Posted on August 27, 2025
- Leatherman Rail Facility to handle 1M rail lifts annually by 2026
- Leatherman Terminal expansion adds 1,600 feet of wharf and 6 cranes
- MSC adds Albatros and Dragon weekly services to Charleston
- Inland ports Greer and Dillon set records for rail moves in July
Following a 2025 fiscal year of 2.6 million TEUs, SC Ports is currently well into construction for two projects to increase rail freight, extend wharf space and add new weekly services.
Anticipating its opening in early 2026, the Leatherman Rail Facility has completed construction of all six electric rail-mounted gantry cranes, according to a news release. Once the facility is operational it will be able to handle 1 million rail lifts per year.
“The investments SC Ports makes today, with backing from our state leaders, keep our port system ready to meet projected demand,” former SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said in a news release. “The continued growth of our inland rail facilities, and our commitment to enhancing efficiency for our customers necessitated this critical infrastructure expansion and will keep SC Ports competitive as a top 10 U.S. container port for decades to come.”
Additionally, the second phase of the Leatherman Terminal expansion began with test piles of the wharf installed as part of its extension by 1,600 feet, the release said. The extra space will allow room for six more ship-to-shore cranes.
“SC Ports proudly welcomes the Albatros and Dragon services to Charleston,” Melvin said in the release. “This announcement comes as the Southeastern U.S. is experiencing tremendous growth. Our investments made in achieving the deepest Harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet, and SC Ports’ reputation for efficiently working ships makes the Port of Charleston a reliable partner for MSC.”
The Leatherman Terminal will also begin receiving weekly services by MSC, the largest carrier in the world. According to the release, the Albatros and Dragon services will connect shippers from the Port of Charleston to North Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia.
Both of the new services will deploy 15,000 TEUs and be one of the largest weekly services to the port, the release said. Cargo volume is measured in standard 20-foot equivalents, or TEUs. The common 40-foot container is two TEUs.
Following a growth of TEUs moved in 2025, SC Ports handled 213,177 TEUs and 117,059 pier containers in July. According to the release, Inland Port Greer and Port Dillion both set records in July for rail moves.
