Cruise Archives - SC Ports Authority

Update #19: Carnival plans to resume cruise operations in Charleston in January

Update #19: Carnival plans to resume cruise operations in Charleston in January

Oct. 7, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to resume cruise operations on Jan. 13 in Charleston with the Carnival Sunshine.

This restart follows Carnival’s decision to voluntarily maintain a pause in cruise operations in Charleston since March 2020 in response to the global pandemic. Read more about the restart plan from Carnival.

Carnival has been undertaking a gradual approach to resuming guest operations and ship restarts in some U.S. ports.

“With 17 ships scheduled to return to service by the end of the year, we are very pleased with the progress we are making returning to guest operations,” Carnival said in a news release. “Our vaccinated voyages have been operating very successfully and feedback from the many guests who have sailed with us these past few months continues to be overwhelmingly positive.”

If you have any questions about your current booking onboard the Carnival Sunshine, please contact Carnival Customer Care at 1-800-764-7419.

SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports continues to work with various agencies and cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community; updates will be shared with the community.

Update #18: Carnival extends voluntary pause in Charleston cruise operations to 2022

Sept. 2, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in cruise operations in Charleston and at other various U.S. ports to 2022.

Carnival Cruise Line is however planning to resume more of its guest operations and ship restarts in some U.S. ports as part of a phased-in approach, the company said in a news release.

“We are very pleased with the progress of our restart which will grow to 15 ships sailing from seven U.S. homeports by mid-November,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement. “We are making slight adjustments to our timeline to take into account supply chain realities and ensure that our destination and shore excursion offerings can meet the strong demand we are seeing from our guests. Our teams, ship and shore, are prepared to continue delivering on our great guest experience and manage all health and safety protocols.”

SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine will resume operations in Charleston. SC Ports also does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community; updates will be shared with the community.

If you have any questions about your current booking onboard the Carnival Sunshine, please contact Carnival Customer Care at 1-800-764-7419.

Update #17: Carnival extends voluntary pause in Charleston cruise operations through Oct. 31

July 20, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in cruise operations in Charleston and at other various U.S. ports through Oct. 31.

Carnival Cruise Line is however planning to resume guest operations and ship restarts in some U.S. ports in September and October as part of a phased-in approach, the company said in a news release.

“We are very excited about our restart and greatly appreciate the support of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners. … Our plan envisions successfully bringing back our entire fleet by the end of the year, returning to full service — most especially for the millions of families who sail with us — and building back our business for the benefit of our guests, employees and the tens of thousands of jobs and local businesses that depend on our company,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement.

We continue to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will share any updates with the community.

Update #16: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through Aug. 31

June 16, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in cruise operations in Charleston and at other various U.S. ports through Aug. 31.

The cruise line does plan to restart several cruises at various U.S. ports, beginning July 31, as part of its phased-in approach, according to a news release.

“Our focus remains on the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve and visit,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement. “We are taking a deliberate approach so we can execute with excellence and deliver a fun experience to our guests, who have been tremendously patient and supportive throughout this pause.”

We continue to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will share any updates with the community.

Update #15: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through July 30

May 12, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in cruise operations in Charleston and at other various U.S. ports through July 30.

Carnival is working toward plans for a possible July restart in the U.S. for three select ships in Florida and Texas.

“We continue to have constructive discussions with the CDC but still have many questions that remain unanswered. We are working diligently to resume sailing in the U.S. and meet the CDC guidelines,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement. “We sincerely appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our guests and travel advisor partners and will share additional information as quickly as we can.”

We continue to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will share any updates with the community.

Update #14: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through June 30

April 7, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in operations from U.S. ports, including its Charleston cruise business, through June 30.

“Our objective is to sail again from our U.S. home ports safely as soon as possible, always acting in the best interest of public health and safety,” Carnival said in a statement.

We continue to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will share any updates with the community.

Update #13: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through May 31

Feb. 24, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its pause in operations from U.S. ports, including its Charleston cruise business, through May 31.

“We continue to work on plans to resume operations and are encouraged by the focus to expedite vaccine production and distribution, which are having a demonstrated impact on improving public health,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “We appreciate the support of all of our guests, employees and trade partners who we know are looking forward to our return.”

We continue to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will share any updates with the community.

Update #12: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through April 30

Jan. 22, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended the operational pause for its Charleston cruise business through April 30.

“Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer.”

SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports also does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #11: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through March 31

Jan. 6, 2021 — Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended the operational pause for its Charleston cruise business through March 31.

Carnival is committed to meeting the CDC requirements as it continues “to work on our plans to resume operations in 2021 with a gradual, phased in approach,” the company said in a press release.

Carnival also announced that the Carnival Sunshine will not operate in Charleston from Oct. 11 through Nov. 13; the cruise ship is scheduled for dry dock work then, meaning the ship will be docked elsewhere for service.

SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports also does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #10: Carnival extends voluntary pause in cruise operations through Feb. 28

Nov. 18, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended the operational pause for its Charleston cruise business through Feb. 28.

Carnival is in the process of building a gradual, phased in approach to resume guest operations, which will focus initially on Miami and Port Canaveral.

“As we continue to build and implement our plan to meet the requirements of the ‘Framework for Resuming Cruise Ship Operations Order’ issued on October 30 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we have notified guests that we have cancelled additional cruises for the first part of 2021,” Carnival said in a statement.

SC Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine will resume operations in Charleston.

“We are committed to meeting the CDC requirements and keeping our guests and business partners informed of our progress,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “The entire Carnival team appreciates the great support of our guests, travel advisors and business partners, and local officials in our homeports and destinations.”

SC Ports also does not currently have a confirmed date for when Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #9: Carnival extends voluntary pause in Charleston cruise operations through 2020

Oct. 2, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has voluntarily extended its operational pause for most of its U.S. cruise business, including in Charleston, through 2020.

The Carnival Sunshine is not expected to return for passenger operations until 2021. This is part of Carnival’s announcement to continue voluntary suspension of cruises for all U.S. homeports, except Miami and Port Canaveral, for November and December.

“As we have said throughout this pause, our return to operations will be gradual and phased in. And while we are not making any presumptions, once cruising is allowed, we will center our initial start-up from the homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we serve remain the cornerstone of our plans and decisions. The patience and support of our guests and travel agent partners have been a huge motivation to our team as we have worked through this unprecedented situation, and we are dedicated to getting back to operations when the time is right.”

The Cruise Lines International Association has outlined mandatory core elements of a strong set of health protocols to be implemented as part of phased-in, highly controlled resumption of operations.

SC Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community.

Update #8: Cruise lines continue voluntary suspension of U.S. cruise operations

Aug. 5, 2020 – Cruise Lines International Association announced today that major cruise lines have agreed to voluntarily continue their suspension of U.S. cruise operations until at least Oct. 31.

This is the third voluntary suspension by cruise lines in response to the pandemic.

“This is a difficult decision as we recognize the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry,” Cruise Lines International Association said in a news release. “However, we believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior.”

S.C. Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine or Port of Calls will resume.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #7: Carnival extends pause in operations through Sept. 30

June 22, 2020 - Carnival Cruise Line announced today its decision to extend its operational pause in North America through Sept. 30.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy shared this statement: “We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business. Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions.”

This follows an announcement from Cruise Lines International Association announcing that all major cruise lines agreed to voluntarily extend their pause in operations through Sept. 15.

S.C. Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine or Port of Calls will resume operations in Charleston.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #6: Cruise lines extend pause in operations through Sept. 15

June 19, 2020 – Cruise Lines International Association announced today that major cruise lines have agreed to voluntarily extend their pause in operations through Sept. 15.

“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations. … Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers. … The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations,” Cruise Lines International Association said in a news release.

S.C. Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for when the Carnival Sunshine or Port of Calls will resume.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

May 4, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that its decision to pause most of its operations will extend through Aug 31.

Carnival has not yet shared the date operations will resume for the Carnival Sunshine.

“We will use this additional time to continue to engage experts, government officials and stakeholders on additional protocols and procedures to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve,” Carnival said in a news release. “We appreciate the understanding and support of our guests and travel agent partners and look forward to welcoming them on board as the environment for travel and tourism improves.”

S.C. Ports does not currently have a confirmed date for the Sunshine to return to lay berth at Columbus Street Terminal.

S.C. Ports also does not have confirmed information on when Port of Calls will resume.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #4: Carnival Sunshine departs Charleston

April 27, 2020 - The Carnival Sunshine departed Columbus Street Terminal on April 23.

As Carnival moves to safe operational manning levels, the company has begun the process of returning healthy crew members to their home countries using their ships as transport. Carnival Sunshine has departed Charleston to meet up with other ships in the fleet and allow crew members to join the vessels that will transport them home.

Carnival plans to resume cruise operations in Charleston on June 27. This voluntary cessation was made to support the efforts by public officials to manage COVID-19’s impact on global health and commerce.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Update #3: Carnival extends pause in operations until June 27

Updated: 04-27-2020

April 13, 2020 - Carnival announced today plans to extend its pause in operations until June 27.

This voluntary cessation was made to support the efforts by public officials to manage COVID-19’s impact on global health and commerce.

The Carnival Sunshine will remain at Columbus Street Terminal for the duration.

The last embarkation was the Carnival Sunshine on March 12, which returned on March 16 for a debark only. The cruise ship has not carried passengers since.

Carnival crew members remain on board to maintain the vessel. Carnival will continue its practice of taking daily temperatures for all crew, encouraging social distancing, and keeping all ship crew on board, except in the event of a medical emergency, which would be coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and local authorities.

Carnival communicated they would periodically sail the Sunshine out of the harbor for the lawful disposal of gray water and to take on water for their needs. The vessel last sailed offshore Saturday, April 23.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Click here to read the latest Marine Safety Information Bulletin from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Update #2: Carnival extends pause in operations until May 11

Updated: 04-20-2020

March 30, 2020 -- Carnival announced today plans to extend its pause in operations until May 11.

This voluntary cessation was made to support the efforts by public officials to manage COVID-19’s impact on global health and commerce.

The Carnival Sunshine will remain at Columbus Street Terminal for the duration.

Carnival will continue its practice of taking daily temperatures for all crew, encouraging social distancing, and keeping all ship crew on board, except in the event of a medical emergency, which would be coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and local authorities. The crew have been on board for more than 14 days and remain healthy.

Over the coming weeks, should Carnival disembark crew members so they can return home, that will be done in coordination with authorities and with the cruise line providing transportation from the ship directly to a designated airport.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community. We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Click here to read the latest Marine Safety Information Bulletin from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Update #1: Following Carnival’s suspension of operations, vessel remains at Columbus Street Terminal

March 19, 2020

After passengers disembarked from the Carnival Sunshine on Monday, March 16, the vessel shifted to Columbus Street Terminal.

There are approximately 1,100 crew members on board. Carnival communicated to S.C. Ports and Customs and Border Protection that the crew will remain on the ship for at least 14 days. They stated that the crew is all healthy, and that they will remain on the ship for the mutual benefit and safety of both residents and crew members. The ship is provisioned to feed and support the crew.

Carnival communicated they would periodically sail the Sunshine out of the harbor for the lawful disposal of gray water and to take on water for their needs. This action occurred Wednesday, March 18.

Carnival communicated the entire ship will be "open" and the crew will be continuing general maintenance, sanitation and many other ongoing efforts. Carnival stated this will have no impact on fuel consumption; only one engine is utilized for these operations.

Regarding the 30-day suspension of operations, the Cruise Lines implemented this voluntary cessation in coordination with the Trump Administration last Friday, and the CDC was intimately involved as well. As the initial 30-days run, cruise lines are continuing coordination with the federal authorities regarding next steps.

S.C. Ports continues to work with federal agencies and our cruise line partners in support of the Charleston community.

We will continue to share any updates with the community.

Strong Container Volume Growth at SC Ports

Charleston, S.C. - SCPA container volume rose nearly 7 percent in January compared to same month last year, with 129,562 twenty-foot equivalent units handled by the port in January.

In fiscal year to date results announced at the SCPA?s regular Board meeting today, container volume in Charleston is up 5.5 percent. A total of 942,013 TEUs were handled from July to January, an increase from the 892,487 TEUs moved during the same period last fiscal year.

Since 2010, the SCPA has captured nearly half of all container volume growth in the South Atlantic market through the addition of new customers and cargo from discretionary markets, inland-favorable freight and growth of bulk transload operations.

"Container volume in Charleston has grown consistently year over year since fiscal year 2010," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We remain a top ten port, and through our efforts to deepen the harbor and prepare for big ships to call in greater frequency, we are poised to meet the future growth of the industry and remain a leader in our competitive region."

In addition to growth in the container business, Georgetown is up 12.6 percent fiscal year to date as a result of increased tonnages for bulk mill scale, a recyclable product for steel plants, and bulk cement for the construction industry. Georgetown remains over 8 percent ahead of plan for the period.

Maintenance Projects

The Board voted to approve three terminal maintenance projects in Charleston. The overhead electrical network for refrigerated cargo at North Charleston Terminal will be replaced with an underground service, and the RTG container storage area will receive surface upgrades to increase storage capacity. Wharf substructure maintenance repairs for Columbus Street Terminal were also approved.

Air Quality

Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines ,will install exhaust-gas cleaning technology, or scrubbers, on 32 ships in its fleet including the Charleston-based Carnival Fantasy. The cutting-edge technology, which combines the removal of sulfur with a substantial reduction in particulate matter and black carbon, will be installed on the Fantasy in October 2015.

The Fantasy began burning low sulfur marine gas oil during port stays in Charleston in December 2013, although international law does not require reductions in sulfur content to 0.1 percent until 2015. The ship is in full compliance with the North American Emission Control Area ECA guidelines that were established in 2012. Carnival will continue using the low sulfur fuel until scrubber installation in accordance with their agreement with the EPA.

"The maritime industry, both cargo and cruise, works proactively on the forefront of emissions reductions globally and is acutely aware of the need to regulate these issues in a comprehensive and consistent manner," Newsome said. "The SCPA has spent more than $16 million in the last decade to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, and this investment in scrubber technology by Carnival enhances our efforts. The Fantasy is operating in a clean, environmentally conscious way both today and in the future."

"This is a significant accomplishment as well as an important milestone for our company," said Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Arnold Donald. "This is a breakthrough solution for cleaner air that will set a new course in environmental protection for years to come."

SCPA also announced plans to work through the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control to install an investigatory air monitor at Union Pier to voluntarily evaluate levels of criteria pollutants in the ambient air.

The Carnival Fantasy accounted for 68 of the 88 total cruise calls on Charleston in 2013, and the ship is the only embark/debark cruise line operating out of the Port of Charleston.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, 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 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit?www.scspa.com.

Charleston Architecture Board Green Lights Cruise Terminal

Charleston, SC - Charleston's new cruise terminal has the official green light from the City's Board of Architectural Review (BAR), which unanimously granted final approval to the project's design.

Wednesday's vote marked the final in a three-step process initiated last summer, when the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) voluntarily entered the formal architectural review process. The BAR previously voted to grant preliminary approval in November and conceptual approval to the project last August.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley praised the cruise terminal's design, calling it a "wonderful transformation" of an existing warehouse and a "great achievement."

"What we have now is a very fine building that graces this city," Mayor Riley said during the meeting.

After a presentation by the SCPA's design team, led by CH2M Hill with local partners LS3P and Design Works, the BAR approved the design plan.

The new terminal is the conversion of an existing cargo-handling building into a functional and attractive passenger terminal, and the design is reflective of input received from numerous meetings with stakeholders as well as feedback previously received from the BAR.

By incorporating public input and design influences seen around Charleston like siding, louvres and tabby, as well as maritime-influenced railing, the design fits contextually into the rest of the area.

Importantly, the conversion of the structure to a cruise operation re-knits the site into the City, replacing the chain link fence that currently surrounds the property with landscaped edges and re-establishing Concord Street through the entire site. The new cruise terminal is the first step in the larger redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal.

For additional images of the terminal's design, visit our Union Pier Plan online gallery.

Cruises Boost Local Hotels

Charleston, SC - A new analysis of data from 164 hotels in the Charleston region demonstrates that cruise ship activity increases occupancy and raises rates, generating 1,158 room nights and more than $108,000 in additional room revenue every time a ship begins and ends a cruise in Charleston.

The study by Dr. John Crotts, a hospitality researcher and professor, and Michael Wolfe, a marketing consultant, took an in-depth look at occupancy, rates and revenue statistics from 17,598 guest rooms during 1,004 days at commercial lodging establishments across the region.

The analysis revealed that embarkation cruises have a significant impact on hotel occupancy and rates up to two days before the ship arrives for embarkations, as well the day of debarkation.

The study found that 1,158 additional room nights were sold in the metro Charleston region on the days before and after a cruise turnaround. Over the study period, that translated into $13.5 million in additional revenue for hotels in the region.

"This analysis spanned a time of economic hardship, yet hotel occupancy and room sales remained a bright spot in the local economy," said Crotts. "The performance of the hotel sector trended upward during this time, and cruise activities contributed favorably to this positive trend."

"We found remarkable consistency in the data, demonstrating a significant and measurable effect of cruise ship embarkations and debarkations on hotel sales in all communities of the greater Charleston region," said Michael Wolfe of Bottom-Line Analytics LLC.

While cruise boosted occupancy and rates in properties in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, North Charleston and throughout the region, the 17 hotels in peninsular Charleston were the biggest beneficiaries. Over this period, these downtown hotels saw demand up to 3.4 percentage points higher on days before a cruise embarkation, and 4.9 points higher on the days when a cruise ends.

The cruise operation is primarily a maritime commerce activity with significant spending by the ship and crew for local products and services. This analysis focused on the business sector that arguably has the least to benefit from cruise activity - the hotel sector.

However, some cruise guests choose to add a day or more to their visit to enjoy Charleston and the surrounding area's attractions. Previous surveys have revealed the great diversity of spending and visitation trends for cruise guests across the metro area, which includes visits to the islands, plantations, and other destinations.

"The results of this study were consistent with our survey results, where more than a third of passengers indicated that they extended their trip, staying overnight in paid accommodations in the metro area," said Crotts. "The data show only positive benefits of embarkations and debarkations on hotel revenue, from what is a modestly-scaled cruise operation."

There were 125 cruise ship embarkations over the 1,004-day study period that ran from January 1, 2009 to October 1, 2011. The analysis employed advanced econometric modeling to isolate the benefits, while controlling for the effects of day of the week and seasonality known to affect hotel demand.

A copy of the full report can be found here: Cruise Ship Impact Study

# # #

The City of Charleston, South Carolina

Port & City Ask Supreme Court to Hear Cruise Lawsuit

Charleston, SC - The City of Charleston, the South Carolina State Ports Authority and Carnival Cruise Lines on Monday filed a joint petition asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to rule on and dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Coastal Conservation League and others against Carnival.

The filing explains how the unprecedented lawsuit filed against Carnival, a valued customer of the port, threatens maritime commerce in South Carolina, making it a matter of great public interest that merits the attention of the State's highest court.

Among other claims, the suit filed against Carnival implies that ships, once docked, become buildings that are subject to local zoning, such as height ordinances. That could also bar other commercial ships docking in the City, such as those carrying BMWs, power generation equipment, and other products shipped by major employers and industries across the State.

By casting a pall on the legality of any vessel calling on any port in this State, the lawsuit chills the [Ports Authority's] ability to recruit, promote and encourage maritime commerce and fulfill its state mandate, according to the petition for original jurisdiction.

Jobs, contractual commitments and investments all hang on this matter getting resolved quickly. Ports Authority President & CEO Jim Newsome and Charleston Mayor Joe Riley stated that the direct and indirect economic effects of port operations cannot be overstated - port activity generates billions of dollars in revenue and wages while supporting 260,800 jobs across the State.

A copy of the petition and supporting documents can be found at: https://scspa.com/cpf.html.

Union Pier Passenger Terminal Design Shared With Community

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) today shared designs for the future home of the Charleston cruise industry, which brings jobs and $37 million a year to the local economy.

The detailed designs and renderings for both the inside and outside of the new $35-million cruise terminal reflect the extensive public feedback received during numerous public meetings.

"We have been working on this project for nearly two years, so presenting the concept design is an exciting step forward," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA. "The feedback and support from the community were critical to developing a design that connects with Charleston's heritage, provides a warm welcome to visitors and offers an attractive, more appropriate setting in Charleston."

The relocation of the cruise terminal to the northern end of the property is the essential catalyst to realizing the Union Pier Concept Plan.

"Since the preliminary concept plans were presented in early June, we have worked with the design team to further reflect public feedback," said Newsome.

Additional elements of the plan, driven by public input, focus on vehicle and pedestrian circulation, ensuring appropriate connection of the terminal to its surroundings and incorporating attractive maritime influences and other Charleston-inspired features into the interior and exterior design.

Specific elements of the design concept include:

Improving Vehicle & Pedestrian Circulation

Connecting Terminal with its Surroundings

The Building's Design

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley spoke to the collaboration between the City, the SCPA and the public. He discussed how community support and involvement have resulted in a project that reflects not only Charleston's heritage, but the surrounding community.

"Shifting the cruise terminal north on Union Pier will greatly mitigate the existing impacts of the cruise operation in a way that improves quality of life for Charleston," said Mayor Riley. "It is the key to opening the redevelopment of the southern portion of the property and will allow the city's residents to realize all the benefits of the Union Pier Concept Plan."

The full presentation can be viewed at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

Conversion of the building is slated to begin in fourth quarter 2011, with the new terminal facility opening in early 2013. Following that, the SCPA will turn attention to the redevelopment planning for rest of the Union Pier property.

Created with extensive public involvement, the Union Pier Concept Plan can be seen at www.UnionPierPlan.com, where public input can also be submitted.

Design Team Unveils Preliminary Concepts for New Charleston Cruise Terminal at Union Pier

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and its design team today presented to the public the Preliminary Concept Plan for the Port of Charleston's new cruise terminal, which will serve as the catalyst to transform more than 60 acres of waterfront property in downtown Charleston.

The plan serves to remake and reconnect what is currently an industrial site back into the fabric of downtown Charleston by removing of nearly one mile of chain link fences, the addition of city streets - including the re-establishment of Concord Street through the site - and by utilizing materials, lighting, design elements and landscaping contextual and consistent with the rest of the peninsula.

Shifting cruise north on Union Pier will not only deliver a world-class passenger terminal that fits contextually in Charleston, it will remove cargo operations from the lower peninsula and allow the balance of the site - about 35 acres of waterfront property - to be redeveloped and knitted into the rest of the city.

"This dramatically reduces the industrial footprint on the lower peninsula and gives new life to what is currently a blighted area," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The key to unlocking these great opportunities is the new passenger terminal at the north end of the property."

The plan covers the look and feel of the terminal building and surrounding area, logistics within the terminal footprint, and, importantly, responds to the public input received from numerous meetings with community members and neighborhood groups. The full presentation from the meeting, which includes a sketch site plan and terminal rendering, is available online at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

"The Preliminary Concept Plan is in direct response to the extremely helpful community input we have received," said Newsome. "The community has shared their excitement about the possibilities related to the new terminal and its surroundings. Our world-class design team has translated those suggestions into a plan that delivers what the community wants to see."

Thom Penney, president of local architecture firm LS3P, which is part of the design team, presented the preliminary concept plan. "Our preliminary concepts offer so many benefits and demonstrate our consideration of the public's interests and desires," Penney said. "The before-and-after for the entire area is quite compelling."

The public's comments centered on three main areas: circulation and parking, connecting the terminal to the surrounding area, and the design of the building itself.

Vehicle circulation will be greatly improved with the new terminal, which will be located on the northern end of the Union Pier property at the site of an existing warehouse. While today embarking cruise guests are ushered through several different checkpoints before boarding the ship, at the new site, passengers will have only one stop - the terminal's main entrance. This entrance will be on the terminal's southern side at the direct suggestion of public input to ease traffic flow and other impacts. Parking areas adjacent to the terminal will be attractively landscaped. Additionally, Concord Street will be re-established through the terminal site in the first phase, and the existing street closure during embarkation goes away.

Drawing inspirations from elements around Charleston - south-facing porches, architectural elements like louvers and water features, native plants and building materials like tabby and white siding - the new terminal's look reflects the unique qualities of the city.

Summary benefits of the Preliminary Concept Plan include:

Later this summer, the design team plans to present the final design of the terminal to the public. Conversion of the existing building is slated to begin in fourth quarter 2011, with the new terminal facility opening in late 2012. Following that, the SCSPA will be able to turn attention to the master plan for redeveloping the southern portion of the Union Pier property.

The public is encouraged to submit feedback and comments throughout the design process. Created with extensive public involvement, the Union Pier Concept Plan can be seen at www.UnionPierPlan.com, where the public can also provide input.

Port Awards Cruise Terminal Design to CH2M Hill & Local Partners

Charleston, SC - Today, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board awarded the design work for the new Union Pier passenger terminal to a team led by national firm CH2M Hill, along with local partners LS3P Associates, Collins Engineers, DesignWorks and Thomas & Hutton.

The $2.4-million design project for the new terminal will begin this month. Actual renovation work will also begin this year, with a targeted opening date by the third quarter of 2012.

"We were fortunate to have a number of qualified and accomplished firms submit for the Union Pier passenger terminal project," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "The CH2M Hill team brings extensive experience in converting marine cargo structures into modern cruise facilities, along with a thorough understanding and appreciation of the need to fit contextually with Charleston's special character."

The design team will be converting and renovating an existing structure into the new passenger terminal. That building is located at the northern end of the SCSPA's Union Pier property. It will replace the present passenger terminal, built almost 40 years ago much farther south on the property.

Relocating the cruise terminal northward is the essential catalyst to realizing the Union Pier Concept Plan - a plan that includes moving all cargo operations off of Union Pier, reducing cargo-related traffic, eliminating trains, and opening up more than 35 acres to public and private uses, including unparalleled public access to Charleston's waterfront. The SCSPA recently relocated the BMW and other rolling stock business from Union Pier to an improved Columbus Street Terminal.

"Today is a major milestone toward the realization of the Union Pier Concept Plan," said City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. "This plan, which was driven by community input, presents an extraordinary opportunity to continue enhancing our economy with the cruise business, while also relocating cargo operations from Union Pier. I am delighted that we are moving forward with a great team, a great plan, a great boost to our economy, and a great future for Union Pier and this city."

Charleston City Council approved a resolution supporting the relocation of the cruise operation and the Union Pier Concept Plan last September. Created with extensive public involvement, the Union Pier Concept Plan can be seen at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

Newsome also emphasized the economic benefits of the cruise business. "It's a vital economic driver for the maritime industry," he said. "And, of course, other businesses benefit as the cruise ships and crew buy products and services here. In addition, passengers spend money in shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions."

The cruise business in the Charleston area supported more than 400 jobs and $37 million in total economic output in 2010, including $16 million in wages and $3.5 million in tax revenues. According to the Center for Business Research, the construction of the new terminal alone will deliver an estimated economic boost of $43 million and create more than 300 jobs.

The passenger terminal design assignment covers all architectural and engineering plans, contract documents, costs and schedules necessary to convert the existing building into a cruise passenger terminal. The assignment's scope includes the terminal building, parking, security, berth, baggage handling and other amenities necessary to efficiently handle one cruise vessel at a time.

Funds are in hand to renovate the building and deliver the new terminal -- the SCSPA issued $170 million in bonds to fund major projects, including the cruise facility, in December.

The Port of Charleston expects to welcome 90 cruise ships in 2011.

The public will continue to have ongoing opportunities to submit feedback and comments throughout the design process. Comments and questions also can be submitted through www.UnionPierPlan.com.

Three Firms Submit Proposals for Charleston Cruise Terminal Design

Charleston, SC - Charleston is closer to a new cruise terminal on the northern end of Union Pier Terminal. Three nationally-recognized teams submitted proposals for the design of the new terminal, which is scheduled for completion in 2012.

All three firms have successfully converted existing marine cargo structures into modern cruise facilities and have partnered with local architects. Firms responding to the request for proposals were:

Design work is expected to begin in March, after a team is selected and approved by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board. Construction could begin this year, with a targeted opening date by the third quarter of 2012.

"We're pleased to have such qualified and accomplished firms proposing to work on this project," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "Renovating an existing structure as our new cruise terminal will greatly improve the cruise experience in Charleston, while also complementing the character of Charleston. The cruise business is a significant economic force for both the maritime and tourism industries in South Carolina," said Newsome.

Charleston's new cruise terminal will be located farther north on the SCSPA's Union Pier property within an existing structure. It will replace the current cruise terminal that opened in 1973.

Shifting the cruise operation north is a key element of the Union Pier Concept Plan, which was developed with significant public involvement (http://www.UnionPierPlan.com). Moving the cruise operation will also shift cargo operations off Union Pier, freeing up more than 35 acres for world-class redevelopment and providing unparalleled public access to the waterfront.

The cruise terminal design project covers all architectural and engineering plans, contract documents, costs and schedules necessary to convert the existing building into a cruise passenger terminal. The project will include the terminal building, parking, security, berth, baggage handling and other amenities necessary to efficiently handle one cruise vessel at a time.

Funds are in hand to renovate the building and deliver the new terminal. In December, the SCSPA issued $170 million in new revenue bonds to fund several major projects, including the cruise facility.

The cruise business in the Charleston area supported more than 400 jobs and $37 million in total economic output in 2010, including $16 million in wages and $3.5 million in tax revenues. The Port of Charleston is expected to handle 90 cruise ships in 2011.

Port Issues RFP for New Cruise Terminal Design

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) today issued a request for proposals for the design of a new cruise ship terminal on the northern end of the SCSPA's Union Pier property. The new cruise terminal is scheduled for completion in 2012 and would replace the existing passenger terminal.

"With the proceeds of revenue bonds issued earlier this month, we have the funding to meet our urgent need to provide better facilities for our cruise ship customers," said SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome.

"The next step is to select a design firm," Newsome said. "Building a new terminal at the northern end of Union Pier will result in relocating 200 cargo ships a year, along with considerable rail and truck traffic, off that property. This opens the possibility of making much of this 63-acre waterfront property available for public and other uses."

Newsome acknowledged the contribution of both individuals and organizations to the SCSPA's planning process for Union Pier. "The plan we are pursuing is a direct result of the constructive input we have received from throughout the community."

The first step in the Union Pier Concept Plan (www.UnionPierPlan.com), which was endorsed by Charleston City Council in September, is to develop the new cruise terminal on the north end of Union Pier Terminal in an existing warehouse.

To perform the design work, the SCSPA has solicited proposals from three nationally recognized firms who have successfully designed and provided construction oversight of a modern cruise passenger terminal by retrofitting and refurbishing existing marine cargo facilities in the United States.

The lead firm must demonstrate past successful design experience in the City of Charleston, which can be met by teaming up with a local firm.

The design proposals are due January 26, with the firm selected and beginning work in March 2011. After selection and design, construction could begin within a year, with a targeted opening date by the third quarter of 2012.

The selected firm will develop all the architectural and engineering plans, contract documents, costs and schedules necessary to convert the existing building into a cruise passenger terminal. The project will include the terminal building, parking, security, berth, baggage handling and other amenities necessary to efficiently handle one cruise vessel at a time with capacity of up to 3,450 passengers.

Charleston hosts a number of port-of-call visits and is the home port for the Carnival Fantasy, which began year-round cruises from the port in May and will make 68 embarkations in 2011.

The cruise business in the Charleston area supported more than 400 jobs and $37 million in total economic output in 2010, including $16 million in wages and $3.5 million in tax revenues.

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