Hugh Leatherman Terminal Reopens in Charleston, Boosting Local Economy and Global Connections

Exciting News for Charleston: Hugh Leatherman Terminal Reopens!

Charleston, S.C. – It’s a big day for the Port of Charleston! The Hugh Leatherman Terminal officially reopened its doors on Wednesday after dealing with legal issues that kept it closed for over a year. That’s right, folks—no more waiting around! Operations have resumed, and the excitement is palpable.

The reopening kicked off with a bang when the COSCO Shipping’s Orchid arrived at the terminal to unload a whopping 1,750 cargo boxes. This ship is just getting started; it will be making three stops along the East Coast before heading overseas to Asia. According to the South Carolina Ports, this new journey will help expand connections between the Southeast U.S. and Asia, with weekly services blowing into effect starting in early October.

A Huge Step Forward

Barbara Melvin, the president of SC Ports, shared some insightful thoughts about this momentous reopening. She mentioned that this first-in-call from Asia gives shippers a significant advantage when moving goods through the Port of Charleston. Can you imagine the boost this will provide to local businesses?

The Hugh Leatherman Terminal closed its gates back in January 2023 due to a staffing dispute between the South Carolina Ports and the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422. However, after lots of hard work and discussions, both parties finally reached an agreement at the end of June, allowing operations to resume under a hybrid staffing model. This model ensures that the terminal’s operations and equipment remain under the ownership of the port authority. Employees have the choice to either remain in their current positions or join the union. This flexibility is likely to pay off as both sides have shown a commitment to making this terminal a shining example of efficiency in the Southeast.

Working Together for Success

Speaking of commitment, Kenneth Riley, the vice president of ILA Local 1422, expressed his enthusiasm in a recent statement. He mentioned that both the SC Ports and the ILA have been working tirelessly to get the terminal back up and running. His optimism shines through when he stated that “the new operating model will create a more unified and productive workforce.” That’s great news for everyone involved!

The Hugh Leatherman Terminal isn’t just any terminal; it is the newest ocean terminal to open in the country in more than a decade! Once it reaches full capacity, it’s projected to process 2.4 million intermodal containers. That’s quite impressive! For those itching to plan a visit, the terminal’s gates officially open for truck traffic tomorrow at 8 a.m.

A Landmark Day

Reflecting on the significance of the reopening, Melvin described it as a “monumental day for our world-class port system.” She emphasized the importance of working in partnership with the ILA, employers, and the greater maritime community to ensure excellent port service at the Leatherman Terminal. This is not just a win for the port operators but also for ocean carriers and cargo owners who rely on efficient and reliable logistics.

With all these exciting developments, the reopening of the Hugh Leatherman Terminal is set to make waves in Charleston and beyond. The connectivity between the Southeast and Asia is about to get a whole lot stronger, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on the local economy.

So, get ready for some hustle and bustle at the terminal! Charleston is back in action, and the future looks bright!