May.26--APRIL was the Port Charleston's busiest month since May 2009, according to the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), when it handled 151,790 TEU, up 12 per cent as annual volume increased 5.5 per cent to 1,374,066 TEU for the fiscal year.
"April reflected strong export growth at the Port of Charleston as we shipped 10.6 per cent more containers overseas than the same month last year," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.
"These growth figures stress the importance of our deepwater harbour as American manufacturers and exporters look for efficient, expedient ways to send their goods overseas," he said.
The board approved a US$1.2 million contract for routine dredging at Union Pier Terminal and Columbus Street Terminal for break-bulk. It also approved a $897,244 contract for engineering improvements at the Wando Welch Terminal.
It voted $12 million to expand New Orleans Cold Storage facilities to boost cold space, also agreeing to sell 16 acres of the Coal Tipple Property for $3 million to facilitate waterborne commerce.