CHARLESTON, SC - January 9, 2017- South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced a record container volume of nearly two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled in 2016.
SCPA handled 1.996 million TEUs in 2016, surpassing the previous record of 1.985 million TEUs handled in 2005. Container volume in TEU was up 1.2 percent compared to last year. Loaded TEU volume was up 4 percent year-over-year while empty container volume was down 10 percent.
"This is a significant accomplishment for the SCPA of which we are very proud," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We are cautiously optimistic about the future given the significant automotive projects that exist in the Southeast along with the seeming recovery of emerging market economies, which drives U.S. exports. Our focus is squarely on realizing ongoing enhancements to handle the significant deployment of big container ships, specifically refurbishing our wharves, raising our cranes, deepening our harbor as soon as possible, and expanding our successful inland port network with a second inland port facility in Dillon, SC."
The South Carolina Inland Port Greer handled a record 103,639 rail lifts in 2016, an increase of 38% percent over the previous calendar year.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.