South Carolina Ports is consolidating container operations at its Wando and North Charleston terminals, in what port officials characterize as a short-term pause at the Leatherman terminal.
The Aug. 1 move is planned “as the industry faces numerous headwinds, an uncertain trade forecast and tempered volumes,” port officials said in a June 25 statement. “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.”
Port officials said the Wando and North Charleston terminals offer capacity customers need for volume now and growth amid the pause at Leatherman Terminal.
ABC television station WCIV reported that Leatherman Terminal opened in April 2021 and now handles about 5.9% of the Port of Charleston’s container volume, including five weekly ship calls from the Mediterranean Shipping Company. Those shipments will now be rerouted.
Operators said “the terminal will remain maintained during the pause, with the intention of reopening when cargo demand supports operating all three terminals,” WCIV reported.
“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.”
