SCPA posts record volumes for FY2017

In its fiscal year that ran from July 2016 to June 2017, South Caroline Ports Authority handled 2.14 million TEUs an increase of 10 percent from the previous fiscal year and an all-time high for the port.    South Carolina Ports Authority handled 2.14 million TEUs in FY2017, an increase of 10 percent from the year prior and all-time high for the port authority. 
   The port authority set an ambitious growth plan for the fiscal year, according to SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. 
   Over 1.21 million boxes were moved across SCPA docks during the fiscal year, setting a new volume record, said the port authority. Furthermore, regarding the fiscal year volume plans, the port handled nearly 3 percent more containers in FY2017. 
   “The fact that SCPA has set a new volume record shows that one of the most important pieces of our state’s economic engine is achieving great things, and will only continue to improve,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “This success is a testament, not only to the tremendous leadership at the Ports Authority, but also to the dedication shown by each man and woman who works there.”
   Breakbulk cargo exceeded planned volumes by 8.8 percent with 846,952 pier tons handled from July 2016 to June 2017. The non-containerized cargo segment saw 258,455 finished vehicles across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal, said the port authority.
   Intermodal volumes increased 12.1 percent from the year prior, with volumes reaching an all-time high in May and June, said the port authority. Nearly a quarter of the port’s total containerized cargo moves by rail. Expansion of cargo at Inland Port Greer helped rail lifts exceed FY2017 plans by 11 percent.The facility finished the fiscal year with a record 121,761 rail lifts, said SCPA. 
   “Amid uncertainty in the industry due to the consolidation of ocean carriers, SCPA successfully continued our growth trend well above the U.S. port market average,” said SPCA President and CEO Jim Newsome. “Through the expansion of import-export business in our region as well as successful efforts to recruit cargo from the Midwest and Gulf markets, it was a positive fiscal year for us and we expect continued growth into our new year.”
   The increased volume growth is accompanied by “exemplary” operational metrics for the fiscal year as well, according to SCPA. Dockside crane reliability averaged 99.44 percent, marking the ninth straight year of ship-to-shore crane reliability over 99.4 percent, said the port authority. Average hourly gate transactions on weekdays via the “Advanced Gate System” at Wando Welch Terminal increased 28 percent, from 329 hourly transactions to 421 hourly transactions handled.
   Additionally, the SCPA Board approved several expansion projects, including the construction of four refrigerated container access racks at the Wando Welch Terminal, and engineering design services for upcoming projects at Inland Port Greer. Those inland port projects encompass the relocation of the chassis yard to provide additional container operational space.
   SCPA will see the retirement of Senior Vice Presient Clint Eisenhauer, effective September 30, and has selected Jordi Yarborough, formerly the Director of Government Affairs for Check into Cash In the Southeast region. 
   “Clint has been an asset to the Port during his time as SVP of External Affairs, both as a member of our leadership team and mentor to his direct reports,” said Newsome. And, “we are excited to welcome Jordi to the SCPA. Her government affairs and business background make her a valuable addition to our senior team.”