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SC Ports celebrates construction milestone

at Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal

S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin (from left), Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman Sr., Jean Leatherman and S.C. Ports CEO Jim Newsome look on as the steel beam is placed on the new operations building at the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal. More than 300 people, including port employees and construction partners, cheered as the streamers came down to celebrate the construction milestone. (Photo/Stephen Blackmon)

CHARLESTON, SC — JAN. 31, 2020 — The Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal is taking shape along the Cooper River as S.C. Ports Authority prepares to open the new container terminal in March 2021.

S.C. Ports celebrated today the structural completion of the terminal’s new operations building. More than 300 people — contractors, port employees, elected leaders and community members — cheered as a steel beam and tree were placed atop the steel structure as part of a traditional “topping out” ceremony.

The 34,853-square-foot building, built by Samet Corp., will have offices, meeting spaces, crane operator rest and training areas, and a full-service kitchen, as well as the backup power required to maintain critical infrastructure in the event of a power outage.

Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman Sr., the terminal’s namesake, came to celebrate the construction milestone of the terminal’s first and largest building.

“S.C. Ports has seen tremendous growth over the past decade as bigger cargo ships continually call on the Port of Charleston. The Port has long been the economic engine of South Carolina, and with the new terminal, this will only increase,” Leatherman said. “The container terminal will expand operations and support high-paying jobs for our citizens. It gives me great pride to see the construction progress, and I look forward to the positive impact its completion will have on our state for generations to come.”

The Leatherman Terminal sits on the former Navy Base in North Charleston. The 134-acre Phase One will have a 1,400-foot wharf that can accommodate up to 19,000-TEU vessels.

The $1 billion investment comes at a time when S.C. Ports needs additional capacity to handle the larger ships calling on the Port of Charleston. The Port has doubled container volumes over the past decade and records significant cargo growth year-over-year.

The first phase of the Leatherman Terminal provides 700,000 TEUs of additional capacity, ensuring economic growth for South Carolina as more shippers seek access to the booming Southeast market.

“In a little more than a year, ships will call on the country’s newest container terminal,” S.C. Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The opening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal in March 2021 will greatly enhance our cargo capacity and big-ship capability. Our strategic investments and years of hard work are coming to fruition at just the right time as more ships call on the East Coast. This new terminal propels S.C. Ports into the future.”

The state-of-the-art facility will boast both electric and hybrid equipment that will ensure efficient operations while reducing emissions. Phase One will house the tallest ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the Port of Charleston with five cranes with 169-foot lift height, as well as 25 new hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, all set to arrive this year.

The Leatherman Terminal will be built in phases over the next decade, based on market demand. At full build-out, the 286-acre terminal will have three berths capable of handling 2.4 million TEUs of cargo, doubling the port’s existing throughput capacity.

A dedicated Port Access Road will connect the Leatherman Terminal to Interstate 26, and a private drayage road will connect the terminal to the future Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, a rail-served cargo yard about a mile away. Truck drivers will use only these routes to ferry containers to and from the terminal.

The site development and terminal construction is a massive project undertaken by S.C. Ports’ engineering team and numerous contractors, including HDR Inc. for construction management and inspection; Banks Construction Co. for site development; Samet Corporation for construction of buildings and canopies; Cape Romain/McLean A Joint Venture for wharf construction; and Cape Romain Contractors Inc. for bridge construction.

“Our engineering team and contracting partners have been working diligently to complete the construction of Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal,” said Walter Lagarenne, S.C. Ports’ Director of Engineering and Permitting. “Phase One work is progressing well, and the terminal is on track to welcome container ships, including ultra-large container ship class vessels, to the new 1,400-foot wharf in March 2021.”

Notable quotes:

“S.C. Ports is one of South Carolina’s most powerful economic engines, making a $63.4 billion annual economic impact on our state. The new Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal is a crucial component to continuing the port’s growth, and we eagerly await the opening of the terminal and the prosperity it will bring to South Carolina.” — Gov. Henry McMaster

“It is thrilling to see the long-planned Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal becoming a reality. This significant infrastructure project would not be possible without the support of Gov. Henry McMaster and the S.C. Legislature. I especially want to thank Sen. Leatherman for his steadfast support and efforts to further investment in our state, ensuring South Carolina remains globally competitive.” — S.C. Ports Authority Board Chairman Bill Stern

“Samet Corporation feels proud to have a role in the construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal and we’re honored to be part of what this project represents. While there are many exciting details to the project, we are most appreciative of the great working relationship our team has forged with S.C. Ports Authority and the many consultants and trade partners that are working in tandem to expeditiously deliver this exciting new terminal for the region.” — Samet Corp. CEO Arthur Samet

“HDR is honored to be a part of the team that is building the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal by providing construction management services. Construction is progressing well on the first phase of the container terminal, and we are eager to see operations launch early next year. We are grateful to work with S.C. Ports Authority and great project partners on this historic project, which will benefit the Lowcountry for decades to come.” — HDR Vice President David Kinard

“Our team at Banks Construction is proud to partner with S.C. Ports Authority and the other contractors to build the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal. It has been exciting to see the significant progress as the site transitions into a state-of-the-art container terminal. This significant infrastructure project will bring in jobs and investment to the region, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.” — Banks Construction CEO Reid Banks

Fast facts – materials used for Phase One of the Leatherman Terminal:

·    4.15 million cubic yards of sand fill.

·    4.13 million tons of stone, most of which was delivered via barges and ships, keeping roughly 470,000 trucks off Lowcountry roads.

·    6,348 miles of wick drains installed, which could stretch from Charleston to Hawaii and still have 1,500 miles of material remaining.

·    130 miles of piles installed.

·     Nearly 5 million pounds of reinforcing steel.

·    Over 125 miles of conduit placed underground, which could run from Charleston to Columbia.

·    Over 200 miles of cable, which could run from Charleston to Greenville.

·    Over 105,000 cubic yards of concrete placed, which could fill 2,400 containers.

·    Over 440,000 pounds of structural steel installed with over 6,000 structural steel bolts.

·    Over 192,000 tons of asphalt.

The new operations building is the first and largest building on the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal in North Charleston. (Photo/S.C. Ports/Walter Lagarenne)

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.

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SC Ports CEO honored for advancing SC manufacturing

CHARLESTON, SC — JAN. 17, 2020 — S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome received the prestigious Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award for his enduring support of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry.

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) honored Newsome during an awards dinner Thursday in Greenville for his “extraordinary contributions, commitment and leadership in ensuring South Carolina’s manufacturing industry remains strong for generations.”   

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts to advance the state’s manufacturing sector. Mark Propst, who recently retired after 38 years with The Timken Co., also received the award.

“The manufacturing industry has a real and meaningful impact in enhancing the quality of life for all South Carolinians,” SCMA Chairman Max Metcalf said. “The Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award honors individuals whose values and commitment for excellence lead to economic success and more prosperous communities.”   

Newsome has served as CEO of S.C. Ports for the past decade. During his tenure, he has successfully pursued vital infrastructure projects, significantly grown port operations and doubled cargo volumes. He has worked to ensure the Port of Charleston remains globally competitive and a top 10 U.S. container port.

“S.C. Ports offers reliable operations for companies needing to move cargo between South Carolina and global markets,” SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “The Port is a crucial asset for South Carolina as many of our state’s biggest economic development wins would not have come to fruition without the Port. Jim’s excellent leadership abilities at the Port have made a tremendous impact on South Carolina.”

The continued growth of S.C. Ports and the success of South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector go hand in hand.

S.C.’s advanced manufacturing employment and port cargo volumes have doubled in step over the past decade, according to a new study from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. This signifies that there has been a virtual one-to-one relationship between the growth rate of the state’s manufacturing sector and SCPA activity, data show.

S.C. Ports has expertise in moving goods for manufacturers who operate just-in-time production facilities, ensuring that companies receive the materials they need and that finished products quickly reach customers around the world.

BMW Manufacturing Co., Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo Cars, Michelin, Continental Tire, Bridgestone, Bosch and Timken are among the many S.C. manufacturers relying on S.C. Ports every day.

“S.C. Ports is one of South Carolina’s most vital resources,” said Joey Von Nessen, the study author and research economist at USC. “S.C. Ports Authority supports manufacturers as they invest in South Carolina. This ultimately leads to new jobs and higher wages, as well as disposable income being spent in communities and the recruitment of suppliers — all of which propels S.C.’s economy forward.”

S.C. Ports’ impressive growth was achieved while Newsome also focused on cultivating a great culture that values people and rewards adaptability.

“Jim has a great ability to encourage all those around him to challenge themselves to get to ‘yes’ when new opportunities arise,” S.C. Ports Authority COO Barbara Melvin said. “It is much easier to say ‘no,’ but saying ‘yes’ requires tenacity, creativity and innovation. This mindset is critical to serving the needs of the booming manufacturing sector that continually dominates South Carolina and the Southeast.”

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.

Join us for our next NOAA Nav-cast, a quarterly webinar series that highlights the tools and trends of NOAA navigation services.

How to obtain NOAA ENC-based paper nautical charts after NOAA ends production of traditional paper charts

Recently, NOAA announced the start of a five-year process to end traditional paper nautical chart production. While NOAA is sunsetting its traditional nautical chart products, it is undertaking a major effort to improve the data consistency and provide larger scale coverage within its electronic navigational chart (NOAA ENC®) product suite. Over the next five years, NOAA will work to ease the transition to ENC-based products, such as providing access to paper chart products based on ENC data. The online NOAA Custom Chart prototype application enables users to create their own charts from the latest NOAA ENC data. Users may define the scale and paper size of custom-made nautical charts centered on a position of their choosing. Users may then download, view, and print the output. The application is an easy way to create a paper or digital backup for electronic chart systems.

This webcast will provide an overview of the sunsetting process and a live demonstration of the NOAA Custom Chart prototype, including a discussion of the improvements that are planned for the prototype.

Date and time: Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 2 p.m. (EST)
How to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7410207397804043779

NOAA Office of Coast Survey is the nation's nautical chartmaker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal seafloor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.   

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