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Carver Maritime expands port services in North Charleston

Staff Report //November 24, 2020//

Carver Maritime expands port services in North Charleston

Staff Report //November 24, 2020//

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An industrial port in North Charleston is expanding its operations with a $27.8 million investment that is anticipated to create 50 jobs.

Carver Maritime LLC, which first established its Charleston County operations in 2016. Part of the overall Carver Companies, the port annually serves hundreds of ships carrying cargo such as salt, break bulk, gypsum and stone aggregates.

The company’s president and CEO, Carver Laraway, said Carver Maritime has enjoyed a “friendly, pro-business environment” in North Charleston that has contributed to its growth. He credits the county and state economic development officials’ support and responsiveness for helping the small business weather the pandemic.

“We could have expanded our operations in New York or our facilities in Florida, but local officials partnered with us which will allow us to create more jobs and help raise the per capita income in the Charleston area,” Laraway said.

Located at 1801 Shipyard Creek, part of Carver Maritimes’ expansion will include construction of a 120,000-square-foot-building to support its stevedoring, warehousing and supply chain business.

“We are always excited when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Carver Maritime LLC’s decision to expand and create 50 new jobs in Charleston County,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement.

The 400-acre marine terminal has a deep-water pier for loading and offloading ships and barges up to 750 feet, with a draft of 32 feet. The facility also include more than half a million square feet of warehousing space.

“This latest investment further proves that our state has the business climate and logistics capabilities companies are seeking,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said in a statement.

To help fund the site preparation and construction, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development is awarding a $200,000 grant to the county. The expansion is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

“The ability to efficiently import and export goods into our region is an asset to the economy we rely upon, creating jobs and investment in our community,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said.

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