Original news was published on 22 December, 2014

SOUTH Carolina Ports Authority, which operates seaports in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, has announced that total container volumes rose by eight per cent in November, compared to the same month last year, to 144,218 TEU.

Fiscal year to date container volumes are 11 per cent ahead of plan, with 777,566 TEU handled since July, a statement from port authorities said.

With regards to non-container cargo volumes Charleston handled 61,114 pier tons last month and Georgetown handled 48,917 tons in November.

The Inland Port handled 3,972 rail moves in November.

"As measured year over year, our monthly pier container volume has seen nine consecutive months of double-digit growth," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

"This broad-based growth reflects strength of both imports and exports, although we will likely see volumes settle over the next few months."

In action items, the board approved US$1.56 million in wharf repairs and improvements to the North Charleston Terminal in preparation for the transfer of three Morris cranes from the Wando Welch Terminal.

The board also authorised an $189,000 project to expand the perimeter security system at Columbus Street Terminal and passed a resolution to secure foreign trade zone status on three sites in York and Chester counties.

*NEWS SOURCE