SC Ports Maintain Volume Growth Momentum

February marked the second consecutive month of 18 percent container growth at the SC Ports Authority, bringing fiscal year container volume totals at the US Atlantic ports of Charleston and Georgetown to 1.23 million TEUs.

Last month Charleston handled 152,925 TEUs, a significant increase from 129,747 handled during the same month last year. Since the fiscal year began in July, the port’s TEU volume is 14.3 percent higher than the same period last fiscal year.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA moved 86,258 boxes in February. SCPA has handled 700,630 boxes fiscal year to date and plans to surpass the 1 million container mark by the end of the period.

“February container volumes were particularly strong for a short month,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “Our import gains are reflective of a strengthening US economy and population growth across the Southeast, while manufacturing in our state and region bolsters our export business. Loaded box volumes last month were nearly completely balanced between imports and exports.”

The SCPA’s non-containerized business segments remain on-track to meet fiscal year financial plans. Georgetown handled 15,520 tons last month and is 5 percent ahead of plan fiscal year to date.

In Charleston, breakbulk tonnage levels are on plan, with 58,685 tons handled in February.