The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reported its strongest August container volumes on record, having handled more than 180,000 TEU for the month, a year-over-year increase of 5.6%.
Previously, SCPA's strongest August on record was more than 170,000 TEU handled in 2015.
With more than 357,000 TEU moved during the first two months of the 2017 fiscal year, the port's container volume is up 3.4%.
As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA also broke previous August volume records by moving more than 101,000 boxes in July, 2016.
Technical Paper: The Future is Here: Cargo Handling for Mega-Ships
Fiscal year-to-date pier container volume is up 3%, with more than 201,000 boxes handled since the year began in July, 2016.
Jim Newsome, CEO and President of the SCPA, said: “August was a stronger month for the Port, particularly in loaded container volume. I expect to see similar growth over the next few months, as the fall is a traditionally strong season.”
In the fiscal year to date, Charleston has handled more than 115,000 tonnes of break-bulk cargo across its docks.
PTI is due to release its Edition 71, the Bulk Edition, which includes insight technical content covering advances the bulk sector.
The Board approved a construction contract for a new refrigerated container service area at the Wando Welch Terminal.
Additional capacity is necessary to accommodate SCPA's growing refrigerated cargo business, which has increased 58 percent since 2011.
Fact File: 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. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 state-wide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity.
