Posted on August 26, 2021
Wando Welch Terminal’s 15 ship-to-shore cranes are getting a summer workout.
S.C. Ports Authority reported another record-setting month with the highest July container volumes in history.
In total for the month, SCPA handled 244,821 TEUs — an industry measurement equivalent to a 20-foot container — at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal.
The increase is 38% more than one year ago.
“We begin our fiscal year 2022 with record container volumes, which comes on the heels of moving more containers than ever before in fiscal year 2021,” said Jim Newsome, S.C. Ports president and CEO.
SCPA also saw a 38% year-over-year increase in pier containers, which accounts for boxes of any size, moving 137,158 through the Port of Charleston. The tally is the second-highest record for monthly containers handled and is a 14% increase over June.
July saw another all-time record with 47% growth in loaded imports compared to this time last year.
“While import and export loaded containers are both growth segments, the widening disparity of imports over exports is continued evidence of the strength of the U.S. consumer,” Newsome said. “As the only port in the country with new terminal capacity, S.C. Ports has the ability to handle the growing cargo volumes and rising retail imports.”
For vehicles, SCPA handed 15,450 at Columbus Street Terminal. Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon combined handled 13,976 total rail moves.
“Our strategic investments are proving beneficial as we handle unprecedented cargo volumes in support of our customers,” Newsome said. “As more major retailers move goods through the Port of Charleston, we are ready with efficient operations, thanks to our excellent maritime community.”
In the midst of increasing volumes, SCPA is working to expand Inland Port Greer and develop a near-dock rail close to Leatherman Terminal. The infrastructure projects will significantly strengthen the Southeast supply chain, the SPCA said.
