Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal Archives

Five new ship-to-shore cranes arriving soon at SC Ports

The Zhen Hua 36 is carrying two SC Ports’ ship-to-shore cranes, which are scheduled to arrive Monday. The cranes and the legs have been disassembled for the journey; they will be erected and commissioned upon arrival at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston, S.C. (Photo/GBBI)

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 22, 2020 — South Carolina Ports eagerly anticipates the arrival of five new ship-to-shore cranes for the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which is on track to open in March.

The new cranes are among the tallest on the East Coast. They will have 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck and an outreach of 228 feet, enabling them to work the biggest container ships calling on the East Coast.

The cranes, fabricated by Shanghai-based ZPMC, are heading to SC Ports on two vessels.

The Zhen Hua 36 is carrying the first shipment of two ship-to-shore cranes; it is scheduled to arrive Monday, Oct. 26.

The Zhen Hua 24 is carrying the second shipment of three ship-to-shore cranes, as well as four hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes. This shipment is scheduled to arrive Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Follow along with our crane tracker and social media channels — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn — for the most up-to-date arrival times.

The cranes will first stop at Columbus Street Terminal in downtown Charleston for about two days to be reconfigured to fit under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. They will then make their way up the Cooper River to the state-of-the-art Leatherman Terminal.

“The Leatherman Terminal is designed to handle 19,000-TEU vessels, giving SC Ports great capacity and big-ship capabilities to serve our customers,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “We look forward to welcoming the first ship at the Leatherman Terminal in March.”

Upon arrival, ZPMC USA will complete assembly and commissioning of the five new ship-to-shore cranes over several months. The cranes will then stand on the new 1,400-foot wharf, ready to load and unload cargo boxes from container ships when Phase One operations launch in March.

“We are thrilled to see the amazing progress happening at the Leatherman Terminal every day,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “The arrival of our new ship-to-shore cranes highlights that our terminal is inching closer to its March opening. Our SC Ports engineering team, our great partnership with ZPMC, and the unmatched collaboration with our project partners have made this possible.”

Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal will have a 1,400-foot berth, five ship-to-shore cranes and 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes. (Photo/SCPA/Walter Lagarenne)

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 in 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’ Leatherman Terminal on track for 2021 opening

CHARLESTON, SC – AUG. 6, 2020 – Construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is on schedule for a March 2021 opening.

The opening of the container terminal will be a major accomplishment for S.C. Ports and the Southeast logistics network. Phase One will propel S.C. Ports into the future with its modern technology, impressive equipment and big-ship capabilities.

“We look forward to opening the first phase of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which will be the country’s first container terminal in more than a decade,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The Leatherman Terminal will enable S.C. Ports to handle more cargo and bigger ships. Businesses depend on us to efficiently move their cargo, and this flow of goods creates more jobs and investment in South Carolina.”

The site development and construction of such a massive project requires many project partners. S.C. Ports’ engineering team works on the 286-acre site every day with many contractors, including HDR Inc., Banks Construction Co., Samet Corp., Cape Romain/McLean A Joint Venture and Cape Romain Contractors Inc.

“Our engineering team and project partners have done an absolutely amazing job overseeing this very complex construction project,” S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “It is so exciting to see the culmination of a multi-decade effort nearing completion. With great creativity and coordination, they are transforming the former Navy Base site into a state-of-the-art container terminal. I am so proud of the work they are doing for South Carolina.”

Phase One of the terminal will add 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston. At full build-out, the three-berth terminal will double S.C. Ports current capacity by adding 2.4 million TEUs of throughput capacity.

Construction milestones

The engineering and construction teams reached several key construction milestones this summer as the terminal continues to take shape in North Charleston.

Crews finished the final concrete pour for the wharf deck in July. This milestone is a critical step in preparing the 1,400-foot wharf to handle some of the tallest ship-to-shore cranes on the East Coast, which will work some of the largest ships on the water.

Five ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height above the wharf deck are currently being fabricated by ZPMC in Shanghai, China. The first two cranes are set to arrive in September, with the remaining three arriving in October. ZPMC USA will then assemble and test the cranes ahead of launching operations in the spring.

Twenty-five hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes are also set to arrive later this year. The concrete runway beams for these cranes are currently under construction, setting the stage for the RTGs to seamlessly move up and down rows of containers stacked six high.

Foundations have been installed and steel erection work has started for the six-story tall refrigerated container racks, which will enable S.C. Ports to handle more refrigerated and frozen goods for customers.

Concrete and asphalt paving throughout the site is ongoing, preparing the terminal to handle trucks, cranes, containers and container handling equipment. Construction of the S.C. Department of Transportation’s Port Access Road is progressing as well; this road will provide truck drivers with a direct connection between Interstate 26 and the Leatherman Terminal.

Vertical construction is nearly 70% complete as many on-site buildings are taking shape, including the terminal operations building, vessel operations building, maintenance building, and the various booths and canopies designed for truck drivers and tenants. Dominion Energy is also stringing power lines via helicopter to connect power to the terminal’s private substation.

“Construction is progressing very well as we remain on schedule,” Melvin said. “Our engineering project manager Butch Weber describes the site as a small city, and it is truly remarkable to see it all coming together.”

S.C. Ports is in the final year of a six-year capital improvement plan, a culmination of years of strategic infrastructure planning and $2 billion in investments. The Leatherman Terminal complements efforts to modernize Wando Welch Terminal and deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. These investments will enable S.C. Ports to handle four 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously in 2021.

“Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal will give us the ability to handle a 19,000-TEU ship, should one come to the East Coast. Not many ports can say that,” Melvin said. “The modern capabilities and capacity of this terminal benefits customers and strengthens our global competitiveness.”

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 in 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 Authority Container Volume Up 4.4 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - March 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported fiscal year-over-year growth through February, with 4.4 percent gains in container volume since the 2016 fiscal year began in July.

SCPA handled 157,962 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) in February, an increase of 3.3 percent over February 2015. SCPA's total fiscal year-to-date container volume reached nearly 1.28 million TEUs last month, compared to 1.23 TEUs handled during the same period last year.

Pier container volume, or boxes handled, totaled 88,643 containers in February. Fiscal year to date, 721,810 total containers have moved across the docks of SCPA's two container terminals.

"February volumes showed modest increases over last year, and we expect continued moderate upticks in our volumes through the spring," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

Non-containerized cargo volumes were strong last month, with 66,619 pier tons handled in Charleston in February. Total fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume is nearly 31 percent ahead of plan, with 799,687 pier tons handled during the period.

The Inland Port handled 8,623 rail moves in February, its highest ever monthly volume since the facility opened in November 2013. Fiscal year-to-date rail moves have increased nearly 66 percent, with 58,211 moves since July.

Board Action

The Board approved two contracts advancing the progress of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, including construction quality assurance services and site preparation.

The Board also approved plans to purchase a 185-foot boom lift truck for Wando Welch Terminal. The truck will be used for service and maintenance activities performed on SCPA's two new super post-Panamax cranes, which are scheduled to be delivered in late May.

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 Authority Posts 10 Percent Container Growth in 2015

CHARLESTON, SC - January 20, 2016 - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) posted 10 percent container growth in 2015, a year highlighted by strong volumes and significant progress on the harbor deepening project.

SCPA handled 144,718 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in December, pushing total container volume to 1.97 million in 2015.

As measured in pier containers, or total boxes handled, SCPA's two container terminals moved 1.12 million boxes in 2015, an increase of 9.54 percent over 1.02 million containers handled last year.

"Our 10 percent TEU volume growth for the 2015 calendar year is outstanding," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Successful recruitment of discretionary cargo has been an important driver of volumes, as well as continued strength of the automotive sector. However, looking ahead to the second half of our 2016 fiscal year, we expect flat to very modest growth due largely to weakness in overseas markets. Because of the Panama Canal expansion delay, we will not see new ship deployments of significance until FY2017."

Non-containerized cargo business volume was strong in 2015, with 1.34 million pier tons handled during the year. Finished vehicle volume grew 13 percent year over year, with 268,964 vehicles crossing SCPA docks in 2015. The Inland Port handled 7,824 rail moves in December, more than double the facility's December volume last year. The facility's rail volumes grew 76.5 percent during its second full calendar year of operation, with 75,111 total rail moves completed in 2015.

In addition to strong volume growth during the year, Newsome also highlighted the successful progress of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. With the issuance of the Chief's Report in September and signing of the PreConstruction Engineering and Design Agreement in December, the project continued to move forward with historic momentum through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers SMART planning process. Last week the project cleared another milestone, with the Record of Decision, the formal recommendation of the project to Congress for authorization.

New Multi-Purpose Carrier Service

SCPA recently added a new regular shipping service, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers (ARRC), to its vessel calls at Columbus Street Terminal. The first ARRC vessel arrived on January 8, handling approximately 6,000 tons of import cargo.

ARRC specializes in handling freight for multiple business segments, including container, breakbulk, rolling stock and project cargo. Charleston is an addition to ARRC's Balt-Atlantic service, which utilizes multiple vessels to connect St. Petersburg, Russia and other North Europe ports with the U.S. East Coast.

"ARRC's multi-purpose capabilities are an exciting addition to SCPA's breakbulk opportunities that further enhance our connection with North Europe," said Paul McClintock, SCPA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We're pleased to welcome their regular calls."

Board Action

The Board approved two contracts related to the development of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, including consultancy services for the concept design phase and a change order for additional construction activities pertaining to the containment wall. The facility will increase SCPA's current container capacity by 50 percent, with the first phase expected to open for operations by 2020.

To accommodate rapid growth within SCPA's refrigerated cargo market, the Board also approved a construction contract for the installation of additional refrigerated container infrastructure at the Wando Welch Terminal.

Main Office Sale

The Board authorized SCPA to sell the Main Office at 176 Concord Street in Charleston and directed the Real Estate Development Committee to finalize the offering and process by February 1.

"The need for our administrative and corporate office to be closer to our port operations is the primary driver of our decision to sell our current office," Newsome said.

Resolution Honoring Former Charleston Mayor

The Board also adopted a resolution honoring the former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and declaring January 20, 2016, as Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Day at the Port of Charleston.

"Mayor Riley's father served on the SCPA Board from 1969 to 1977, and he continued that legacy as a tireless supporter of the growth and development of our Port," said SCPA Board Chair Pat McKinney. "Especially with regard to the harbor deepening project, Mayor Riley has worked in partnership with our Board and staff to ensure the economic wellbeing of the Port, and in turn the entire City of Charleston."

Riley utilized his relationships with the Obama Administration to elevate the importance of harbor deepening and to garner support and timely forward progress of the project on the federal level. He has also supported SCPA's cruise business and plans for the non-maritime redevelopment of Union Pier for the benefit of the Port and the City.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

SCPA Achieves First Quarter TEU Growth of Nearly 10 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) saw strong container volume growth during the first quarter of the 2016 fiscal year, with TEU volumes 9.5 percent higher than the same period last year.

SCPA handled 167,549 TEUs last month, an 11.1 percent increase from September 2014 volumes. Since the 2016 fiscal year began in July, SCPA has moved 513,299 TEUs.

As measured in pier containers, 289,610 boxes have moved across SCPA docks fiscal year to date. Pier container volume is up 8.6 percent from the 266,741 boxes handled during the same period last fiscal year.

"Our growth is indicative of broad-based strength across all market segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "While our volumes are likely to see more modest growth than last fiscal year, we expect to continue to experience increases above the U.S. port market average."

Noncontainerized cargo was 16.5 percent higher than plan during the first quarter, with 356,746 pier tons handled. In September, Charleston moved 81,137 tons of breakbulk cargo and the Port of Georgetown handled 30,360 tons.

The Inland Port achieved 7,214 rail moves in September, bringing fiscal year-to-date volume to 22,103 moves. The facility's strong volumes are 50.5 percent ahead of plan.

Board Action

The Board approved SCPA's $1.25 million contribution to the Jasper Ocean Terminal (JOT) Joint Project Office for the 2016 fiscal year work plan. The plan, which includes geological studies and conceptual work on terminal design to by Moffat & Nichol, was approved by the JOT Board of Directors on June 17, 2015.

The Board approved a contract for construction services related to the containment wall structure at the Navy Base Terminal (NBT), as well as two contracts for independent quality reviews of NBT site preparation and construction activities. A design contract for the Wando Welch Terminal refrigerated cargo yard expansion was also approved.

In addition, the Board authorized SCPA to purchase a new forklift for the Inland Port to accommodate the facility's growing cargo volumes.

Naming SCPA's New Container Terminal

The Board voted to name SCPA's new container terminal the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal. The terminal, located on the former Navy Base, is currently the only permitted container terminal under construction on the U.S. East or Gulf Coasts. When it opens in 2020, the facility will increase SCPA's total container volume capacity by 50 percent.

"Our Board, state leaders and elected officials share in the pride of our port system," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "President Pro Tempore of the SC Senate Hugh Leatherman has been a longtime supporter of our Port, and no one has been more supportive or more important to the success of our world-class port's vision. He secured funding for the port access road and garnered support for the Inland Port and Jasper Ocean Terminal. He has always been at the table to assist in the recruitment of jobs and investment to our state. And, most importantly, he was a key leader in securing the $300 million state contribution for harbor deepening. It is only fitting and is my honor to name SCPA's new container terminal after him."

Economic Impact Study

SCPA released Upstate, South Carolina-specific results of a new economic impact study completed by the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. The study found that the Port supports one in eight Upstate jobs paying 40 percent higher than the state's average annual wage.

As home to the Inland Port, the Upstate region benefits from $26.8 billion in annual economic activity representing approximately half of SCPA's total statewide economic impact.

"The Upstate is home to a large concentration of port users whose cargo represents significant volumes for our facilities," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The fact that 50 percent of the SCPA's total statewide impact benefits the Upstate is a testament to the statewide connectivity of the Port. We are proud of the economic development opportunities and well-paying jobs SCPA supports in the Upstate and across South Carolina."

The study identified the following impacts of port operations on Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union and York:

SCPA is responsible for nearly 95,000 jobs in the region.
Approximately $5.2 billion in labor income from SCPA operations is infused into the Upstate economy annually.
The manufacturing industry, which represents the largest sector of port-dependent businesses in the Upstate, encompasses 15.3 percent of the overall Upstate economy.

The study was completed by research economist Joseph Von Nessen using total economic impacts associated with port operations and port users during the 2014 calendar year.

"The regional economic benefits of the Port are felt most significantly in the Upstate," Von Nessen said. "In the Upstate region alone, the Port's impact translates into nearly 95,000 high-wage jobs and $5.2 billion in labor income. But perhaps more importantly, the Port has an ability to facilitate the ongoing development of export-oriented industry clusters, especially in advanced manufacturing. The automotive cluster expansion in particular has been the main driver of economic growth in the Upstate since the Great Recession. This cluster expansion simply would not have happened without access to port facilities."

Statewide, the Port is responsible for 187,200 jobs and $53 billion in annual economic impact, representing nearly 10 percent of total gross state product. View the full summary of Upstate and statewide economic impact information here.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), established by the state?s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast?s deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit https://scspa.com.

Newsome's State of the Port Predicts Decisive Five Years Ahead for SCPA

CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 - Sustaining above-market container volume growth, achieving the deepest harbor on the East Coast, investing in infrastructure and expanding its cargo base topped the list of South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) five-year initiatives highlighted today at the State of the Port.

In his seventh address at the annual Propeller Club of Charleston event, president and CEO Jim Newsome reflected on the volume and revenue gains that well-position SCPA to face the challenges ahead for South Carolina's public port system.

"Within the state, we are an economic driver and strategic asset that should be a source of pride for our shareholders, the people of South Carolina," Newsome said. "From a competitive standpoint, we offer the best product at the lowest cost in the U.S. port industry. Our above-market growth is an achievement that has positioned the Port as a strong and visible global brand and will continue to pay dividends to the state and region?s economies."

SCPA reported a nearly 15 percent fiscal year-over-year increase in container volume in 2015, handling 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Charleston breakbulk grew 7 percent over planned volumes, with 900,000 pier tons handled during FY2015. A record-breaking 253,338 vehicles moved across SCPA docks, up 15 percent from the previous record of 219,900 vehicles in FY2008.

Newsome highlighted SCPA?s significant financial growth over the last five fiscal years, including a 75 percent increase in revenue from $112 million in FY2010 to $196 million in FY2015. During that time, operating earnings jumped from $8.4 million to $30 million, and pier container volumes, or boxes handled, increased from 741,000 to 1.095 million.

Newsome said SCPA?s ability to build upon this success over the next five years will be decisive for the Port. Strong fundamentals within the Southeast region will support the Port?s aggressive goals, providing a growing consumer population base that creates demand for imports as well as an expanding manufacturing industry that requires deepwater for heavy export cargo. Included in SCPA?s long-range goals is the climb from top-ten to top-five U.S. container port volume ranking by the end of the decade.

Planned volume gains are also linked to Charleston?s compelling opportunity to serve big ships calling the East Coast. With alliances among the major shipping lines firmly in place and 90 percent of new ocean vessels to be built for 7,500 TEUs or greater, shippers will become increasingly dependent on ports to offer deep and wide harbors for reliable access. The expansion of the Panama Canal and raising of the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey, both slated for completion next year, will also bring post-Panamax vessels to the Southeast in greater frequency.

SCPA's efforts to deepen the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet are on schedule, with a firm focus on expediting the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase of the project. Construction is expected to be completed by 2020, enabling Charleston Harbor to offer shippers 24-hour access to 48 feet of draft.

In addition to the completion of harbor deepening, SCPA will also focus on investments to terminal capacity and infrastructure, including construction progress on the Navy Base Terminal and Wando Welch Terminal wharf strengthening project. Newsome cited the State of South Carolina as a committed partner in the Port's long-term success, with planned investments in port-related infrastructure including harbor deepening, the Navy Base Terminal access road, and Intermodal Container Transfer Facility.

"Significant investment is required to be a major U.S. container port, and earning adequate return on capital will be a challenge for us in the years ahead," Newsome said. "In addition to maintaining above-market growth and delivering high value for the reliability and cost of service we offer, there are a number of actions required to realize these investments: an improved contractual structure and revenue model from port clients; firm prioritization of capital expenditures; and an inward focus on organizational streamlining, effectiveness and productivity."

Newsome cited a successful trucking community and support of both Class One rail carriers serving the Port as critical to SCPA's long-term ability to handle growing container volumes. SCPA extended gate hours in February and maintains low truck turn times to support productivity of the trucking industry, a key asset of freight movement. SCPA's efforts to grow rail volumes have been successful, with 22 percent of SCPA's container volume handled by intermodal rail in FY2015. Newsome pointed to improvement in intermodal infrastructure as essential to the Port's ability to attract cargo, as inland transportation costs play a key role in global supply chain decisions.

Expansion of the Port's cargo base will drive planned volume increases, Newsome said. In addition to the cargo that naturally flows through South Carolina's port facilities, SCPA will continue to pursue discretionary cargo, including Midwestern agriculture products and plastics from the Gulf. Private sector investment in port-related infrastructure is critical to serve these growing markets.

"In order to expand our cargo base, the Port must continue intensive efforts to connect the dots between major economic development opportunities, our capable harbor, and the necessary infrastructure to serve growing markets," Newsome said. "Our Inland Port in Greer is a great example of this. The facility saw tremendous success in its first full fiscal year of operation and will likely be expanded in FY2017, and I envision opportunities to consider additional inland port locations in the future."

Other long-term investments for the SCPA include progress on the Jasper Ocean Terminal (JOT), which represents the next major increment of Southeast container port capacity. Newsome pointed to the significant capital requirements necessary for the terminal to be realized, including deepening the Savannah River to at least 52 feet and providing adequate road and rail infrastructure with access for both Class One railroads. The JOT Joint Project Office is expected to begin the permitting process for the terminal later this fiscal year.

"The next five years bring great opportunity for our port," Newsome said. "By 2020 we will complete the harbor deepening project to 52 feet, open Phase One of the Navy Base Terminal and enjoy an operational dual-served intermodal container transfer facility. Delivering on our priorities and aggressive action will be required to meet these goals. The Port has a highly talented and skilled workforce, and with the commitment of our entire maritime community, I am confident that SCPA's best years are ahead."

View the State of the Port presentation here.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), 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 South Carolina Ports, please visit www.scspa.com.

Growth, Modernization the Focus of Newsome's State of the Port

Charleston, S.C. - Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on growth and modernization at the State of the Port, an annual event hosted by the Propeller Club of Charleston.

In his sixth address since joining the SCPA, Newsome discussed the port's strategy for maintaining the strong volume gains seen in recent years and the investments underway to prepare new and existing facilities for the changing needs of the shipping industry.

The SCPA boasted 8 percent volume increases in FY2014, with 9 percent growth the previous fiscal year. The Port of Charleston ranked ninth in the country for 2013 cargo volumes measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with growth trending above the market average year over year.

"Diversity of cargo across market segments, including container, breakbulk and cruise, contributed to our strong volume gains, Newsome said. "Over the next several years, the upgrades planned for existing SCPA terminals and new capacity offered by the Navy Base terminal will ensure our facilities are capable of attracting and retaining cargo in each of these key business areas, which are important to the port's long-term success."

Newsome said above-market growth will continue to be a key priority for the port. Main drivers of volume gains in recent years include expansion of discretionary cargo, including plastics and agriculture products; utilization of project cargo capabilities; recruitment of indigenous cargo, routed through Charleston for lowest inland transportation costs; and maximization of the port's intermodal rail capabilities and a deepwater harbor.

In addition to construction of the Navy Base new container terminal, Newsome cited long-range plans with Georgia Ports Authority to construct a terminal in Jasper County, given market demand and harbor depth. He also noted that in spite of the need to restore the Port of Georgetown to an authorized depth of 27 feet, its volumes grew nearly 12 percent in fiscal year 2014.

SCPA's projects and capital investments reflect the changing fundamentals in the shipping industry and necessity to accommodate the deployment of post-Panamax vessels to the East Coast.

"SCPA is well-positioned to meet and exceed the industry's requirements for a modern port," Newsome said. "With the harbor deepening project, Charleston will remain the deepest harbor in the Southeast and offer post-Panamax vessels the opportunity to call on our terminals without tidal restrictions by late 2018. The movement of cargo from our capable, productive facilities to its inland destination is increasingly cost-competitive with dual rail service and the Inland Port."

Newsome noted that while the Southeast is a growing region for both consumption and manufacturing, it is also a highly competitive market served by several ports. With overall market growth slower this decade than last, all ports are challenged by the significant investment required to construct and modernize facilities.

"SCPA's mission is to be the preferred port in the U.S. for our carrier and cargo clients," Newsome said. "Our aggressive plan ensures that we are well poised for the future in our industry and as an economic driver and catalyst for business development in South Carolina and across the Southeast. Our best years are ahead."

"The port's year-over-year volume growth speaks to the leadership and vision of Jim and his team," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "There is no doubt that the future for our state port system is bright."

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.

SC Ports Announce Eight Percent Fiscal Year Growth

Charleston, SC - Today SC Ports Authority reported a strong finish for the 2014 fiscal year with 8 percent container growth, an increase of 2 percent over projected plans.

"Our above-market fiscal year growth again this year is testament to strong performance in our major business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "The implementation of our strategic plan is paying off, and the large capital investments committed to port infrastructure by the state of South Carolina and Ports Authority are yielding great dividends. Significant capital investment by major port users has also positively impacted volumes."

In June the SCPA handled 149,183 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 19 percent from 125,257 TEUs handled the same period last year. For the total fiscal year period, July through June, the SCPA moved 1,684,907 TEUs.

On the non-containerized cargo side, the SCPA handled 83,399 pier tons in June for a total of 763,230 pier tons during the fiscal year in Charleston, an increase of 3.6 percent over plan.

Despite depth challenges at the Port of Georgetown, the terminal exceeded projected plans with 553,039 pier tons handled during the fiscal year, an increase of 11.8 percent year over year.

"I'm extremely proud of our strong fiscal year performance," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We have a strong Board, talented and visionary CEO and senior staff, and support from a productive maritime community."

Capital projects planned for fiscal year 2015 will support continued growth. Wando Welch Terminal will receive upgrades to accommodate increases in Post-Panamax vessel calls. Construction at the Navy Base Terminal and harbor deepening remain key strategic priorities for the SCPA over the next several years, as well as the opening of the SC Department of Commerce's intermodal container transfer facility. The Inland Port in Greer is meeting volume and performance objectives, and will continue to be a vital component of SCPA growth.

"I congratulate the SCPA on their above-plan performance," said Larry Grooms, SC Senate Transportation Committee Chairman and SC Ports Authority Review and Oversight Committee Chairman. "The SCPA has aggressively captured significant market growth in the Southeast recently, and its success in outpacing competitors is incredibly positive news for South Carolina."

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.

SC Ports Adopts FY2015 Financial Plan

Plans for the new fiscal year beginning July 1 include 975,000 pier container moves, representing a 3.4 percent increase in pier container volume over estimated FY2014 totals. Pier container volumes have experienced strong growth in recent months with May as the busiest month since March 2007.

In non-containerized cargo business segments, the plan includes breakbulk tonnage increases of 9.8 percent in Charleston and 0.5 percent in Georgetown, driven largely by strong performance of state manufacturers.

"I'm confident our volumes will continue to grow above the market average," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Revenues will also increase thanks to strength across all cargo segments and success at the Inland Port."

Operating revenues are expected to reach $172.8 million in FY2015, up $13.2 million from projected FY2014 totals.

The Board approved capital investments of $113.5 million for the fiscal year. Projects over the next twelve months include improvements and enhancements to existing terminal systems and infrastructure as well as approximately $20 million in Navy Base Terminal construction costs.

The 2014 fiscal year drawing to a close on June 30 is marked by strong progress of all SCPA strategic projects. The Post-45 Harbor Deepening project continues timely progress forward, with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on track to be released this summer and the Chief's Report in September of 2015. Fill activities continue at the Navy Base Terminal, with construction on-track to coincide with completion of harbor deepening. The Inland Port, which opened in October, is seeing increased traffic each month and has exceeded planned volumes.

The SCPA saw strong export growth throughout FY2014, with a 6.54 percent fiscal year to date increase in export twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled year over year. In total fiscal year to date TEU volume, the SCPA reported an increase of 7.03 percent over the same period last year, with 1,535,724 TEUs handled.

A recent ratings report completed by Standard and Poor's Rating Services affirmed the long-term A+ credit rating and stable outlook of SCPA revenue bonds. A balanced import-export cargo base as well as diverse cargo and customer profiles were cited as key credit strengths, as well as the port's solid position in the Southeastern maritime commerce industry.

The Board approved a $1.082 million contract to prepare Inland Port gate facilities infrastructure for the implementation of an upgraded terminal operating system. Construction is scheduled to begin in July and will be completed later this fall.

Newsome's State of the Port Highlights Growth, Deepwater Harbor as Future of SC Ports

Charleston, S.C. - Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome focused on growth, investment and harbor deepening in his message to nearly 700 maritime and business leaders
at the State of the Port, an annual event hosted by the Propeller Club of Charleston.

In his fifth address since joining the state's public port system, Newsome highlighted key industry trends and the impacts of a growing port on the state's and region's economy.

The Port of Charleston is a top-10 U.S. container port that grew 9% in FY2013, well above the U.S. port market. Above-market growth for the ensuing years is a critical part of the port's strategy.

Newsome noted that the Southeast is a growing region for both consumption and manufacturing. This fact, combined with the deployment of new Panamax container ships to the U.S. East Coast, requires top-10 container ports to invest in terminal facilities, harbor deepening and related road and rail logistics capabilities to maintain and enhance their competitiveness.

"The growth of exporting and the formation of mega-alliances that will feature the deployment of large container ships on the East Coast mean that deepened harbors are critical for supporting commerce in the Southeast region," Newsome said. "The Southeast needs a port of 50 feet or deeper to support this growth, and Charleston is well-positioned thanks to its post-45 foot deepening project."

Newsome said the state of South Carolina is unified in its commitment to see Charleston Harbor deepened, noting that 20,000 companies in two dozen states rely on our harbor for access to overseas production and markets.

"The port has further enhanced the logistics infrastructure of the state and the Southeast by building the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer," he said. "The Inland Port is served by overnight rail service provided by the Norfolk Southern Railroad and creates a new rail origin and destination in the Southeast. With its location within 500 miles of nearly 100 million consumers, it is poised to create a significant distribution hub to foster the growth of commerce in the upstate of South Carolina."

Newsome cited two key terminal projects in his remarks. The building of a new container terminal at the former Navy Base in Charleston is essential, Newsome said, and is the only permitted new container terminal on the U.S. East Coast. He discussed the joint venture terminal project in Jasper County as critical for future growth once the need for a deeper harbor is realized. Newsome also noted the need to restore Georgetown Harbor to its authorized depth of 27 feet.

"Ports are long-cycle businesses requiring great vision and planning," Newsome said." "Our port system is the major strategic asset for the state in the current era of global sourcing and manufacturing."

SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern recognized Newsome for his leadership since he joined the organization in 2009. "2014 was another great fiscal year for the Ports Authority. We grew at 9 percent while the rest of the industry averaged 2 percent growth. On behalf of the Board, I applaud Jim for his vision and leadership of our Ports."

"It's no secret that South Carolina's ports are a major economic development engine for our state, representing $45 billion in annual economic activity and helping our unemployment rate hit a 5 year low," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "The growth of our ports means more jobs and their continued growth will help us add to the over 39,000 new jobs and over $9.6 billion in new investment we have brought to South Carolina. Strengthening our ports is a team effort and thanks to our federal delegation we saw the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act - an incredibly positive step forward for our state, our ports and for job creation. Including the opening of the Inland Port in Greer, the progress we have made over the past year has been tremendous and we have never been more confident that we will see Charleston deepened to 50 feet, Georgetown revitalized with new life, and a port in Jasper approved and built."

"I am pleased with the progress the SC Ports Authority has made over the last year," said Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the S.C. Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority. "Cargo volume is growing well above the market. Infrastructure projects like harbor deepening and the inland port, which extends the port's reach over 200 miles inland, will solidify their footing as the region's primary port in the future."

Increased export traffic was driven by the rise in grain and agriculture products shipped through Charleston, while an extended peak season sustained growth on the import side.

Volume at the Port of Georgetown was up 15.9 percent fiscal year to date over the same period last year, led by increased bulk and breakbulk steel business.

"We are all proud that Phil is in such an important business leadership role," said John Hassell, SCPA Board of Directors Vice Chairman. "The ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry, and we're excited to work with him at its helm."

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