Port of Charleston gets new stevedoring company

Marine Terminals Corporation – East (Ports America), Ceres Marine Terminals Inc., and SSA Atlantic LLC have formed a joint venture company to provide container terminal and stevedoring services in the Port of Charleston in South Carolina.

The new joint venture, known as Charleston Stevedoring Company LLC (CSC), became operational 4 May. 

Working in close coordination and with the support of South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), CSC will enable “the most efficient use” of the Port of Charleston’s terminal assets and resources dedicated to serving the thriving and growing Southeast market, CSC and South Carolina Ports said in a statement. 

“The new entity will provide significant benefits to the Port of Charleston, including improved container terminal services through the consolidated operations at all berths, as well as more efficient vessel turn times and improved equipment utilization,” Dan Hall, CSC President, explained.

“The combined company will optimize use of terminal capacity and improve integration between terminal, vessel and gate operations.”

CSC mission also includes strengthening Charleston’s position within the global marketplace.

“The Southeast is the best place to be in the port business with both its thriving business sector and growing population boosting imports and exports,” Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO, said.

“CSC will enhance the ability to market the Port of Charleston to a broader customer base with a focus on continued growth for this strategic market.”

“As a top 10 U.S. container port, S.C. Ports recognizes its role in ensuring the efficient flow of cargo through the Port of Charleston. CSC will enable more efficient vessel turn times, equipment usage and staffing to handle continued growth of cargo volumes and ship sizes,” Barbara Melvin, SCPA COO, noted.

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet.