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met with the Charleston legislative delegation's Ports Authority Ad Hoc Committee and said that an application for the access road was needed soon to keep the port expansion permit on track. The committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Merrill, supports the access road and port expansion and has encouraged the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to file the necessary permit documents.

In a statement released today, SCDOT executive director Elizabeth S. Mabry said that her agency would file a broad permit application for the port access road in the next few days. The $10 million earmark is dedicated to the port access road and is available immediately.

In January, the SCSPA agreed to fund $1.3 million for a preliminary analysis of road corridor alternatives. One result was broad community support for a southern corridor that travels from the south end of the former Navy Base through the Macalloy site and on to I-26. The preferred alternative corridor, which crosses industrial property and avoids neighborhoods, has received formal support from Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Mayor Summey, the Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS), the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the SCSPA.

The Corps of Engineers will release the draft environmental impact statement on the port expansion project this October and plans to hold a public hearing in November. With a permitting decision in hand by August 2006, the SCSPA could open the first phase of the new terminal by the end of 2011.

COMMENTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS ON PORT ACCESS ROAD FUNDING

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint
"This funding will help start the process of constructing a port access road for the new terminal. This project could be one of the most important to our State's growing economy: this access road for the new terminal will allow our State's businesses to continue to expand and thrive in new markets all over the world."

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham
"The port is vital to our local and state economy. It is essential for us to maintain and upgrade the necessary infrastructure for efficient operation of the port. I am pleased Congress recognizes the important role the port plays in trade and commerce."

U.S. Rep. Henry Brown
"We recognize the value of our ports, as well as the need to fulfill obligations to the neighboring communities. I see the funding for a new port access road as tangible evidence of the State Ports Authority's recognition of these needs. The projects that were authorized under the House-Senate highway conference report will provide sorely needed transportation improvements. I am proud to have been a part of the Conference Committee and to see these funds earmarked for our state."

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey
"The top community concern about port expansion has been traffic. A new, direct connection between I-26 and the port expansion site addresses these neighborhood concerns. This is real progress."

S.C. Rep. Jim Merrill, Chairman of Charleston Delegation Port Ad Hoc Committee
"To ensure that the much needed new terminal is brought on line in a timely fashion, we need to move forward immediately with planning and permitting of the access road."