The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) handled a record 2.3 million TEU during 2018, representing a 6.4% year-over-year growth in container volume compared to 2017.
According to the port authority, 2018 also marked the third consecutive year in which the SCPA broke its annual record of TEU handled.
The port moved approximately 200,000 TEU in December, marking a 9.2% increase over December 2017 and the strongest December in the SCPA’s history.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Port of Long Beach, discusses supply chain efficiencies in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO, commented: “We are pleased to report our strongest December in history and record-breaking growth of our container business in calendar year 2018.
“January is already off to a strong start, and despite uncertainty in the trade industry we are optimistic that volumes will remain strong as we work to achieve our plans for 4.4 percent growth in fiscal 2019.”
#SCPorts achieves 6.4% year-over-year container volume growth, with a RECORD 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled in 2018. #SCPorts #theworldconnectshere #chs52 https://t.co/J3MBs2VcyL pic.twitter.com/s2jt3hzAqf
— South Carolina Ports (@SCPorts) January 7, 2019
As well as record-breaking volumes, 2018 witnessed the development of several key projects across the port’s facilities, including the opening of a second inland location and the modernization of the Wando Welch Terminal wharf.
The construction of the Leatherman Terminal also continued, which will offer necessary growth capacity for the Port’s container business when Phase One opens in 2021.
South Carolina Ports Receive Cash Injection #PTIDaily SEE MORE: https://t.co/jc2KGa4eFV@SCPorts #us #ports #terminals pic.twitter.com/nLa8p4oN04
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) December 12, 2018
In addition to this, the dredging of a deeper harbour at the Port of Charleston, supported by a US$41.4 million grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, commenced in February.
As a result, Charleston will be capable of handling the biggest ships visiting the East Coast by 2021, supporting the growth of commerce across the state and region.
The construction of a new headquarters building, adjacent to Wando Terminal, neared completion in 2018, with the facility scheduled to open before the end of January 2019.
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