South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) continues to play an important role in the US Southeast’s logistics and trade industry, having moved 847,107 TEUs in a four-month period (July-October).
However, October alone saw 209,107 TEUs handled, representing an 11% year-over-year decrease, attributed partly to a three-day coastwide work stoppage. Inland Ports Greer and Dillon collectively recorded 17,749 rail moves in October, translating to a 12% decline compared to last year.
However, the vehicle segment experienced robust growth, with 17,603 units moved through the Port of Charleston in a 9% increase year-over-year.
Meanwhile, cruise operations also performed well in October, welcoming 30,464 passengers, up 12% from the previous year.
With three terminals capable of accommodating large ships, SC Ports claims it is poised for growth with a future capacity of 10 million TEUs. It boasts the deepest harbor on the US East Coast at 52 feet, two rail-connected inland ports, and a near-port rail yard currently under development.
Moreover, the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, a major project at the Port of Charleston, is progressing steadily. Once operational, the facility will expand rail capacity, serving both CSX and Norfolk Southern.
In the meantime, Inland Port Greer is undergoing an extensive expansion, including 9,000 additional feet of rail and a larger container yard. Two new RTG cranes are being assembled, further enhancing the port’s logistics efficiency and cargo handling capacity.
