The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) is making waves with large-scale expansions and infrastructure improvements. 

Operating as an operator of terminals, the SCPA owns government port and transportation facilities in the state. These are located in Charleston, North Charleston, Charleston County, Dillon, and Greer.

With a vision for growth and efficiency for the state, SC Ports has taken on essential projects, including the expansion of the Leatherman Terminal and the development of the Navy Base Intermodal Facility. 

The aim for these undertakings is to support the Southeast’s booming economy and meet the demands of modern supply chains.

The impact of South Carolina Ports on the state’s economy has soared over the past year. According to SC Ports’ 2024 Annual Report, the organization now contributes a staggering $87 billion annually to South Carolina’s economy, a 37% increase since June 2023. Of this total, the Upstate region accounts for $44 billion, reflecting the ports’ widespread influence across the state.

Barbara Melvin, president and CEO of SC Ports, shared these figures during the annual State of the Port Address, held at the Columbus Street Terminal warehouse. Addressing an audience of over 1,100 attendees, Melvin focused on the ports’ vital role in allowing businesses to thrive.

“SC Ports is a powerhouse port, with the capacity and capabilities to support our customers’ growth,” Melvin said. “South Carolina’s maritime community delivers highly productive, reliable operations and world-class service to our customers every day.”

The expansion of the Leatherman Terminal is one of the most ambitious projects underway. The terminal currently handles 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually with a 1,400-foot berth. Plans to extend the berth to 3,000 feet will increase its capacity to a remarkable 2.4 million TEUs, providing much-needed infrastructure to support growing trade volumes.

Investments in the port extend beyond the terminal itself. From June 2023 to June 2024, SC Ports allocated $296 million to various projects, including upgrades at North Charleston and Inland Port Greer. 

These developments ensure the port remains competitive and ready to accommodate the increasing number of companies relocating to the Southeast.

Another major project reshaping the region’s logistics industry is the Navy Base Intermodal Facility in North Charleston. Situated near the Leatherman Terminal, this state-of-the-art facility spans 118 acres and is set to feature 35,000 feet of processing track. Once operational, it will nearly triple SC Ports’ rail capacity, enabling the movement of one million rail lifts annually.

“Companies can be confident that if they put capital in the ground and commit to this region, we have the infrastructure and capacity to grow along with them,” Melvin remarked. Partnerships with rail operators such as CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Palmetto Railways will further enhance the facility’s efficiency and connectivity.

Federal funding has also played a crucial role in supporting SC Ports’ growth. During the State of the Port Address, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell, and State Senator Larry Grooms announced $195 million in federal funding for the Long Point Road Interchange project. This initiative is slated to improve the I-526/Long Point Road interchange and reduce traffic conflicts between port-related and local vehicles, allowing for smoother operations for both commuters and cargo.

Despite recent disruptions in the shipping industry, SC Ports has remained resilient. The organization experienced minimal impact during the International Longshoremen’s Association worker strike and has successfully cleared its vessel queue as of October 9. 

With a goal of reaching a 10 million TEU capacity, SC Ports is focused on long-term success. As Melvin noted, “The Southeast is where people are investing, and we are investing in our operations to support that growth.”

The ongoing expansion and modernization efforts at South Carolina Ports signal a bright future for the region. These projects not only strengthen the state’s logistics network but also create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved global trade connections.