In
The Maritime Executive
02-10-2021 10:24:01
South Carolina ports recorded stable volumes in early 2021.
SC Ports handled 216,265 container units equivalent to twenty feet (TEUs) at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in January, an increase of 2.5% year on year. SC Ports has processed more than 1.43 million TEUs so far in fiscal year 2021, which started on July 1.
The ports of SC handled 121,236 containers on the pier – which account for cargo boxes of any size – in January, almost 2% more than a year ago. The port handled 796,301 dock containers in the fiscal year to date.
SC Ports had 12,189 vehicles running on its docks at the Columbus Street Terminal in January. The Port of Charleston has handled 147,936 vehicles so far in fiscal year 2021, an increase of almost 13% year on year.
Inland Port Greer – an internal port served by SC Ports railways in upstate South Carolina – maintained momentum with a record in January. Inland Port Greer reported 13,401 rail movements last month, an increase of 16% year on year. Inland Port Dillon – the SC Ports railroad served the port in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina – reported 2,870 rail movements in January.
SC Ports ensures efficient cargo movement between South Carolina and global markets, serving as a vital economic driver for the Southeast. Port operations generate an economic impact of $ 63.4 billion in South Carolina each year and account for one in ten jobs in the state.
To continue growing above the market, SC Ports invested more than $ 2 billion to build timely world-class infrastructure, including opening Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and deepening the Port of Charleston to 52 feet in 2021 .
“Companies rely on South Carolina Ports for efficient operations, large ship resources and ample capacity as we move their cargo to and from global markets,” said SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome. “Our major infrastructure projects are coming on stream at the right time as we expand and diversify our cargo base in the growing southeastern market, ensuring that South Carolina remains globally competitive for decades to come.”
SC Ports ended 2020 with a record December and recently updated its forecast as volumes continue to recover during the pandemic.
“Our SC Ports team and the entire maritime community continue to show up every day during a pandemic, working to keep the supply chain fluid to ensure fast delivery of goods to hospitals, companies, manufacturers and consumers,” said SC’s COO Ports, Barbara Melvin. “We are grateful to all the essential workers who keep the loads moving.”
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