The Future of South Carolina Ports: Major Investments and Expansions Point to Continued Growth

Charleston, S.C. – The Future of South Carolina Ports is Bright!

In an exciting event held at the Columbus Street Terminal in downtown Charleston, around 1,200 attendees gathered for the third annual State of the Port Address delivered by the president and CEO of South Carolina Ports, Barbara Melvin. With enthusiasm and confidence, she described the state’s ports as a “powerful gateway” for shippers looking to make their mark in the rapidly growing U.S. Southeast market.

Investing in Growth

During her speech, Melvin emphasized the strategic investments being made in port infrastructure to accommodate the explosive growth occurring in the Southeast. “The investments we’re making today in our port complex support the tremendous growth occurring in the Southeast today and for decades to come,” she explained. To back this up, over $3 billion has been invested into port infrastructure, placing South Carolina Ports in a perfect position to become the preferred port on the U.S. East Coast.

What Makes South Carolina Ports Stand Out

SC Ports is making waves with its three big-ship capable terminals, two rail-served inland ports, and a new railyard that is currently under construction. Melvin happily highlighted the port’s deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at an impressive depth of 52 feet. With a visionary aim of achieving a total of 10 million TEUs (which stands for twenty-foot equivalent units) in capacity, it’s clear that SC Ports is gearing up for continued success.

Unlocking Potential at Leatherman Terminal

A major point of excitement was the reopening of the Hugh Leatherman Terminal, which brings an additional 700,000 TEUs into Charleston Harbor and includes a new 1,400-foot berth. This expansion allows for more flexibility, making it easier for businesses that rely on the port’s services. Melvin didn’t stop there; she announced plans for further expansion of the Leatherman Terminal, including the construction of a second 1,600-foot berth, bringing the total to 3,000 feet of space for mega container ships when the project is complete.

A Bright Future

At full capacity, the Leatherman Terminal will possess impressive features including three berths and a total of 2.4 million TEUs of capacity. With five towering ship-to-shore cranes standing 169 feet above the wharf, as well as 25 hybrid RTG cranes, it’s clear that this terminal is fully equipped for the future. Melvin mentioned the tremendous teamwork with the International Longshoremen’s Association and other parties in delivering exceptional port service at the terminal.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

According to an economic study conducted by SC Ports, port activities are currently supporting one in nine jobs in the state—a slight increase from one in ten back in 2019. The total annual economic impact of South Carolina Ports is a staggering $86.7 billion, supporting approximately 260,020 jobs and contributing $17.6 billion in labor income.

Looking Ahead

Interestingly, they found that up to 73.2% of all cargo exported through SC Ports originates from companies located in South Carolina. This indicates a strong local economy connected to the port operations. With population projections indicating that the Southeastern United States will experience significant growth leading up to 2040, South Carolina is expected to see the second-highest population growth rate at 22.5%.

The message from the State of the Port Address was clear: South Carolina Ports is not just ready for the present but is actively shaping a bright future. With ongoing expansions and improvements, they are set to become an unrivaled asset in the Southeast port market.

This is indeed a developing story with much more to come. Stay tuned for updates!