Ports Board addresses increasing volume and competition with Savannah

During a recent meeting of the Review and Oversight Commission on the South Carolina State Ports Authority, key discussions highlighted the importance of enhancing the state's port operations to boost economic growth. Board members emphasized the need for strategic investments in port infrastructure to increase shipping volumes and improve efficiency, particularly in comparison to competitors like Savannah.

The meeting featured insights from Barbara, a representative of the Ports Authority, who outlined four critical areas of focus aimed at increasing cargo volume. Members expressed a strong commitment to supporting these initiatives, recognizing that efficient port operations are vital for the entire state, not just the local areas surrounding the ports.

One significant point raised was the impressive performance of the ports, with current operations achieving 33 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per hour, surpassing the national average of 24. The board discussed strategies to further enhance this figure, aiming for 35 or even 36 TEUs per hour. Additionally, they noted that the average truck turnaround time at the ports is currently 42 minutes, well below the national average of 90 minutes, and explored ways to reduce this time even further.

The conversation also touched on the broader economic impact of port operations, with members highlighting that investments in port assets benefit all 46 counties in South Carolina. For instance, the Greer Inland Port supports approximately 92,000 jobs in the Upstate region, illustrating the extensive reach of port-related economic activity.

As the meeting concluded, the board reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the state's port capabilities, recognizing that these efforts will not only improve logistics but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth across South Carolina. The focus now shifts to implementing these strategies and monitoring their impact on the state's economy in the coming months.