News Summary
South Carolina Ports has announced a $294 million capital investment plan for fiscal 2026, aimed at enhancing infrastructure to address global supply chain challenges. Key projects include completing the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, expanding the Leatherman Terminal, and upgrading the Columbus Street Terminal to handle increasing cargo volumes, which have surged significantly in recent months. These improvements are expected to bolster the port’s operational efficiency and support ongoing economic growth in South Carolina.
Charleston, South Carolina – South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has announced a significant investment of $294 million in a capital plan for fiscal year 2026, aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and increasing capacity in response to global supply chain challenges. The comprehensive strategy includes multiple key infrastructure projects that are critical for accommodating current and future cargo demands.
The major projects included in the plan are:
- The completion of the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which is currently over 80% complete.
- The expansion of the Leatherman Terminal, which will involve the addition of a second berth.
- Upgrades to the Columbus Street Terminal to improve roll-on/roll-off operations.
These enhancements are designed to ensure that SC Ports can efficiently manage growing cargo volumes, which have seen a notable increase in recent months. In May, SC Ports reported handling 120,796 pier containers, reflecting a 21% rise compared to the previous year. Additionally, 219,255 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) were processed, marking a 22% increase. During the same period, loaded imports were up by 19%, while loaded exports grew by 10% from 2022.
Record Performance at Inland Port Greer
The performance of Inland Port Greer has also contributed to SC Ports’ robust growth, achieving a record of 16,952 rail moves in May, which reflects an 11% increase. This rise in activity supports SC Ports’ position as the 8th largest container port in the United States and underscores the economic importance of its operations, which support one in every nine jobs in South Carolina.
Investment in Infrastructure and Capacity
SC Ports operates with a significant advantage due to its deep harbor at Charleston, which allows for port terminals to remain accessible regardless of tide conditions, boosting logistical efficiency. Current average truck turn times for accessing imports stand at approximately 35 minutes, a testament to the efficiency of operations.
The approved capital plan involves several major investments, including:
- $400 million allocated for the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, expected to triple existing rail capacity.
- Expansion plans for the Leatherman Terminal to better accommodate mega ships.
- Comprehensive upgrades at the North Charleston Terminal, aiming to increase its capacity to 5 million TEUs and enhance service reliability.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity
Supporting SC Ports’ growth is a newly installed rail service that links the Port of Charleston with Inland Ports Greer and Dillon. This strategic move is intended to attract more ocean carriers and cargo owners, capitalizing on the port’s advantageous geographic location to provide effective distribution services.
Economic Context
The initiatives come amid favorable economic conditions in South Carolina, which saw a reported 8.3% growth in GDP in 2023, alongside a 5% increase in population from 2020 to 2023. Such economic growth, coupled with SC Ports’ continuous improvement of infrastructure and operations, positions it well to meet future demands and bolster the state’s trade capabilities.
With these planned upgrades and expansions, SC Ports is not only addressing current logistical challenges but also preparing for the future of cargo transport and trade, enhancing its standing as a vital economic engine for South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Progressive Railroading
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Railway Age
- Google Search: South Carolina ports infrastructure
- JOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Intermodal Transport
- FreightWaves
- Google News: South Carolina economic growth
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