Charleston, SC - At its monthly Board meeting today, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) announced double-digit volume increases during March, along with the addition of a new service between Charleston, Northern China and South Korea.
"These volume gains are encouraging and significant," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. He attributed the growth to restocking of inventories, export market growth and the SCSPA's aggressive new business development efforts. As ocean carriers look to enhance or start new services, Charleston is firmly on their radar screen, Newsome said.
The new weekly service will bring 52 additional ship calls annually, linking Charleston directly to markets across Northern China and South Korea. Transshipment in the Caribbean will provide additional market access across Central and South America.
Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of the SCSPA, highlighted Charleston's advantages. The strategic placement of Charleston as the last U.S. port outbound highlights this region's export potential to markets in Asia. With the deepest channels in the region, as well as ample capacity and equipment, Charleston is a compelling place to do business. We look forward to growing CSAV's already substantial presence in Charleston.
The service launches with the first sailing on May 16 from Ningbo, China with additional port calls at Shanghai, Qingdao, Xingang, Busan, Kingston, Caucedo and Cartagena. The first Charleston call is expected on June 24 at the Wando Welch Terminal.