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Port of Charleston Completes Record Volumes in April

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Port of Charleston Completes Record Volumes in April

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Following the most successful all-time cargo record for March, South Carolina Ports Authority confirmed earlier this week the Port of Charleston broke the April record for cargo handled. More than 225,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were moved in April from Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, representing an upward growth trend of 27.8 percent in a year and 2.09 million TEUs in fiscal year 2021 so far.

“Companies needing to quickly import and export goods benefit from the available capacity at SC Ports,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “We have invested significantly in our infrastructure, including enhancing Wando Welch Terminal and opening Leatherman Terminal, to ensure Charleston can handle the biggest ships and growing cargo volumes coming to the East Coast.”

Vehicles, containers, and inland ports were among segments of business growth in April. Loaded imports accounted for a 27 percent increase for the month along with a 30 percent surge in loaded exports. Manufacturing and automotive industries in the region were cited as main drivers behind the increase.

April also saw a 143.1 percent increase in vehicles. SCPA reported 21,966 vehicles rolled the docks at the Columbus Street Terminal, representing the 209,598 vehicles handled so far for the fiscal year (a 14.5 percent increase).

“Our entire maritime and motor carrier community kept freight moving during the past year. We owe them much gratitude for keeping our shelves stocked and businesses running during the pandemic,” Newsome said. “As the global supply chain continues to feel strained, it is evident that SC Ports invested in the right infrastructure at the right time. We have the capacity, big-ship capabilities and deep harbor today to handle cargo influxes.”

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South Carolina Ports Shares Optimistic Outlook for 2021

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Pandemic or no pandemic, South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) continues to keep things moving throughout the supply chain. In February, the Inland Port Greer finished the month off with record numbers while Inland Port Dillon reported a 7.4 percent year-over-year increase in rail moves. These and other robust metrics released this week further confirm SCPA’s resilience and efficiencies in operations.

“As retail imports continue to boom during the pandemic, the ability to quickly move goods from ships to the hinterland via rail is paramount,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “Cargo owners benefit from SC Ports’ fast-import transit to population centers — with intermodal imports arriving at the railheads within 24 hours — and overnight rail service to Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.”

An increase in the automotive sector has also contributed to the Port’s success for FY2021. In February, the Columbus Street Terminal completed the handling of 17,555 vehicles, contributing to the year-to-date total of 165,528 vehicles. This number represents an increase of 11 percent compared to the same period last year. So far, SCPA reported an impressive 1.61 million TEUs handled in fiscal year 2021, of which more than 180,00 handled at the Port of Charleston’s Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in February alone.

“By investing more than $2 billion in terminal infrastructure, we are able to deliver unmatched vessel and cargo fluidity to our customers,” Newsome said. “We remain focused on providing congestion-free terminals and available berths to keep the supply chain fluid.”

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South Carolina Ports Authority Welcomes the New Year with Optimistic Outlook

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South Carolina Ports Authority boasted an impressive 2019 and is more than prepared to leverage this year’s momentum for a successful 2020. Robust cargo volumes were reported throughout the year for container, breakbulk, and inland terminals in addition to international recognition for performance and productivity, specifically the Port of Charleston and Wando Welch Terminal No. 1 by Journal of Commerce. SCPA brought in additional recognitions in 2019 as well, including “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” and CEO and President Jim Newsome’s recognition as one of DC Velocity Logistics Rainmakers. 

“The equipment operators at S.C. Ports and all those working in the maritime community enable the notable productivity that cargo owners have come to rely on at S.C. Ports,” said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern.

SCPA reported an impressive 2.25 million TEUs handled since January, of which 184,928 TEUs were handled a the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals in November alone. November’s success brought the total y-o-y increase to 6 percent for fiscal year 2020.

“We continue to attract cargo with our efficiently run terminals and reliable service,” SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “This is made possible by our excellent team and the broader maritime community, all of whom work tirelessly to keep cargo moving seamlessly through our supply chain.”

“Looking ahead to 2020, we expect to continue weathering uncertainty in the world economy, but our strong position in the Southeast and proximity to a booming consumer market will drive growth,” Newsome added. “We expect to grow above the market as more cargo shifts from West Coast to East Coast ports.”

SCPA’s Columbus Street terminal was also reported with a 17 percent increase in regards to vehicle imports and exports compared to last year’s numbers. A total of 19,933 were handled in November.

As 2020 quickly approaches, SCPA continues to focus on increasing retail volumes while managing imports through South Carolina-based distribution centers while maintaining its position in the public seaport and intermodal facility sectors.

“We appreciate the board’s continued support of our investments that enable us to service some of the biggest ships in the world,” Newsome concluded. “This next year is critical as we progress on our momentous infrastructure investments, including a new container terminal and a 52-foot deep harbor, both set for completion in 2021.”
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SCPA’s Wando Welch Terminal Confirmed for Sustainable Crane Upgrades

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RTG cranes at South Carolina Ports Authority’s Wando Welch Terminal will soon operate on sustainable and eco-friendly engines thanks to a $2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Through a great partnership with DHEC, we have secured EPA funding to upgrade our 12 least efficient RTG cranes with high performing, environmentally friendly battery/genset hybrids,” said Stephen Brisben, Mechanical Technical Specialist for SCPA’s Heavy Lift Maintenance Department. “This aligns with our efforts to upgrade equipment to both improve air quality standards in the Lowcountry and enhance terminal operations.”

The grant was issued as part of the  Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program supporting the upgrading of various fleets from school buses, transit airport buses, long and short-haul trucks, marine engines, locomotive replacements, and more for cleaner environments and an overall reduction in harmful emissions.

“For the past 10 years, the DERA program has played an important role in helping to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines while simultaneously creating opportunities for economic growth and development in South Carolina,” DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality Chief Rhonda Thompson said. “We are excited about this new opportunity to work alongside the South Carolina Ports Authority — an entity whose work is crucially important in supporting both our state and regional economies.”

SCPA’s Chief Operating Officer Barbara Melvin confirmed the 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTG) upgrades are part of the overall vision to implement sustainable and efficient equipment solutions. Additionally, the upgrades were reported to support reducing fuel consumption while cutting up to 96 percent of particulate matter, air toxins, and nitrogen oxides.