Charleston’s Port Strengthens Southeast Trade
Charleston, S.C. – The president and CEO of South Carolina Ports, Barbara Melvin, emphasized the importance of the state’s ports during her third State of the Port Address held Wednesday afternoon at the SC Ports’ Columbus Street Terminal in downtown Charleston. In her address to approximately 1,200 attendees, Melvin described the ports as a “powerful gateway” for shippers in the rapidly growing U.S. Southeast market.
Investment in Infrastructure
Melvin highlighted the strategic investments made in port infrastructure, stating, “The investments we’re making today in our port complex support the tremendous growth occurring in the Southeast today and for decades to come.” She reported that over $3 billion has been allocated to enhance port capabilities, positioning SC Ports to be the preferred choice on the U.S. East Coast.
She outlined the port’s resources, including three big-ship capable terminals, two rail-served inland ports, and a near-port railyard currently under construction. The SC Ports also boasts the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet with a forecasted total capacity of 10 million TEUs in the near future. A TEU, or Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, is a standard measure for cargo capacity relevant to shipping containers.
Expansion of Leatherman Terminal
Melvin pointed out the recent reopening of the Hugh Leatherman Terminal, which adds 700,000 TEUs in the Charleston Harbor, along with a 1,400-foot berth. This new addition is designed to increase flexibility and efficiency for businesses relying on shipping. She announced plans to expand Leatherman Terminal further, including a second 1,600-foot berth, bringing the total berthing space to 3,000 feet for mega container ships.
Once fully developed, Leatherman Terminal will feature a total capacity of 2.4 million TEUs and is equipped with five ship-to-shore cranes towering 169 feet above the wharf, alongside 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes.
Collaborative Growth and Economic Impact
According to Melvin, partnerships with the International Longshoremen’s Association and other stakeholders have enhanced service capabilities at the Leatherman Terminal, allowing for increased capacity on the East Coast. SC Ports has recently welcomed its first weekly service operating from Asia with the shipping company ZIM and anticipates similar developments in the future.
Melvin underscored the significance of these expansions by referencing a 2023 Economic Impact Study conducted by SC Ports. The study indicated that port-related activities support one in every nine jobs in South Carolina, up from one in ten in 2019. The total economic impact amounts to $86.7 billion annually, underpinning 260,020 jobs and generating $17.6 billion in labor income.
Population Growth in the Southeast
With the Southeast expected to see substantial population increases through 2040, South Carolina ranks second in population growth projections at 22.5%. Such demographic changes are likely to further elevate the demand for port services, solidifying SC Ports’ role as a key player in regional trade.
This story is still developing, and further updates are expected as SC Ports continues to enhance its capabilities in response to growing market demands.
