Posted on June 23, 2025
CHARLESTON, SC — As the broader supply chain and global markets face a great deal of uncertainty, South Carolina Ports is supporting customers with reliable port service and creative solutions.
“SC Ports is a well-run port with highly productive operations,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are proactively supporting our customers amid shifting policies and economic uncertainties.”
Customers benefit from expedited logistics at the Port of Charleston. With the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast, ships can access port terminals any time, regardless of tide, allowing berths to remain fluid. South Carolina’s maritime community quickly works ships, averaging 33 crane moves per hour.
SC Ports’ operations are designed to speed goods to market — customers can instantly access imports; trucks average 35-minute turn times; and nearby rail yards connect to two rail-served inland ports in the state and inland markets throughout the Southeast.
“South Carolina’s port industry is here to support our customers as they navigate market uncertainties and disruptions,” SC Ports Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller said. “Customers can count on us to provide reliable port service and develop creative, flexible solutions. This ensures cargo flows efficiently between supplier and buyer, helping our customers meet their supply chain objectives.”
FY26 infrastructure investments
SC Ports’ Board of Directors approved on Tuesday a $294 million capital plan for fiscal year 2026 to fund critical port infrastructure. The funding will support completing the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, expanding Leatherman Terminal with a second berth, and upgrading Columbus Street Terminal to enhance resiliency for ro-ro operations.
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility is already more than 80% complete, and once fully operational, the rail-served cargo yard will swiftly move goods between the Port of Charleston and inland markets via CSX and Norfolk Southern rail.
“Regardless of short-term economic fluctuations, the port is a long-cycle business. We are investing today to have the capacity to support our customers for decades to come,” Melvin said. “South Carolina’s economy and population are thriving, and these strategic investments enable us to handle current cargo volumes, and the cargo that will flow from future investments and population growth in the Southeast.”
May volumes
The South Carolina port community efficiently handled 120,796 pier containers and 219,255 TEUs, a 21% and 22% increase from last year, respectively. Loaded imports were up 19% from last May, and loaded exports were up 10% from a year ago.
Container volumes from February through May were consistently stable or higher-than-expected, given the ongoing uncertainty in the market.
Railed cargo remains solid. Inland Port Greer achieved a record May with 16,952 rail moves, representing 11% growth. Inland Port Dillon was right on par with last May, handling 3,856 rail moves.
The maritime community moved 13,062 vehicles across the docks, which is in line with last year’s volumes.
“Our South Carolina port team, broader maritime community, rail partners and logistics companies work together every day to support companies’ supply chains, ensuring we remain competitive as the No. 8 container port in the country,” Melvin said.
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide.
