(CHARLESTON, S.C.) — South Carolina Ports is consolidating container operations to its Wando and North Charleston terminals in the short term, while continuing to offer ample port capacity to customers needing access to the Southeast market.
SC Ports plans to pause operations at Leatherman Terminal as of Aug. 1 as the industry faces numerous headwinds, an uncertain trade forecast and tempered volumes. This decision aligns with the port’s continued focus on cost competitiveness to ensure the business is well-positioned for growth.
“We are working with our maritime partners to make this business decision to achieve long-term, sustainable growth,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “We all want to retain current business and attract new business to Charleston.”
The Wando and North Charleston terminals offer the capacity customers need for today’s volume and their growth amid this short-term pause at Leatherman Terminal.
Phase One of Leatherman Terminal, which opened in 2021, added 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity and an additional berth to the U.S. East Coast port market. The terminal has a 1,400-foot berth, five ship-to-shore cranes with 169 feet of lift height and 228 feet of outreach, 25 hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes and a refrigerated container yard – all designed to ensure speed-to-market for customers.
“As an economic driver and job creator for South Carolina, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service to our customers and generating growth,” Mallace said. “The maritime industry, and the thousands of companies and people connected to our port, all depend on us — and we intend to deliver for them.”
– South Carolina Ports
