SOUTH CAROLINA's Port of Charleston has posted a year-on-year nine per cent increase in container traffic to 1.5 million TEU in the fiscal year ending June 30, announced the port authority.
THE South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) also announced an annual 39.3 per cent year-on-year operating profit increase to US$12.72 million, drawn on revenues of $12.72 million up seven per cent.
"The new, upsized services announced in recent months are starting in earnest, and we will see the full result of those calls in fiscal year 2014," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.
Charleston also handled 51,375 tons of breakbulk cargo in July, up four per cent from the same month last year. Union Pier Terminal experienced the greatest gains in tonnage, due to shipments of steel, wire rod and coil being shipped through the facility.
The Port of Georgetown handled 59,731 pier tons of non-containerised cargo, an increase of 70 per cent compared to July 2012. The port's top commodities are bulk cement, petroleum coke and steel.
Progress on the 100-acre upstate site has continued at a fast pace, and the first rubber-tyre gantry (RTG) crane components have arrived at the facility. Three RTGs are being relocated from Charleston to Greer in order to stack grounded containers in the inland port's storage yard. The first cargo is expected to arrive at the terminal in mid-October. "Heading into what is traditionally the peak season for imports, we are optimistic that Charleston will continue to post gains, and we expect that exports also will remain strong," said Mr Newsome.
"Given our aggressive capital investments over the next several years, it is essential to maintain a solid financial position and a steady stream of funds toward these important projects," he said.
The SCPA is two years into its 10-year $1.3 billion capital plan that includes new equipment for handling the world's largest ships, upgrades to existing terminals and information systems, and new facilities such as the South Carolina Inland Port at Greer.
PORTS
26 August 2013 - 19:01
South Carolina posts profit up 3pc to US$13 million as revenue rises 7pc
SOUTH CAROLINA's Port of Charleston has posted a year-on-year nine per cent increase in container traffic to 1.5 million TEU in the fiscal year ending June 30, announced the port authority.
PORTS
26 August 2013 - 19:01
South Carolina posts profit up 3pc to US$13 million as revenue rises 7pc
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