Port of Charleston’s FY2016 container volumes tick up

The South Carolina Ports Authority’s terminals handled 1.9 million TEUs of containerized cargo during its 2016 fiscal year, which ended June 30, a 1.4 percent year-over-year increase.    The South Carolina Ports Authority’s (SCPA) terminals handled 1.9 million TEUs of containerized cargo during its fiscal year ending June 30, a 1.4 percent increase over the previous year, the port said.
   Charleston’s breakbulk tonnage exceeded planned volumes by 33 percent with 901,974 pier tons handled during the fiscal year. Roll-on/roll-off cargo within the breakbulk sector grew significantly, and SCPA achieved the highest finished vehicle volume ever handled at the Columbus Street Terminal. In FY2016, 274,426 vehicles moved across SCPA docks, an increase of 8 percent over the previous year.
   The Greer Inland Port achieved a record year of volumes, with 91,698 rail moves handled during FY2016. The facility’s customer base continues to grow, with 57 percent higher volume this fiscal year compared to last year.
   SCPA said its board has authorized a $23.6 million purchase for two new ship-to-shore cranes for the Wando Terminal in order to serve the growing size of vessels calling Charleston. The cranes are scheduled to be commissioned at the end of 2017 in conjunction with the completion of the Wando wharf strengthening project. Next month, the terminal will receive the first delivery of larger cranes to be commissioned for use this fall.
   The Board also approved the purchase of 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes for the Wando Terminal and 12 empty container handlers for Wando, North Charleston Terminal and Inland Port Greer.
   “Container volumes this fiscal year were quite moderate compared to last year, reflective of uncertainty and a general slowing of the world economy,” SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said.
   “However, import loaded volumes were five percent ahead of last year, marking a bright spot in volume development, and export loaded volumes were flat despite challenging markets. Our non-containerized cargo segments performed well, and we saw record-setting growth at Inland Port Greer.
   “Looking ahead, the port expects container volumes to increase as a result of the upsizing of ships with the Panama Canal expansion,” he said.