Wando Welch Terminal - SC Ports Authority

SC Ports Posts Milestone 2018 Fiscal Year

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

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

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

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

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

Terminal Modernization and Capacity

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

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

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

Charleston Harbor Deepening

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

Cargo Base Expansion

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

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

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

Board Action

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

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Plans for Five Percent Container Growth, $277.6 Million in Capital Expenditures in FY2019

CHARLESTON, SC - June 20, 2018 - Today the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors adopted a 2019 fiscal year financial plan that includes five percent pier container growth, $280.8 million in operating revenues, $42.9 million in operating earnings, and capital expenditures of $277.6 million.

The plan projects pier container volume, or boxes handled, of 1.305 million during FY2019, a five percent increase from the 1.24 million pier containers SCPA expects to handle in FY2018, ending June 30.

The Port is planning for strong volumes at both inland rail facilities in FY2019. A 13 percent increase in rail moves, or 136,200 lifts next fiscal year, is projected for Inland Port Greer. During the first full fiscal year of operations at Inland Port Dillon, the Port expects the facility will handle approximately 40,000 rail moves.

Planned operating revenues of nearly $281 million for FY2019 reflect a 12.4 percent increase above the $249.9 million in projected revenues for the current fiscal year.

"The financial plan for FY2019 reflects an exciting time for the Port, in financial and volume growth as well as continued progress of the key capital projects that position our port and state for long-term economic success," said SCPA Board Chair Bill Stern.

The Board approved the largest capital plan in SCPA's history for projects supporting terminal modernization, capacity increases and intermodal volume growth. The largest capital expenditure in FY2019 is the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, for which the Port will invest $117.1 million in construction, equipment, and the Port's share of the access road linking the terminal with I-26. Other planned capital expenditures include $79.5 million in upgrades and modernization of the Wando Welch Terminal; $18.9 million at the North Charleston Terminal; and $19 million for the construction of the new SCPA headquarters, opening at the end of the year.

"The capital expenditure plan approved by our Board today reflects the Port's commitment to serving our customers with modern terminals and expanded capacity, projects that will be complemented by the deepening of our harbor to 52 feet," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "I'm confident that our investments and planned growth will support another year of milestone accomplishments for the Port and positive economic impacts for South Carolina."

May Volume Results

As previously reported, SCPA handled the strongest May on record for container volume. With 197,437 twenty foot-equivalent container units (TEUs) moved during the month, May volumes were 8.2 percent higher than the same month in 2017. Fiscal year to date, SCPA's container volumes are 2.3 percent higher than the same period last year with nearly 2 million TEUs handled since July.

In the non-containerized cargo business segment, the Port of Charleston handled 68,687 pier tons last month. Since the fiscal year began, Charleston has handled 677,516 tons of breakbulk cargo.

Inland Port Greer handled 10,836 rail moves in May, for a total of 107,773 moves fiscal year to date.

Konecranes Signing Ceremony

Earlier today SCPA officials welcomed leaders from Konecranes for a signing ceremony recognizing the Port's purchase of 26 rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. The $46.4 million contract includes 24 new RTGs for the Wando Welch Terminal to support plans to modernize operations and increase container yard capacity of existing terminal facilities. Inland Port Greer will receive two of the new cranes to support continued volume growth of the facility. The purchase marked the single-largest RTG crane contract in Konecranes' history.

Community Giving Grant Program

The application period for the Port's non-profit grant program, Community Giving, opened this month with opportunities for charitable organizations to apply for $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 grants. The Port awards grants in four outreach areas: maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach.

Community Giving was created in 2013 to support programs and initiatives that better the communities in which the port operates. Applications are available on the Port's website and are due July 27, 2018.

South Carolina Ports Authority Announces Record May Container Volume

CHARLESTON, SC - June 11, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced 197,437 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month, a record for the month of May and the second-highest month of container traffic in the Port's history.

May TEU volume was 8.2 percent higher than the same month last year and nearly surpassed SCPA's all-time record for container volume, achieved in March 2018 with 199,659 TEUs. Since the Port's fiscal year began in July, SCPA's container volume is 2.3 percent higher than the same period last year.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled by the Port, May was also a record month with 113,531 pier containers moved.

"In spite of the Wando Bridge closure during the last half of May, we achieved very strong volumes for the month," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We very much appreciate the flexibility and dedication shown by truck drivers, Charleston Gate, our own employees and the entire maritime community in moving containerized freight under what were adverse conditions for the majority of the month. The leadership of Governor McMaster, Secretary Hall and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Mayor Haynie, and the Town of Mt. Pleasant was also decisive in making this possible. Our terminals remained fluid throughout the month."

The Port's broad-based growth during in May was supported by the further deployment of large container ships to the U.S. East Coast. Increases in loaded export container volumes indicate continued strength in the world economy.

Wando Wharf Modernization Project

Infrastructure improvements at the Wando Welch Terminal have continued to progress, and the wharf modernization project that began in 2015 will soon be completed. The entire length of the terminal berth will return to full-time operation by the end of July, coinciding with the commissioning of SCPA's sixth crane of 155 feet of lift height.

"The Port has handled record container volumes despite having only two-thirds of our berth capacity in operation for over 800 days," Newsome said. "We look forward to simultaneously handling two ships of 14,000 TEU or above in the near future with significant berth productivity."

SC Ports Welcomes New Ship-to-Shore Cranes

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

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

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

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

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

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

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.

Media Advisory: Statement from SCPA on the Wando Welch Terminal AGS Implementation

The following is an update on the Wando Welch Terminal:

(1) On Wednesday, we handled 3901 gate transactions which is pretty close to that normally expected in this terminal. This was done with gate hours between 6 am and 9 pm, three hours more than normal, and this was certainly not at normally expected turn times. The software supplier implemented a program enhancement last night to address a concern that we had.

(2) We were moving along at a similar pace today until 1 pm, when the system had to be reset due to a technology issue. This issue was related to the software installed last night. The outage lasted slightly more than one hour. In one hour at this time of the day, we should handle in excess of 400 trucks and there is not enough queuing space so the truck traffic quickly backs up. We have received great cooperation from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department during this time and we respect the decision of the town of Mt. Pleasant to meter traffic into the terminal until they can assure we are back at regular operations. Trucks are now returning on a regular basis to the terminal and being processed in the system.

(3) We will remain open tonight until 9 pm as of now. One issue is that truckers have hours of service limitations and in many cases they normally work from 6 am to 6 pm and are 'timed out' after that. We are coordinating with the truckers who have company trucks to see if we can manage around the hours of service, especially with regard to the container rail moves.

(4) We are currently programmed for 6 am to 6 pm gate hours tomorrow but will review that later today. Saturday, we will be open from 6 am to 4 pm and we will need to make a call on Sunday. Hours of service restrictions also come into play there as truckers have a 34 hour restart every week which they normally can cover by not working Sunday.

(5) As of this writing, trucks are returning to our terminal and we are hoping for a productive four hours to end the day and a good start tomorrow morning.

Media Advisory: Advanced Gate System at Wando Welch Terminal

CHARLESTON, SC - June 20, 2016 - The South Carolina Ports Authority began full implementation of its Advanced Gate System on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at the Wando Welch Terminal. Although we have had internal and external training in effect since June 6th, it always takes time to get everybody acquainted with the new processes when a major system is being installed. Today is the first day at full capacity so we are experiencing delays in truck processing but we are working through the issues as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Our new Advanced Gate System is designed to deliver faster truck turn times, more robust and more transparent information flow, improved mission flexibility, and enhanced management tools and reports.

Container Volume Up Nearly Five Percent at South Carolina Ports Authority

CHARLESTON, SC - February 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported a nearly five percent increase in container volume since its fiscal year began in July.

SCPA moved 145,092 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in January. Fiscal year-to-date volumes reached 1.12 million TEUs last month, an increase from 1.07 million TEUs handled during the same period last year.

Pier container volume, or boxes handled, totaled 81,993 containers in January. Pier container volume is up 3.1 percent fiscal year over year, with 633,167 containers handled to date.

"January volumes were slightly down, which we expected due to strong comparisons against last year's performance as well as weakness overseas," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our volumes will likely remain fairly flat during the next several months until the spring, which is traditionally a strong season for SCPA."

Fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume reached 727,360 tons in January, remaining slightly ahead of plan. Charleston's non-containerized cargo volumes were particularly strong, and with 68,499 tons moved in January, Charleston breakbulk is nearly 33 percent above planned fiscal year-to-date levels.

The Inland Port reached 7,457 rail moves in January, a significant increase from the facility's 5,068 moves in January 2015. Fiscal year to date, Inland Port volumes are up 63 percent compared to last fiscal year, with 49,588 rail moves completed since July.

Board Action
The Board approved a contract for the investigation and excavation of historical resources on the Yellow House Creek Borrow Site, a location from which soil fill material will be mined for construction of the Leatherman Terminal. The work will be performed in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Two construction contracts were approved for the Wando Welch Terminal, including ground improvement for the expansion of the refrigerated container service area and annual berth maintenance dredging.

In addition, the Board approved a contract for asphalt pavement of 15 acres at Union Pier Terminal.

About SC 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 South Carolina Ports, please visit 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.

SC Ports Authority Posts $30.4 Million in Operating Earnings

CHARLESTON, SC - AUGUST 19, 2015 - Today SC Ports Authority reported 2015 fiscal year-end operating earnings of $30.4 million and revenues of $196.8 million, significant increases over the previous year's financial performance.

From July through June, SCPA more than doubled its previous fiscal year's operating earnings of $14.3 million, while operating revenues increased 20 percent over FY2014 revenues of $32.6 million. Total operating expenses for the 2015 fiscal year totaled $166.3 million.

"The strong financial performance achieved during the 2015 fiscal year reflects the SCPA's focus on achieving the growth required to execute its aggressive capital investment plan," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern.

The positive financial report comes on the heels of 14 percent FY2015 container volume growth reported last month. SCPA handled 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the period, an increase of 231,473 TEUS over the previous fiscal year. The fiscal year results continue SCPA's above-market growth trend, with 8 percent growth achieved during the 2014 fiscal year and 9 percent the prior year.

"With 14 percent container volume growth and operating cash flow well above plan, SCPA is well-positioned to continue moving forward with key strategic projects and above-market growth," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

July Volumes

SCPA reported a strong start to the 2016 fiscal year, handling 175,223 TEUs in July for an increase of 14 percent over the same month last year. Calendar year to date, TEU volumes are up 14.2 percent over last year with 1.17 million TEUs handled since January.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA handled nearly 100,000 boxes last month for a gain of 12.8 percent over July 2014.

Non-containerized cargo volumes were positive in July, with 163,490 pier tons handled. Charleston moved 83,440 tons during the month, 47.7 percent higher than planned breakbulk volumes for the month. Tonnage was also ahead of plan at Georgetown in July, with 80,500 tons handled.

The Inland Port achieved record volumes in July, with 7,567 rail moves completed during the month. Growth at the facility has been strong since it opened in November 2013, and during its first full fiscal year of operation in FY2015, the Inland Port handled 58,407 total rail moves.

Board Action

In action items, the Board awarded construction contracts for the Wando Welch Terminal improvement project and the expansion of the refrigerated cargo yard at North Charleston Terminal.

To meet growing volume demand at the Inland Port, the Board approved a transfer of two rubber-tired gantry cranes from the Wando Welch Terminal to the terminal in Greer.

Community Giving Awards

SCPA announced $81,000 in grants to 42 charitable organizations through its annual Community Giving Program, which provides grant support in regions where SCPA operates in order to positively impact maritime commerce, economic development, the environment, and educational and community needs.

"The port's mission extends beyond maritime commerce and economic development activities, "said Newsome. "Community Giving is an important program that enables us to be a strong community partner and neighbor. From a large pool of worthy applicants, the organizations selected to receive grant funds will support critical programs and initiatives in the communities where we operate."

Recipients of a $5,000 grant included Charleston Waterkeeper, Chucktown Squash Scholars and Daniel Morgan Technology Center. Charleston Waterkeeper, whose mission is to protect and restore Charleston's waterways for the community and future generations, will utilize the grant to administer two months of laboratory water quality testing as part of the Recreational Water Quality Testing Program.

Chucktown Squash Scholars, an after-school youth development program that integrates the sport of squash with academic tutoring, literacy development, fitness education and community service, will utilize SCPA funds to administer its mentoring program for 50 students at three Charleston County School District Title One schools.

Daniel Morgan Technology Center, South Carolina's only secondary career center offering a global logistics program, will utilize the grant funds to purchase classroom equipment needed to deliver supply chain and logistics courses for Spartanburg High School and Broome High School students.

Other recipients earned $2,500 and $1,000 grants for numerous programs and efforts including mentoring, free book programs and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education; hunger relief and emergency assistance; litter collection and environmental monitoring programs; and community health programs.

Grant recipients include:

American Red Cross

Be a Mentor

Camp Rise Above

Charleston Gaillard Management Company

Charleston Habitat for Humanity

Community Pride, Inc.

East Cooper Meals on Wheels

Engaging Creative Minds

Friends of Coastal South Carolina

Friends of Keep Charleston Beautiful

Greater Charleston Business Alliance

Greer Relief & Resources Agency

Harvest Hope Food Bank

Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation

Jasper County First Steps

Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina

Lowcountry Food Bank

LowCountry Habitat for Humanity

Lowcountry Maritime Society

Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Metanoia

Palmetto Project/BEGIN WITH BOOKS

Reach Out and Read Carolinas

Redux Contemporary Art Center

Roscoe Reading Program

South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Maritime Museum

Ten at the Top

The Partners for a Better Community

The Salvation Army, Charleston Corps

The Village Group

Trident Literacy Association

United Ministries

Upstate Forever

USS Yorktown Foundation

Ward Leigh Foundation

Water Missions International

WINGS for kids

Wounded Nature - Working Veterans

Community Giving was created in 2012. For more information about the Community Giving program, visit Community Giving.

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 260,800 statewide jobs and generate nearly $45 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.

18 Percent Increase in Container Volume at SC Ports

Charleston - The SC Ports Authority handled 152,917 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in January, marking an 18 percent boost in container volumes over the same month last year.

January container traffic pushed fiscal year to date TEU volumes past the 1 million mark, with 1,072,438 TEUs moved since the period began in July. Fiscal year to date, TEU volumes are up 14 percent year over year.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA moved 88,619 boxes in January. With 614,372 boxes handled fiscal year to date, pier container levels are up 15 percent compared to the same period last year.

"While ship sizes grow, driving increases in the number of container moves per vessel, our port continues to work well," said SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "Strong terminal productivity ensures trucks can efficiently move cargo in and out of our facilities without delays."

Non-containerized cargo also saw gains in January, with total fiscal year to date breakbulk volumes 7 percent higher than planned levels. In January Charleston handled 65,153 tons and is slightly above plan for the fiscal year. Georgetown handled 14,933 tons, bringing the facility's fiscal year gains to 15 percent over plan.

The SCPA posted record intermodal rail growth for in 2014, with an increase of 38 percent over last year. The SPCA handled 199,000 rail lifts last year with increases across all major lanes, including Memphis, Greer, Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville. Rail volume has doubled since 2011, and nearly 20 percent of the SCPA's total container volume currently moves by rail.

A significant driver of continued rail volume increases is the Inland Port, which reached an all-time high in monthly rail lifts in January. The Inland Port handled 5,068 rail moves last month, and 30,495 rail lifts completed fiscal year to date.

Board Action

The Board passed a resolution authorizing the SCPA to oversee construction of a Site Operations Center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, SC. BMW currently leases the industrial site from the SCPA, and as the landowner SCPA will manage the construction process of the facility. The project is estimated to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.

In other action items, the Board approved a contract to perform annual berth dredging at Wando Welch Terminal and authorized the purchase of six full container handlers as part of the SCPA's scheduled equipment replacement plan. The Board also approved the expansion of the perimeter security system at Columbus Street Terminal.

Charleston Adds Trans-Pacific Project Carrier Service

BBC Chartering, a carrier specializing in over-dimensional, non-containerized cargo, recently announced a new monthly breakbulk service connecting the Port of Charleston to Asia. The service will support strong market demand in North America for delivery of breakbulk cargo manufactured in China, Korea and Japan, as well as offer export opportunities from Charleston to Asia. Vessels in this service, which serves the Ports of Shanghai, Masan, Kobe and Yokohama, will call the Columbus Street Terminal.

"Charleston has become a very important hub for BBC, both for imports and exports, and the Columbus Street Terminal is a first class facility for moving specialized breakbulk cargo," said Per Peterson, BBC President. "The Port offers great connections to the backcountry both by rail and truck, with clearance necessary for transporting the complex cargos being moved in and out of the port. We have enjoyed great cooperation with SCPA personnel in order to meet BBC's needs. We expect strength in this trade lane for years to come and look forward to expanding our services in and out of the region."

Vice President, Secretary of Transportation Visit Wando Welch Terminal

This morning Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx visited the Wando Welch Terminal to discuss the facility's upcoming wharf improvement project, which received a 10.8 million dollar Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant in September.

"The future is a choice, and Charleston will seize the opportunities the future holds by preparing its terminals to serve post-Panamax ships," said US Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "The TIGER grant supports the Port's critical project to upgrade the Wando terminal structure and purchase new cranes to handle the growing size of ships today."

As the SCPA's busiest container terminal, Wando Welch receives approximately 11 post-Panamax vessels weekly. The wharf improvement project includes upgrades to structural support of the wharf and fendering system, as well as modifications to crane rails to accommodate two new super-post-Panamax cranes on order for the terminal.

"Infrastructure investments grow jobs and economies, and they are critically important to our nation," said Vice President Joe Biden. "The future of commerce remains on the high seas, with cargo arriving on post-Panamax vessels. SC Ports Authority is ahead of the curve, and modernizing the Wando Terminal ensures continued growth of maritime commerce and jobs."

The visit was part of Secretary Foxx's GROW AMERICA EXPRESS Bus Tour through the Southeastern United States this week to highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure investments. Vice President Biden, who highlighted his support of the Post-45 Harbor Deepening Project in today's remarks, previously visited SCPA in September 2013 after the Administration selected the project as a We Can't Wait initiative.

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.

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