South Carolina ports handled 11.6pc more boxes from July-April

SOUTH Carolina ports posted volume increase of 11.6 per cent from July 2010 until April 2011 to 1,033,062 TEU from 925,837 TEU in the same period last year with March volume alone rising 5.7 per cent to 120,265 TEU.


"While the rate of growth is slowing from last year's initial volume recovery, we are still moving in the right direction," said South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) CEO Jim Newsome.


"New distribution and manufacturing investments in the state and across the region, as well as export strength, will be felt in the coming months," he said.


Breakbulk volume through the state's ports, driven primarily by vehicle shipments from BMW and energy related projects, rose by 40 per cent from 551,000 tons last year to 773,000 tons this year, a statement from the South Carolina State Ports Authority said.


It said that as part of its security improvement plan, the authority is acquiring five modular pre-manufactured structures for use as guard and security buildings at the North Charleston, Columbus Street and Veterans terminals.


BIG Enterprises will provide the buildings at a cost of US$536,425. The purchase will be three-quarters funded by federal port security grants, with the authority financing the remainder of the costs.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)