SCPA Posts Record August Box Throughput

US South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reported its strongest August container volumes on record, handling 180,153 TEUs.

Compared to 170,528 TEUs handled in August 2015, SCPA saw a 5.6 percent increase.

With 357,420 TEUs moved during the first two months of the 2017 fiscal year, the port’s container volume is up 3.4 percent.

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA also broke previous August volume records by moving 101,125 boxes last month. Fiscal year-to-date pier container volume is up 3 percent, with 201,492 boxes handled since the year began in July.

“August was a stronger month for the port, particularly in loaded container volume. I expect to see similar growth over the next few months, as the fall is a traditionally strong season,” Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO, said.

In non-containerized cargo, SCPA handled 56,744 pier tons in August. Fiscal year to date, the Port of Charleston has handled 127,518 tons of breakbulk cargo across its docks.

Furthermore, SCPA Board has approved a construction contract for a new refrigerated container service area at the Wando Welch Terminal. According to the port authority, additional capacity is necessary to accommodate SCPA’s growing refrigerated cargo business, which has increased 58 percent since 2011.

Established in 1942, SCPA owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer.