South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) continues to handle steady cargo volumes despite ongoing global uncertainty and is accelerating investments to support future growth.
The port continues to demonstrate operational strength and resilience amid economic headwinds.
"SC Ports is a well-run port with highly productive operations," said Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and CEO. "We are proactively supporting our customers amid shifting policies and economic uncertainties."
The port noted that customers benefit from expedited logistics at the Port of Charleston. With the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast, ships can access port terminals at any time, regardless of tide, allowing berths to remain fluid.
South Carolina's maritime workforce moves ships quickly, averaging 33 crane lifts per hour during vessel operations.
SC Ports noted that its operations are designed to speed goods to market — customers can instantly access imports; trucks average 35-minute turn times; and nearby rail yards connect to two rail-served inland ports in the state and inland markets throughout the Southeast.
May volumes
The South Carolina port community efficiently handled 120,796 pier containers and 219,255 TEUs, a 21% and 22% increase from last year, respectively.
Loaded imports were up 19% from last May, and loaded exports were up 10% from a year ago.
"Container volumes from February through May were consistently stable or higher-than-expected, given the ongoing uncertainty in the market," the port said.
Meanwhile, railed cargo remains solid with inland Port Greer achieving a record May with 16,952 rail moves, representing 11% growth. Inland Port Dillon was right on par with last May, handling 3,856 rail moves.
The maritime community moved 13,062 vehicles across the docks, which is in line with last year's volumes.
SC Ports' Board of Directors also recently approved a US$294 million capital plan for fiscal year 2026 to fund critical port infrastructure. The funding will support completing the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, expanding Leatherman Terminal with a second berth, and upgrading Columbus Street Terminal to enhance resiliency for ro-ro operations.
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility is already more than 80% complete, and once fully operational, the rail-served cargo yard will swiftly move goods between the Port of Charleston and inland markets via CSX and Norfolk Southern rail.
"Regardless of short-term economic fluctuations, the port is a long-cycle business. We are investing today to have the capacity to support our customers for decades to come," Melvin said.
"South Carolina's economy and population are thriving, and these strategic investments enable us to handle current cargo volumes and the cargo that will flow from future investments and population growth in the Southeast," the SC Ports chief added.
