CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 - On the heels of today's State of the Port, South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported its strongest August container volumes on record.
SCPA handled 180,153 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August, a year-over-year increase of 5.6 percent. Previously, SCPA's strongest August on record was 170,528 TEUs handled in 2015. With 357,420 TEUs moved during the first two months of the 2017 fiscal year, the Port's container volume is up 3.4 percent.
As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA also broke previous August volume records by moving 101,125 boxes last month. Fiscal year-to-date pier container volume is up 3 percent, with 201,492 boxes handled since the year began in July.
"August was a stronger month for the Port, particularly in loaded container volume," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "I expect to see similar growth over the next few months, as the fall is a traditionally strong season."
In non-containerized cargo, SCPA handled 56,744 pier tons in August. Fiscal year to date, Charleston has handled 127,518 tons of breakbulk cargo across its docks.
August also marked a record month for Inland Port Greer, with 9,392 rail moves handled during the month. Fiscal year-to-date volumes are up 12 percent compared to the same period last year, with 16,695 rail moves in July and August.
Board Action
The Board approved a construction contract for a new refrigerated container service area at the Wando Welch Terminal. Additional capacity is necessary to accommodate SCPA's growing refrigerated cargo business, which has increased 58 percent since 2011.
Community Giving Grants
Last week SCPA announced $85,000 in grants to 49 charitable organizations through its annual Community Giving Program. The program provides grant support in regions where SCPA operates in order to positively impact maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.
This year's announcement marks the highest amount of grant funds ever awarded by SCPA. In addition to numerous grants of $1,000 and $2,500, three organizations received $5,000 awards: Charleston Waterkeeper, Chucktown Squash Scholars and Team Backpack Journalists.
"There is great pride in the Port's Community Giving Program, both in the selection of the grants and the ongoing relationships formed with recipients," said Pat McKinney, SCPA Board Chairman. "This program helps fulfill the Port's mission to positively impact the communities across the state where we operate."
In addition to the new awards, SCPA released the following results of outcomes surveys completed by last year's 42 grant recipients, who collectively received $81,000 in funding:
- 8,924 students participated in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities
- Over 7,000 meals provided to senior citizens living at or below the poverty level
- 13 high-need schools received support for hunger-relief programs
- 618,138 people educated about environmental sustainability
- 4,233 books distributed to improve academic performance or skills
- 600 books distributed to provide counseling
- 77 students completed career readiness programs
FY2017 marks the fourth year of the annual program. Click to view a full list of this year's grant recipients.
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, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually 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 https://scspa.com/