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SC Ports Announces All-Time Record Container Volume

CHARLESTON, SC - February 6, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced an all-time record container volume of nearly 105,000 pier containers and 185,018 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled in January.

As measured in pier containers, or total box volume, SCPA handled 104, 792 boxes last month, surpassing the previous record of 104, 003 containers handled in May 2015. Container volume is up 28 percent compared to the same month last year.

As we move into the second half of the fiscal year, SCPA container volume is up 8 percent compared to the same period last 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.

SC Ports Authority Container Volume Climbs 5 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - January 23, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported a 5.4 percent increase in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) volume fiscal year to date, with 1,029,450 TEUs handled since the period began in July.

December was a solid finish to the second quarter of fiscal year 2017, with 164,480 TEUs moved last month, a year-over-year increase of nearly 14 percent.

As measured in pier containers, or total box volume, SCPA handled 92,956 boxes last month, up 12.8 percent compared to the same month last year. Fiscal year to date pier container volume is up 5.4 percent, with 580,880 boxes moved at its North Charleston and Wando Welch container terminals.

"The port is experiencing an all-time high container volume, with loaded imports and exports achieving over 7 percent growth," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. "Looking ahead to the second half of our 2017 fiscal year, we remain cautiously optimistic as we continue to prepare for the deployment of 14,000 TEU ships and improve our existing infrastructure. We are also excited about the development plans for the new Inland Port Dillon and the efficiency and flexibility benefits the project will bring to shippers in that area."

Port of Charleston handled 61,377 pier tons in December, pushing fiscal year to date volume to 422,120 pier tons moved across SCPA docks. Charleston exceeded fiscal year to date plans by 8.5 percent.

Rail moves at Inland Port Greer continued to be strong, with 9,180 moves last month. With 54,072 rail lifts since July, the facility's rail volume is up 28 percent over the same period last 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.

SC Ports Authority Announces Record Container Volume in 2016

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.

SC Ports Authority Posts Record November Container Volume

CHARLESTON, SC - December 14, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported its strongest November container volumes on record.

SCPA handled 175,217 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in November, a year-over-year increase of 14 percent. Previously, SCPA's strongest November on record was 163,121 TEUs handled in 2005. With 864,970 TEUs moved since the fiscal year began in July, the Port's container volume is up 4 percent.

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA also broke previous November volume records by moving 99,041 boxes last month. Fiscal year-to-date pier container volume is up 4 percent, with 487,924 boxes moved at its North Charleston and Wando Welch container terminals.

"The port had a record November of close to 100,000 pier containers with continued year-on-year growth in the loaded container segment and the resurgence of empty exports through calls by extra loader vessels," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We are ahead of plan for the fiscal year 2017 but expect a seasonally modest December through February as lines adjust to slowing world trade and prepare for new alliance deployments. The South Carolina Inland Port Greer continued to handle near-record volumes as we prepare to build a second inland port in Dillon County, SC."

SCPA's non-containerized cargo volumes in Charleston exceeded fiscal year-to-date plans last month by 11 percent. Charleston handled 66,953 pier tons of breakbulk cargo in November.

Rail moves at Inland Port Greer continued to be strong, with 9,465 moves in November. Fiscal year-to-date volumes are up nearly 31 percent compared to the same period last year, with 44,892 rail moves since July.

Local Students Name Our Cranes
Two Charleston elementary students earned $500 from SCPA for their school, thanks to their winning entries in a Port contest to name cranes at the Wando Welch Terminal.

Charleston County School District students in third through fifth grade submitted names for two new super post-Panamax cranes, which move containers on and off ships. Over 400 entries were submitted.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following two entries, which have been painted onto the cranes: Cranebob Bluepants, submitted by Belle Hall Elementary School fifth grade student Jacob Blackburn, and Heavy Metal, submitted by Belle Hall Elementary School fifth grade student Annabelle Horton.

 

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.

Congress Authorizes Charleston Harbor Deepening Project

CHARLESTON, SC - December 10, 2016 - Today, the United States Senate passed S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included Congressional authorization for the 52-foot Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.

"The passage of WIIN marks one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Port of Charleston," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. With this important step by Congress, we now turn our attention to inclusion in the President's FY2018 budget, relative to the construction phase of the harbor deepening project. By the end of the decade, we will achieve 52 feet of depth and Charleston will be the deepest harbor on the East Coast. This depth advantage will add significant capability in the fastest growing port region in the U.S., the Southeast. This is vitally important for significant long-term volume growth and the deployment of large container ships. We are extremely grateful to many for their tireless efforts ensuring this bill moves forward; the leadership in the U.S. Congress, specifically Chairman Inhofe of Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Chairman Shuster of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, Governor Nikki Haley, and the South Carolina Legislature. We look forward to a continued, productive partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project progresses. Last but certainly not least I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our port staff and specifically Barbara Melvin, our Senior Vice President of Operations and Terminals, who guided this process for us from its inception in 2010 through this authorization."

The WIIN bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers Chief's Report for the construction phase of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, ensuring the project can remain on schedule. By achieving 52 feet of depth, SCPA will be able to accommodate fully-loaded new-Panamax container ships without tidal restriction.

"South Carolina, the Southeastern region and our nation will enjoy the positive impacts of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project for years to come," said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney. "Today's Congressional authorization is the result of years of hard work and dedication by the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, Governor Haley, our state, local and federal partners, and SCPA leadership. This world-class deepening project ensures SCPA will remain a competitive, growing port well into the future."

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was formally recommended for Congressional authorization in January with the issuance of the Record of Decision by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). The project has moved expeditiously through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART Planning process and received strong support by all levels of government. In 2012 the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million for the state share of the project, and it was expedited by the Administration as a "We Can't Wait" initiative. Upon completion, the project will deepen the Charleston Harbor to 54 feet at the entrance channel and 52 feet in the harbor.

The WIIN Act, formerly known as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), passed the Senate by a vote of 78-21 and the House by a vote of 360-61. It now moves to the President's desk for signature.

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.

U.S. House Passes Compromise Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act

CHARLESTON, SC - December 8, 2016 - Today's passage of S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN), formerly known as Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), by the U.S. House of Representatives, moves the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project closer to securing the authorization necessary to begin construction.

"We applaud the House for passing this legislation before the end of the year, which is critical to modernizing ports and port-related infrastructure across the country," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. "The South Carolina Delegation worked extremely hard to move this bill forward. Thanks to their support, we are well-positioned to be the deepest harbor on the East Coast by the end of the decade. We remain hopeful that the U.S. Senate will vote and send it to the President for signature in the coming days."

The WIIN Act, which passed the House by a vote of 360-61, now goes to the Senate for consideration.

"Today's action in the House is incredibly important to South Carolina and the nation," said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney. "Members of our delegation have worked tirelessly to ensure the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project remains on track, and we are deeply appreciative of their continued support."

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was formally recommended for Congressional authorization in January with the issuance of the Record of Decision by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). The project has moved expeditiously through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART Planning process and received strong support by all levels of government. In 2012 the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million for the state share of the project, and it was expedited by the Administration as a "We Can't Wait" initiative. Upon completion, the project will deepen the Charleston Harbor to 54 feet at the entrance channel and 52 feet in the harbor.

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.

Two Percent Container Volume Increase at SC Ports

CHARLESTON, SC - November 10, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported nearly two percent growth of twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) volume since its fiscal year began in July.

SCPA handled 169,477 TEUs in October, an increase from 164,734 TEUs moved during the same month last year. Fiscal year to date, SCPA's container volume reached 689,753 TEUs, a year-over-year increase of 1.73 percent.

As measured in pier containers, or total boxes moved across SCPA's docks, fiscal year-to-date volume is up by 6,227 containers. SCPA handled 95,608 pier containers in October, bringing total volume to 388,883 boxes since the fiscal year began.

"Our incremental container volume increase in October is reflective of a worldwide slowing in container trade, but we are optimistic that growth will resume in both imports and exports as the Southeast economy grows," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We also expect major emerging market economies to restore growth in demand based upon strength of a growing middle class."

In non-containerized cargo volume, Charleston handled 76,029 tons in October. Charleston breakbulk volume is 10.2 percent ahead of fiscal year-to-date plans, with 293,780 tons handled since July.

Inland Port Greer handled 9,211 rail moves last month. The facility's rail volume is up 25.5 percent since the fiscal year began, with 35,427 rail moves handled between July and October.

"Amid the shifting structure of the container industry, including consolidations of major carriers and an extremely difficult financial picture, SCPA is well-prepared to meet the demands that will be required of top 10 U.S. ports going forward. Bigger ships will be deployed across fewer services, and our port is making the necessary investments in cranes, terminal infrastructure and capacity, and harbor deepening to meet these requirements," Newsome said.

Board Action
In action items, the Board approved funding for the conclusion of the Advanced Gate System installation at the Wando Welch Terminal as well as total implementation the North Charleston Terminal in February 2017. The Board also approved contracts related to construction and security services for the Leatherman Terminal, installation of bracing on three ship-to-shore cranes and the purchase of an aerial lift for rubber-tired gantry crane repairs.

Crane Commissioning
Yesterday evening SCPA celebrated its two new super post-Panamax cranes with a lighting show and fireworks display on the dock of the Wando Welch Terminal. The cranes, which offer 155 feet of lift height above the dock, were produced by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.in China and delivered to SCPA in August.

SCPA has ordered two additional ZPMC cranes of this size for delivery by the end of 2017 and plans to raise four of its existing cranes to the same height.

"We are planning for two shipping services with 14,000 TEU vessels to call Charleston by mid-2017, which will be a game-changer for the East Coast ports," Newsome said. "By the end of next year, SCPA's $44 million wharf strengthening project to handle larger ships will be complete, and we will have eight cranes with 155 feet of lift height capable of handling two 14,000 TEU ships simultaneously."

SCPA also expects construction to begin on the first phase of its 52-foot harbor deepening project to begin by the end of next year, making Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast by 2020.


Above: SCPA held a celebration of its two new post-Panamax cranes with a lighting and fireworks show on the dock of its Wando Welch Terminal.

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.

SCPA Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year Growth

CHARLESTON, SC - October 19, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported year-over-year growth during the first quarter of its 2017 fiscal year.

SCPA handled 162,858 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September. First quarter TEU volumes were up 1.4 percent over the same period last year, with 520,276 TEUs crossing SCPA docks from July to September.

As measured in pier containers, or box volume, SCPA moved 91,784 containers in September. Fiscal year to date, SCPA has handled 293,275 boxes at its North Charleston and Wando Welch container terminals.

"Loaded container volume, particularly on the import side, supported SCPA's growth for the first quarter of the fiscal year," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We also saw strong volumes on the breakbulk side of our business relative to plan, and Inland Port Greer achieved record volumes, providing a solid start to FY2017."

Non-containerized cargo volumes during the first quarter exceeded plan by 11.8 percent, with Charleston handling 217,533 breakbulk tons between July and September.

Rail volume at Inland Port Greer increased 18.6 percent during the first quarter, with 26,216 moves handled since July. In September the facility handled 9,521 rail moves, a record in monthly rail volume.

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.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Progresses with House Water Resources Development Act Passage

CHARLESTON, SC - September 28, 2016 - Today's passage of H.5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 by the U.S. House of Representatives, moves the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project closer to securing the authorization necessary to begin construction.

"We applaud the House of Representatives for making this critical legislation a priority before the lame duck session," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. "The entire South Carolina Delegation has worked diligently to ensure the bill moves forward in order to enable the project to begin construction next year. Thanks to their support, we are well-positioned to be the deepest harbor on the East Coast by the end of the decade."

H.5303 passed with a vote of 399-25. A conference committee will now be formed to work through the differences between the House and Senate versions during the Congressional recess.

"Passage of this bill by the House represents another hurdle cleared for Charleston Harbor Deepening," said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney. "We are deeply appreciative of our entire delegation's efforts. This milestone is the result of years of hard work and ensures our Port's world-class deepening project remains on track."

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was formally recommended for Congressional authorization in January with the issuance of the Record of Decision by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). The project has moved expeditiously through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART Planning process and received strong support by all levels of government. In 2012 the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million for the state share of the project, and it was expedited by the Administration as a "We Can't Wait" initiative.

"Today's action in the House is tremendous news, and I congratulate our delegation for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Port and the entire state," said Senator Larry Grooms, SC Review and Oversight Commission on the SCPA Chairman.

Upon completion, the project will deepen the Charleston Harbor to 54 feet at the entrance channel and 52 feet in the harbor.

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.

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Progresses with House Water Resources Development Act Passage

CHARLESTON, SC - September 28, 2016 - Today's passage of H.5303, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 by the U.S. House of Representatives, moves the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project closer to securing the authorization necessary to begin construction.

"We applaud the House of Representatives for making this critical legislation a priority before the lame duck session," said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. "The entire South Carolina Delegation has worked diligently to ensure the bill moves forward in order to enable the project to begin construction next year. Thanks to their support, we are well-positioned to be the deepest harbor on the East Coast by the end of the decade."

H.5303 passed with a vote of 399-25. A conference committee will now be formed to work through the differences between the House and Senate versions during the Congressional recess.

"Passage of this bill by the House represents another hurdle cleared for Charleston Harbor Deepening," said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney. "We are deeply appreciative of our entire delegation's efforts. This milestone is the result of years of hard work and ensures our Port's world-class deepening project remains on track."

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was formally recommended for Congressional authorization in January with the issuance of the Record of Decision by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). The project has moved expeditiously through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART Planning process and received strong support by all levels of government. In 2012 the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million for the state share of the project, and it was expedited by the Administration as a "We Can't Wait" initiative.

"Today's action in the House is tremendous news, and I congratulate our delegation for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Port and the entire state," said Senator Larry Grooms, SC Review and Oversight Commission on the SCPA Chairman.

Upon completion, the project will deepen the Charleston Harbor to 54 feet at the entrance channel and 52 feet in the harbor.

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.

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