CHARLESTON, SC - May 17, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 10 percent fiscal year-to-date growth of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled through April at its two container terminals.
As previously announced, SCPA has moved 1.8 million TEUs since the 2017 fiscal year began last July. The Port achieved the strongest April on record, with 189,315 TEUs handled last month, and exceeded April 2016 volumes by 20 percent. It was the second-highest single month in SCPA history, slightly behind the record 192,411 TEUs set in March.
Pier container, or box volume, is up 10 percent fiscal year to date. The Port handled 107,340 containers in April.
SCPA's non-containerized cargo volumes in Charleston through April are 6 percent ahead of plan, totaling 689,220 breakbulk tons since June. The Port handled 54,426 tons last month.
Inland Port Greer rail moves were the strongest April on record, with 11,125 rail moves last month. Greer has experienced tremendous growth this fiscal year, with 95,999 rail moves to date.
"A record-breaking April in our container business segment as well as at Inland Port Greer is great news for the Port," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our growth is broad-based with a good import-export balance, and while we expect to see container trade growth moderate over the foreseeable future, the Port is well-positioned to surpass our volume goals this fiscal year."
Board Action
The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the development of a new SCPA headquarters building on the site of the Wando Welch Terminal in Mt. Pleasant. The new building is expected to open in November 2018.
Successful maiden call of COSCO Development
On Saturday SCPA welcomed the maiden call of the COSCO Development, the largest vessel ever to call the U.S. East Coast. The Port completed 2,910 crane moves on the vessel, the second-highest number of moves in SCPA history, before it sailed on Sunday evening.
"The arrival of the COSCO Development at East Coast ports was a milestone in our industry, and a reflection of the importance of our efforts to be big ship ready," Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our port and maritime community handled the maiden voyage of the COSCO Development with ease, and we look forward to efficiently handling many more vessels of the same size in the future."
Also Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO congratulated Pamela Lackey, President of AT&T South Carolina. She was named the first female Chairman of SC Ports.
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, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.