S.C. Ports sees further recovery amid pandemic

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With August volumes continuing to trend upward, S.C. Ports Authority imports are returning to, and at times exceeding, pre-pandemic levels, pointing to ongoing recovery, the SCPA said in a news release.

Over the course of the month, the SCPA handled 208,837 TEUs — an industry measurement of the equivalent of a 20-foot container — at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals. Though volumes are down almost 10% year over year, they’re trending positively, with an 18% increase over July and 33% over June.

“Our August volumes surpassed expectations, reflecting the best year-over-year month since the pandemic began impacting global supply chains in March,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the S.C. Ports Authority. “We are encouraged by a steady rebound in containers, vehicles and inland port rail moves.”

With a total of 116,248 pier containers moved in August, the month trended upward 17% from July and 31% from June, despite being down 12% year over year.

The SCPA said that August was the second-highest month ever for imports to the Port of Charleston and that Dillon recorded its best month in its history with 3,527 rail moves in August.

Inland Port Greer also continued to rebound, recording 13,422 rail moves last month, and the Columbus Street Terminal’s volume was up 38% from last year, with the SCPA handling 26,214 vehicles in August. Vehicle volumes are up 42% in the fiscal year to date, with 51,342 handled in July and August. The port handled 73,811 pier tons in August, up 25% year over year.