News Summary
The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced a 3% increase in cargo handling, reaching 2.6 million TEUs in fiscal year 2025. Rail transport between the Port of Charleston and inland ports rose by 4%, with Inland Port Greer achieving a record 205,523 rail moves. The Authority, the 8th largest container port in the U.S., aims to expand its capacity to 10 million TEUs. The ongoing developments promise to enhance logistics efficiency and support economic growth in the region.
Charleston, South Carolina – The South Carolina Ports Authority has reported a 3% increase in cargo handled, with the total number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) reaching 2.6 million in fiscal year 2025. This growth marks a significant achievement for the Port, known for its deep harbor that allows for two-way vessel traffic, streamlining logistics for various sectors including mega retailers, manufacturers, refrigerated goods shippers, farmers, and small businesses.
In addition to the rise in TEUs, goods transported via rail between the Port of Charleston and the two rail-served inland ports increased by 4%. A standout performance was noted at Inland Port Greer, which achieved a record of 205,523 rail moves, showing a remarkable 10% increase from the previous fiscal year and becoming the first rail-served inland port to surpass 200,000 rail moves in a year. In contrast, Inland Port Dillon maintained steady volumes, recording 33,838 rail moves.
The ports facilitated the movement of 165,949 finished vehicles through their docks in the same fiscal year, underscoring their role as a critical hub for automotive logistics in the region. The improvements in operational efficiency at South Carolina Ports contribute significantly to the state’s economy, as port operations support roughly one in nine jobs statewide.
To ensure continued growth, South Carolina Ports has embarked on a long-term plan aimed at expanding cargo capacity at the Port of Charleston to 10 million TEUs. Future projects include the construction of a second berth at the Leatherman Terminal and the opening of a new near-port rail yard set to begin operations in 2026. The Leatherman Rail Yard is projected to have a capacity of 1 million rail lifts, enhancing speed to market and cargo visibility for customers.
Another significant development in the port infrastructure is the Navy Base Intermodal Facility located in North Charleston. Groundbreaking for this facility occurred in October 2022, with the budget escalating from an original $400 million to $545 million due to various delays ranging from disputes with railroads to labor issues. The facility is approximately 80% complete and features new tracks and electric cranes, aimed at improving the efficiency of container transfers and nearly tripling the annual rail transport of containers from 300,000 to around 900,000.
The South Carolina Ports Authority currently ranks as the 8th largest container port in the United States, demonstrating its critical importance in the U.S. logistics network. The Authority manages marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and operates inland ports in Greer and Dillon, underlining its role as a vital economic engine for South Carolina.
Overall, fiscal year 2025 has proven to be a milestone for South Carolina Ports, showcasing its operational advancements and strategic plans that promise to elevate its significance within the trade and logistics landscape in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Mag: Railed Cargo Container Volume Grows at SC Ports in FY25
- Railway Age: Intermodal Briefs – SC Ports, Port of Vancouver
- News from the States: Norfolk Southern Budget Maneuver Adds $27M to SC Ports Rail Yard Costs
- Charleston Business: SC Ports 2025 Cargo Rail Growth
- WPDE: Steady Container Volume, Record Rail Moves for SC Ports in Fiscal Year 2025
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Ports Authority
- Google Search: South Carolina Ports
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Ports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Ports
- Google News: South Carolina Ports
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