South Carolina Ports Authority Delivers Record Box Volumes in FY 2018

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reported record container volumes handled during the 2018 fiscal year. 

SCPA’s container throughput was 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in FY 2018, an increase of three percent over the previous fiscal year.

What is more, the port authority saw 201,163 TEUs in June, the single highest month for container volume in SCPA’s history and a 10 percent increase over June 2017. June was a strong finish to the port’s fiscal year, which began in July.

As measured in pier containers, or the number of boxes that moved across the docks of SCPA’s two container terminals, the port handled 115,696 containers in June and a total of 1.25 million containers in FY2018.

“June container volumes were exceptional, marking the first time our port has handled more than 200,000 TEUs in a single month,” Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO, commented.

“We achieved the three highest months of container volume in the port’s history in March, May and June. As compared to FY2010, SCPA has grown by over 900,000 TEUs for a compound annual growth rate of seven percent. Such growth is a significant accomplishment that reflects a broad expansion of the port’s cargo base, the commitment of our staff and the overall success of our maritime community,” Newsome added.

Established in 1942, SCPA owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. Last month, the port authority approved USD 277.6 million capital plan — the largest in SCPA’s history — for projects supporting terminal modernization, capacity increase and intermodal volume growth.