The South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has announced that loaded import TEU climbed by 11 per cent from February 2023, indicating economic development.
The SC Ports team recently transported 4,474 TEU on and off the ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) Mount Olympus vessel.
This was reportedly one of the highest move counts ever recorded on a vessel at SC Ports, as well as the greatest move count for any /2M-operated vessel to call the Port of Charleston.
SC Ports also handled the 15,286-TEU MSC Kayley at Wando Welch Terminal.
READ: SC Ports witnesses intermodal cargo growth in 2023
With its gross tonnage and capacity, this vessel is one of the largest containerships to have ever visited the Port of Charleston, as well as the largest MSC vessel.
SC Ports handled 202,349 TEU and 111,902 pier containers in February, with pier containers up 1 per cent from last year.
Inland port and rail throughput continue to outperform expectations month after month. Inland Port Greer processed 15,801 rail movements last month, a 26 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY). Inland Port Dillon handled 4,147 rail shipments, up 13 per cent from last year.
READ: SC Ports expands rail capacity to boost economy
The two rail-served inland ports handled 151,324 TEU so far this fiscal year, a 34 per cent increase over the previous year.
Barbara Melvin, CEO of SC Ports, said: “Our inland ports provide efficient service and reduced emissions for cargo movements. Customers benefit from the having direct rail access between the Port of Charleston and inland markets, and the sustained growth at Inland Port Greer called for an expansion to handle even more cargo via rail.”
Recently, SC Ports announced plans to buy the former WestRock paper mill site in North Charleston to boost the Port of Charleston’s capacity.
