March was the third straight month of year-over-year container volume increases for the Port of Charleston. Pier containers were up 24.4 percent in March compared to the same month last year. March volume was also 11.3 percent higher than the February 2010 volume of pier containers at Charleston’s three container terminals.
Breakbulk volume was also up significantly, with total pier tons up 46.5 percent in March compared to the same month last year at terminals in Charleston and Georgetown.
“These volume gains are encouraging and significant,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. He attributed the growth to restocking of inventories, export market growth and the SCSPA’s aggressive new business development efforts. “As ocean carriers look to enhance or start new services, Charleston is firmly on their radar screen,” Newsome said.
Demonstrating the SCSPA’s focus on bringing new business and services to South Carolina’s ports, Charleston will be the last U.S. port outbound on CSAV’s new America Express Service, or AMEX. CSAV (Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores) of Chile is the largest ocean carrier in Latin America and, founded in 1872, is one of the oldest shipping companies in the world.
The new weekly service will bring 52 additional ship calls annually, linking Charleston directly to markets across Northern China and South Korea. Transshipment in the Caribbean will provide additional market access across Central and South America.
Paul McClintock, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of the SCSPA, highlighted Charleston’s advantages. “The strategic placement of Charleston as the last U.S. port outbound highlights this region’s export potential to markets in Asia. With the deepest channels in the region, as well as ample capacity and equipment, Charleston is a compelling place to do business. We look forward to growing CSAV’s already substantial presence in Charleston.”
The service launches with the first sailing on May 16 from Ningbo, China with additional port calls at Shanghai, Qingdao, Xingang, Busan, Kingston, Caucedo and Cartagena. The first Charleston call is expected on June 24 at the Wando Welch Terminal.
