Capital Investments Archives - SC Ports Authority

SC Ports awarded $20 million infrastructure grant from DOT

CHARLESTON, SC -- FEB. 11, 2020 -- S.C. Ports Authority was awarded a nearly $20 million federal grant today to assist with building vital infrastructure at Wando Welch Terminal in support of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Port Infrastructure Development Grant for S.C. Ports' Wando Welch Terminal Wharf Toe Wall and Berth Deepening Project. The funds will go toward building a toe wall and deepening three berths at the Wando terminal.

"The U.S. Department of Transportation grant is crucial to realizing these necessary infrastructure projects related to our Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. "We are incredibly grateful to the DOT, Gov. Henry McMaster and our Congressional delegation for their work on this grant. Their support ensures South Carolina will have the deepest harbor on the East Coast next year with 52 feet of depth, enabling S.C. Ports to remain globally competitive in the era of big ships."

The toe wall is needed to maintain a stable slope beneath the wharf, as well as provide an edge for berth deepening and to enable future maintenance dredging.

These construction projects are critically linked to the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which is currently underway by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"We are appreciative that the DOT recognized the importance of this funding as work progresses on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," S.C. Ports Authority COO Barbara Melvin said. "The construction of the toe wall and deepening of the three berths at Wando Welch Terminal must be completed in conjunction with the deepening project to realize the full benefits of achieving 52 feet of depth. This work will ensure the mega container ships calling on the Port of Charleston can seamlessly access Wando Welch Terminal."

The toe wall construction and dredging work will cost around $33 million, with S.C. Ports contributing around $13 million and the grant contributing nearly $20 million.

This work complements a multiyear effort to upgrade Wando Welch Terminal with a stronger wharf and more efficient layout to handle larger ships, taller cranes and more cargo.

S.C. Ports has invested nearly $2 billion overall in recent years to enhance infrastructure and increase capacity as cargo volumes continue to grow. Container volumes have doubled at the Port of Charleston since 2009 and continue to grow year-over-year.

S.C. Ports is a vital economic engine for the state, generating a $63.4 billion statewide economic impact each year and creating 1 in 10 S.C. jobs. Companies rely on the Port of Charleston to quickly move their products to global markets and import goods to Southeast consumers.

"S.C. Ports is working to deepen Charleston Harbor, further modernize Wando Welch Terminal and build the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal," Newsome said. "This grant works in tandem with our imperative infrastructure initiatives to ensure we can handle mega container ships and remain a top 10 U.S. container port."

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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 Posts Milestone 2018 Fiscal Year

CHARLESTON, SC - July 18, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority posted strong performance across multiple business segments in fiscal year 2018, achieving new records for monthly and annual container volumes as well as progress of key capital projects.

"SCPA had an ambitious growth plan for the 2018 fiscal year, and our progress across all business segments is a true accomplishment," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Growth of 3 percent in FY2018 on the heels of 10 percent growth last fiscal year reflects broad-based expansion of the Port's cargo base as well as strong operational performance of our port. Our container volume growth is further driven by the upsizing of vessels, with 18 of SCPA's 26 weekly container services utilizing neo-Panamax ships."

SCPA handled 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in FY2018, a peak in fiscal year container volume for the Port. March through June marked the highest months of container volume in the Port's history.

In breakbulk, or non-containerized cargo, Charleston handled 760,501 pier tons from July through June. Within the breakbulk business segment, SCPA moved 232,075 vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in FY2018.

Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer played a key role in the Port's overall growth. The facility handled 10,184 rail lifts in June for a total 117,812 rail lifts during the fiscal year. Success of Inland Port Greer was a driver in SCPA's decision to open a second facility, Inland Port Dillon, in April.

Terminal Modernization and Capacity

In addition to volume growth, SCPA achieved significant progress of key projects in FY2018. The nearly three-year effort to strengthen and refurbish the Wando Welch Terminal wharf will be completed on July 23, when all three terminal berths return to normal operations in conjunction with the commissioning of the terminal's sixth ship-to-shore (STS) crane with 155 feet of lift height. By the end of the year, two additional cranes of the same size will become operational, with one additional crane to be delivered in late 2019, for the efficient handling of two 13,000 TEU or larger vessels simultaneously.

A $370 million project underway at the Wando Terminal will increase capacity by 700,000 TEUs by the end of 2019. Upon completion, the terminal will offer 13 STS cranes, including nine cranes with 155 feet of lift height; 62 rubber-tired gantry cranes and 23 empty handlers; 3,800 feet of wharf, capable of handling three neo-Panamax ships; an enhanced traffic pattern and 40 gates, including 27 inbound and 13 outbound, for continued efficiency and low turn times; and a new 35-acre chassis yard for the proposed Southern States Chassis Pool.

"SCPA has an aggressive target of 1.3 million pier containers for FY 2019, volume growth that is consistent with our expectations for the further development of the region's cargo base along with the capable infrastructure provided by the Port," Newsome said. "We will continue to closely monitor the development of the multilateral trade and tariff discussions for potential impacts."

Charleston Harbor Deepening

Construction on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet, which began in February, is well underway with three Great Lakes Dock and Dredge Company dredges currently at work in the Entrance Channel. The next construction contract will be awarded in the fall for dredging the harbor to the Wando Terminal. This contract will include widening the turning basin to 1,650 feet, a benefit that will be realized prior to the slated completion of this construction phase in March 2021.

Cargo Base Expansion

Beyond infrastructure projects, FY2018 also marked successful milestones in the expansion of SCPA's cargo base and the addition of new facilities to serve growing markets.

Frontier Logistics successfully opened a transloading operation on Union Pier Terminal in August to support growth of the Port's plastics and resins business. Frontier has been operating in Charleston since 2011, handling bagging and seabulk transloading for both import and export resins and plastics producers.

SCPA recently closed on the purchase of a nearly 950-acre industrial tract in Ridgeville, South Carolina to support import and export distribution growth. The rail-served site offers nearly 750 developable acres for port-related industry use.

Board Action

At their monthly meeting today, the SCPA Board approved a $53.8 million contract for construction of the wharf structure for Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman, Senior Terminal. The new terminal will open in 2021 to accommodate growth of the Port's containerized cargo business.

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, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an 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.

South Carolina Ports Posts Fiscal Year Growth

CHARLESTON, SC - May 30, 2018 - South Carolina Ports Authority's fiscal year-to-date volumes are nearly 2 percent higher than last year, with record-breaking container volumes handled in April.

As previously announced, SCPA has moved 1.8 million TEUs since July, compared to 1.78 million during the same period last fiscal year. The Port achieved a record April, with 196,439 TEUs handled during the month.

SCPA's strong container volume was also reflected in April volumes at Inland Port Greer. The facility handled 9,577 rail moves last month for a fiscal year-to-date total of 96,937 lifts.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port handled 51,426 pier tons in April. Since the fiscal year began in July, 608,829 tons of breakbulk cargo have moved across the docks in Charleston.

RTG purchase

At its monthly Board of Directors meeting today, the Port announced plans to purchase 26 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes from Konecrane. The $46.4 million contract includes 24 new RTGs for the Wando Welch Terminal to support SCPA's plans to modernize operations and increase container yard capacity of its existing terminal facilities. Inland Port Greer will receive two of the new cranes to support continued volume growth of the facility.

SC Ports Welcomes New Ship-to-Shore Cranes

CHARLESTON, SC - March 1, 2018 - Just a day prior to the South Carolina Ports Authority's celebration of the beginning of Charleston Harbor Deepening Project construction, the Port welcomed two new ship-to-shore cranes at the Wando Welch Terminal to further enhance the handling of neo-Panamax vessels.

"It is fitting to welcome the arrival of two new cranes as we begin construction on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The cranes are an integral part of the Port's plans to modernize existing terminals in order to more efficiently handle big ships. Along with the Wando Terminal wharf strengthening project, bigger cranes enable the Port to continue to meet the needs of our customers and deliver the operational reliability and productivity we are known for in the U.S. port industry."

Produced by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) in China, the new cranes can lift containers 155 feet above the dock. The Wando Welch Terminal received its first two neo-Panamax cranes in August 2016, and an additional crane is on order for delivery in August 2019.

Arrival of the cranes marks the final stage of a $48.4 million project to strengthen and upgrade the Wando Terminal wharf and infrastructure required for handling larger vessels. Upon commissioning of the new cranes in June, the Wando will return to a three-berth facility.

In addition to the new cranes, SCPA is raising four existing cranes from 115 feet lift height to 155 feet. By the fall of 2019, the Wando Terminal's fleet of 13 cranes will include 9 that are neo-Panamax in size.

SCPA currently handles 20 of 27 weekly calls of vessels too large to transit the Panama Canal prior to its expansion. Beginning in April, two weekly services will consist of vessels 13,000 TEU or more. Upon completion of harbor deepening project in 2020, Charleston will offer wide channels with depth of 52 feet in the Inner Harbor and 54 feet in the Entrance Channel.

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, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. 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 Board Approves $69.5 Million Crane Purchase

CHARLESTON, SC - October 30, 2017 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors approved a $69.5 million contract for the purchase of six new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to serve growing container volumes and big ships calling the Port of Charleston.

"As the largest crane purchase in our history, the contract approved today is an important part of our overall investment in infrastructure and capacity to ensure the Port is well-positioned for the future," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "When the cranes arrive in late 2019, deepening of the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet will be nearly two-thirds complete and construction of our new container terminal will also be nearly finished."

The cranes will be manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, LTD (ZPMC). Five cranes offering 169 feet of lift height will be delivered to the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, the only permitted container terminal under construction on the U.S. East or Gulf coasts. Phase One of the terminal is scheduled to open in mid-2020 with an annual capacity of 628,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU).

In addition, one 155-foot crane will be delivered to the Wando Welch Terminal, SCPA's busiest container terminal. The Wando Terminal received its first two cranes of this size in August 2016, and ZPMC is currently manufacturing two additional cranes for delivery in February 2018. By 2020, 9 of the 13 STS cranes at the Wando Terminal will offer 155 feet of lift height to support SCPA's efficient handling of two 14,000 TEU vessels simultaneously.

"ZPMC is honored to supply this project for South Carolina Ports Authority," said ZPMC President Huang Qing-feng. "The six STS cranes are the single largest order from SCPA, and we are as excited as we are proud. This is a continued, long-term journey with great cooperation between SCPA and ZPMC, and we are committed to achieving a successful project. We appreciate the relationship we've built with SCPA and congratulate them on the Port's growth and continued prosperity."

Cargo Volumes

As previously announced, SCPA achieved 10 percent container growth in what was a record September, handling 179,856 TEUs during the month. From July through September, the first quarter of the SCPA's 2018 fiscal year, the Port handled 539,995 TEUs, a nearly 4 percent year-over-year increase.

SCPA handled 65,269 tons of breakbulk cargo across its docks in Charleston in September and 153,304 tons fiscal year to date.

Inland Port Greer handled 10,648 rail moves in last month for a fiscal year-to-date total of 30,401 moves, a 16 percent increase 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, 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 www.scspa.com.

Newsome's State of the Port Highlights Plans for Growth, Investments at SC Ports

CHARLESTON, SC -- SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 -- Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on the Port's strategic plans for volume growth and infrastructure investments during the annual State of the Port.

The Propeller Club of Charleston event marked Newsome's ninth address since joining SCPA in 2009. He discussed the trends dominating today's shipping industry and the benefits of a growing port to the state's and region's economy.

SCPA volumes for the 2017 fiscal year, which ran July 2016 through June 2017, were strong across all business segments. The Port handled a record 2.14 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU), an increase of 10 percent over the previous fiscal year. Approximately 23 percent of the Port's container cargo moved via intermodal rail, and Inland Port Greer achieved a record 120,000 rail moves in FY17. In the non-containerized cargo segment, 851,662 breakbulk pier tons moved across SCPA docks, including over 250,000 export finished vehicles.

From a financial perspective, the Port posted $80 million in operating cash flow and over $180 million in capital expenditures in FY17.

The year was highlighted by significant progress of key port infrastructure projects. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet was authorized and named a "new start" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing construction to begin this fall. At the Wando Welch Terminal, new 155-foot ship-to-shore cranes were commissioned, a refrigerated cargo service area opened, and the wharf modernization project is nearing completion.

FY17 also marked a series of big ship calls, including the May 13 arrival of the COSCO Development, the first 13,000 TEU vessel to call East Coast ports. The Port celebrated its biggest ship call to date on September 14, when the 14,414 TEU CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt docked at the Wando Welch Terminal. SCPA now routinely works 13,000-14,000 TEU vessels as part of the weekly OCEAN Alliance South Atlantic Express (SAX) service and expects to handle additional services with vessels of this size as early as next year.

"Last fiscal year was a great year for the Port," Newsome said. "Our success benefits the entire state, and by supporting the global supply chains of companies across South Carolina and the region, we are a job creator. We have been very successful in quietly doing what ports should do keep freight moving in a consistent manner for our customers. We seek to be a reliable, invisible supply chain partner."

Looking ahead, Newsome expects fairly positive economic and industry fundamentals to support five percent container volume growth for SCPA. Strength of the U.S. consumer will sustain import volumes, and exports will be driven by the recovery of emerging market economies as well as foreign direct investments in manufacturing.

The Port will strive to consistently deliver on key operational metrics, including gate turn times for truck drivers within one hour, ship-to-shore crane productivity above 35 moves per hour, a high performing rail drayage program, and just-in-sequence support of the region's major manufacturers.

A record $262.3 million capital investment plan in FY18 sets the stage for Port to make significant progress on key projects, including terminal updates, new terminal capacity, a deeper harbor and a new headquarters. Longer term, SCPA and the State of South Carolina are investing more than $2 billion in port and port-related facilities by 2021 to fulfill the requirements of a modern port in today's big-ship environment.

The largest investment by the State is the harbor deepening project, for which the S.C. General Assembly set aside $300 million in 2012. Construction on the project will soon begin, marking a historic accomplishment that will make Charleston the deepest harbor on the entire East Coast.

The State continues to be a great financial partner for the Port in addition to harbor deepening. Other port-related investments include the dedicated access road off I-26 to the Leatherman Terminal and the commitment to construct a dual-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility pending the railroads agreement on economic terms and access.

Hand-in-hand with the Port's waterside infrastructure investments are improvements to inland connectivity to support intermodal rail volume growth. SCPA is developing plans for an inner-harbor barge to move containers between the Wando and Leatherman Terminals, which will reduce local truck traffic and utilize the Leatherman Terminal's direct access to the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility. Inland Port Greer, as well as the opening of Inland Port Dillon in early 2018, will further enhance the Port's rail volumes and connectivity to interior markets.

Modern facilities and a deepwater harbor will enable the Port to continue to play an integral role in economic development for South Carolina. As evidenced by investments by BMW, Michelin, Volvo, and Frontier Logistics, among many others, global businesses locate near ports.

"The Port celebrated its 75 anniversary this year, and as part of that celebration we've asked our stakeholders to imagine what the future holds," Newsome said. "Achieving the highest volumes in our history is a good starting point for the future. SCPA must continue to grow well above the national port market and earn more for our services, and the critical infrastructure initiatives that must be executed are challenging. However, we are equipped with a very good team to address those challenges. We will continue to focus on developing and nurturing the most talented workforce possible, and we look forward to another very positive 75 years."

Click to view Jim Newsome's State of the Port presentation.

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 www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Celebrates Big Ship Call, First Harbor Deepening Construction Contract

CHARLESTON, SC - September 14, 2017 - On the heels of the first construction contract for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project being awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Carolina Ports Authority welcomed the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt, the biggest ship ever to transit the Panama Canal to call U.S. East Coast ports.

"The first dredging contract awarded for harbor deepening is outstanding news for SCPA and the State of South Carolina, and the arrival of the biggest ship ever to call our Port this morning is a timely and visible example of the importance of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our harbor will ultimately be the deepest on the East Coast, allowing vessels like the Roosevelt to transit without tidal restriction. Today reaffirms our efforts and investments in terminals and infrastructure to prepare for the big ships being deployed to the East Coast following the Panama Canal expansion and completion of the new Bayonne Bridge."

As announced earlier today by USACE, a $47 million construction contract was awarded to initiate dredging work on the entrance channel, which will be deepened to 54 feet. It is the first of two contracts to be let for entrance channel dredging, which will begin later this year. The main shipping channel will be deepened to 52 feet, offering unfettered access to 13,000-14,000 twenty-foot equivalent container unit (TEU) vessels.

The Roosevelt, a 14,414 TEU vessel, arrived in Charleston this morning with only blue shipping containers visible following a celebratory voyage to the Port of New York and New Jersey for the inauguration of the new Bayonne Bridge. SCPA is expected to handle approximately 3,000 container moves, or 5,200 TEUs, on and off the ship at the Wando Welch Terminal. The Roosevelt is deployed on the weekly OCEAN Alliance South Atlantic Express (SAX) service connecting Charleston with Hong Kong, Yantian, Ningbo and Shanghai via the Panama Canal.

Previously, the largest ship to call Charleston was the 13,208 TEU OOCL France. Today 18 of SCPA's 24 weekly container vessel services are comprised of ships too large to transit the Panama Canal prior to its expansion.

In addition to the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, the Port has been preparing for the deployment of New Panamax vessels to the East Coast with significant upgrades to terminal infrastructure and equipment. A wharf strengthening and modernization project at the Wando Welch Terminal will be completed in the spring of 2018, and the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, the only new permitted container terminal on the East or Gulf Coast, will open in June of 2020.

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 www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Posts Strong Growth in Fiscal Year 2017

CHARLESTON, SC - July 19, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority posted significant growth across multiple business segments in fiscal year 2017, exceeding aggressive financial plans for containerized cargo, breakbulk tonnage and rail volumes.

"SCPA had an ambitious growth plan for the 2017 fiscal year, and it is a true accomplishment to have exceeded that plan across all business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Amid uncertainty in the industry due to the consolidation of ocean carriers, SCPA successfully continued our growth trend well above the U.S. port market average. Through the expansion of import-export business in our region as well as successful efforts to recruit cargo from the Midwest and Gulf markets, it was a positive fiscal year for us and we expect continued growth into our new year."

SCPA handled 2.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units in FY2017, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year and an all-time high volume for the Port.

"The fact that SCPA has set a new volume record shows that one of the most important pieces of our state's economic engine is achieving great things, and will only continue to improve," said S.C. Governor Henry McMaster. "This success is a testament, not only to the tremendous leadership at the Ports Authority, but also to the dedication shown by each man and woman who works there."

Over 1.21 million pier containers, or boxes, moved across SCPA docks during the fiscal year, setting a new volume record. Relative to fiscal year volume plans, the Port handled nearly 3 percent more containers in FY2017.

In breakbulk cargo, Charleston tonnage exceeded planned volumes by 8.8 percent with 846,952 pier tons handled from July through June. Within the non-containerized cargo segment, SCPA moved 258,455 finished vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in FY2017.

The fiscal year marked strong growth of SCPA's intermodal volume, and today nearly a quarter of the Port's containerized cargo moves by rail. Charleston's RapidRail volumes increased 12.1 percent from FY2016 to FY2017, and volumes in this program reached an all-time high in May and June with 25,002 and 22,129 moves handled, respectively.

Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer, where rail lifts exceeded FY2017 plans by 11 percent, played a key role in the Port's overall rail growth. The facility finished the fiscal year with a record 121,761 rail lifts.

"I'm proud of the significant growth the Port achieved across multiple business segments in FY2017," said Pamela Lackey, SCPA Board Chair. "SCPA's year-over-year growth story is made possible by the leadership of a talented CEO and strong maritime community. The Port's success is truly reflective of our state's positive business climate, and we're grateful to Governor McMaster and the S.C. General Assembly for their continued support of the Port."

Operational Metrics

In addition to significant volume growth, SCPA demonstrated exemplary operational metrics in fiscal year 2017.

Dockside crane reliability across SCPA's two container terminals averaged 99.44 percent, marking the ninth straight year of ship-to-shore crane reliability over 99.4 percent. Through an effective preventive maintenance program, knowledgeable maintenance staff and involvement of crane operators in reporting of issues, SCPA avoided virtually any unplanned outage of the Port's 16 ship-to-shore cranes.

The first full fiscal year of the Advanced Gate System at the Wando Welch Terminal (WWT) was another driver of the Port's productivity in FY2017. Average hourly gate transactions on weekdays increased nearly 28 percent, with 421 hourly transactions handled on average in FY17 compared to 329 hourly transactions the prior year.

"AGS is working extremely well, enabling the Port to efficiently handle growing volumes through our gates," Newsome said. "We processed a record 708 transactions in one hour at the Wando Terminal on January 17, which reflects outstanding performance of our gates. This improvement in productivity ultimately allows us to better serve the companies in our state and region that depend on our Port to work well and serve their international supply chain needs."

Board Action

The SCPA Board approved a contract for the construction of four refrigerated container access racks to join four racks of the same design that opened in November at the Wando Terminal. Along with the new six-acre refrigerated container service area that opened in May, the racks enhance the handling of SCPA's rapidly-growing cold chain business.

The Board also approved an engineering design services contract for upcoming projects at Inland Port Greer. The design services include preparation of construction plans for the relocation of the chassis yard off the existing concrete area, which will provide additional space on terminal for container operations. The contract also includes the planning of site activities for future expansion of the terminal's footprint, to be based upon market demand.

Port Property for Sale

SCPA recently announced two downtown Charleston properties, located at 838 Morrison Drive, for sale. The sale of these parcels are related to SCPA's plans to consolidate employee offices in a new corporate headquarters at the Wando Welch Terminal. Details about the properties and sales process are available at www.scspa.com/port-properties.

SVP External Affairs Announced

SCPA announced the retirement of Clint Eisenhauer, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, effective September 30. The former Maersk Group executive joined SCPA in November of 2015, having previously overseen policy and political outreach for Maersk across all business units and supported its interests domestically and abroad.

"Clint has been an asset to the Port during his time as SVP of External Affairs, both as a member of our leadership team and mentor to his direct reports," Newsome said. "We congratulate him on his retirement."

Jordi Yarborough, former Director of Government Affairs for Check Into Cash in the Southeast region, has been selected as Eisenhauer's replacement and will join the Port on August 15. Yarborough has substantial experience in multi-state government relations, having previously been a partner with The Yarborough Group and Director of Government Relations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. As a member of the senior leadership team, Yarborough will oversee SCPA's public and media relations, government affairs, website and digital efforts, and community outreach.

"We are excited to welcome Jordi to the SCPA," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Her government affairs and business background make her a valuable addition to our senior team."

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.

New On-Terminal Reefer Service Area Opens in Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC - June 29, 2017 - South Carolina Ports Authority has opened a new refrigerated container service area in the Port of Charleston, marking a $14 million investment to support growing cold chain business in the Southeast.

A new six-acre refrigerated container service area at the Wando Welch Terminal features a 12-lane service canopy, on-site storage and staging for gen-sets and container washing stations. The area greatly enhances reefer processing for shippers, truckers and ocean carriers.

The Port has four new five-story refrigerated container racks that provide 120 more reefer slots on terminal, bringing the port-wide total to 1,700 plugs. Four additional racks of the same size are under construction, slated for completion in January 2018.

SCPA's loaded refrigerated cargo volumes have grown 86 percent since 2011, driven by proximity to export pork and poultry producers; access to a deepwater harbor, which allows ocean carriers to load ships heavy with frozen exports; and growing regional demand for import reefer commodities.

"Expansion of refrigerated cargo is a strong driver of SCPA's overall volume growth, and our capital investment in refrigerated cargo infrastructure reflects a strategic commitment to our cold chain customers," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to capably serving the continued growth of this business segment."

Complementing SCPA's on-terminal investments are more than 660,000 square feet of cold storage and blast freezing capacity that have been built or committed by the private sector in response to SCPA's cold cargo growth. Local cold storage providers include Agro Merchants Group, Lineage Logistics and New Orleans Cold Storage.

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.

Six Percent Container Growth, $262.3 Million in Capital Expenditures Projected for SC Ports Authority in Fiscal Year 2018

CHARLESTON, SC - June 21, 2017 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors adopted a 2018 fiscal year financial plan that includes six percent pier container growth, $251.1 million operating revenues, $44.1 million operating earnings, and capital expenditures of $262.3 million.

The plan projects pier containers, or box volume, of 1.263 million during FY2018, a six percent increase from the 1.19 million boxes SCPA is expected to handle this fiscal year. Strong growth at Inland Port Greer is also planned, with rail moves expected to increase 20 percent over FY2017 projected totals.

Planned operating revenues for FY2018 reflect a 9.4 percent increase above the current fiscal year, which are expected to reach $229.4 million when the period ends June 30.

"The Port's FY2018 financial plan reflects continued success of our state port system, both in volume growth and progress of key capital projects," said SCPA Board Chair Pamela Lackey. "This fiscal year will be an extremely significant period for the Port, marking the beginning of harbor deepening construction, completion of the Wando Terminal wharf project, and continued construction of the Leatherman Terminal. We are well-positioned to build upon South Carolina's economic development successes and remain competitive in the evolving landscape of the U.S. port industry."

The Board approved a $262.3 million capital plan, the largest in the SCPA's history, with expenditures projected $14.3 million higher than FY2017. SCPA will invest $54 million in site development, construction and equipment, and related expenses for construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, a new container terminal slated to open in 2020. Other primary capital expenditures planned include $86.3 million in upgrades to the Wando Welch Terminal, including the completion of the wharf modernization project; $32.2 million for the construction of Inland Port Dillon, opening during the spring of 2018; and $23.3 million for the construction of the new SCPA corporate office.

"SCPA is handling larger volumes than ever before, and our plans for the new fiscal year enable our existing facilities to handle big ships," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This is the largest capital expenditure plan in our history, encompassing a number of projects that collectively will enhance the service of our port."

May Volume Results
As previously reported, SCPA's twenty foot-equivalent unit (TEU) volume is up 9.4 percent fiscal year to date with 1.96 million TEUs moving across the docks in Charleston since July. The Port handled 182,452 TEUs last month, marking the strongest May in Port history.

As measured in pier containers, or total boxes, SCPA moved 103,462 containers in May. The Port has handled 1.1 million pier containers fiscal year to date.

In the non-containerized cargo business segment, the Port of Charleston handled 64,761 pier tons last month. Charleston's breakbulk volume is slightly ahead of planned levels, with 755,497 tons moved fiscal year to date.

May was a record month at Inland Port Greer, with 47 percent growth in rail lifts over May 2016. The facility handled 12,702 rail moves in May, bringing fiscal year to date rail volume to 108,701 rail lifts.

Community Giving Grant Program
The application period for the Port's non-profit grant program, Community Giving, opened this month with opportunities for charitable organizations to apply for $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 grants. Grants are available in four outreach areas: maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.
Community Giving was created in 2013 to support programs and initiatives that better the communities in which port operates. Applications are available on the Port's website, www.scspa.com, and are due July 31.

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.

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