CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 22, 2024 — With Leatherman Terminal working ships once again and a surge of imports moving through the Port of Charleston last month, South Carolina Ports saw September volumes increase 8% year-over-year.
South Carolina Ports, alongside ILA partners, handled 214,558 TEUs and 118,306 pier containers in September, up 8% and 7% respectively from a year ago. Loaded imports were up 14% from last year as shippers moved more goods ahead of the short-term work stoppage in early October.
For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the port handled 638,000 TEUs and 352,803 pier containers, reflecting a 5% increase from the same period last year.
“By delivering reliable, productive and consistent port service, SC Ports strives to be shippers’ preferred gateway to the Southeast,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.
The reopening of Leatherman Terminal brings an additional 700,000 TEUs and a 1,400-foot berth back online at the Port of Charleston, adding critical capacity, flexibility and fluidity to the U.S. East coast port market.
Since reopening late last month, eight ships have worked at Leatherman Terminal, including a weekly first-in-Asia service from ZIM.
“This weekly service is the first of many to come, and we celebrate seeing cargo moving through the terminal once again,” Melvin said. “The reopening of Leatherman Terminal makes our entire port system more competitive in the Southeast port market.”
SC Ports’ two rail-served inland ports continue to provide critical rail service between the Port of Charleston and inland markets. In September, Inland Port Greer handled 15,133 rail moves, up 3% from last year. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the inland ports handled a combined 58,289 rail moves, a 6% increase from the same period last year.
SC Ports also saw 15,223 vehicles and 18,149 cruise passengers move across the docks in September.
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.
PICTURED AT TOP: Since reopening late last month, eight ships have worked at Leatherman Terminal, including a weekly first-in-Asia service from ZIM. (Photo/Walter Lagarenne)
