Imagine towering stacks of shipping containers moving with the precision of Lego blocks—this orchestrated dance represents the pulse of global trade. The Port of Charleston in South Carolina recently achieved a historic milestone, handling more containers in May than ever before. This record-breaking performance signals shifting dynamics in both regional supply chains and global commerce.
Behind the Record Numbers: Strategic Infrastructure Investments
SC Ports (South Carolina Ports Authority) is aggressively modernizing its facilities, with particular focus on rail capacity expansion and the Leatherman Terminal upgrade. The terminal's rail project has reached a critical phase—all six electric rubber-tired gantry cranes are now installed and undergoing testing. When completed in early 2026, this facility will handle up to 1 million annual rail lifts, enabling faster, more cost-effective movement of goods inland.
Concurrently, construction continues on a dedicated one-mile drainage road separating multimodal traffic from Interstate 26—a solution designed to reduce port-area congestion and improve efficiency.
"These investments ensure our port system meets future demands while maintaining competitiveness for decades," emphasized Barbara Melvin, SC Ports President and CEO, underscoring the long-term vision guiding these developments.
Leatherman Terminal Expansion: Preparing for Larger Volumes
Phase two of the Leatherman Terminal expansion is now underway, with test piles being installed for a 1,600-foot wharf extension. Upon completion, the expanded facility will accommodate five additional ship-to-shore cranes, significantly increasing simultaneous vessel processing capacity.
New Shipping Routes Strengthen Global Connections
Beyond physical upgrades, Charleston is expanding its maritime network. Starting September, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will launch two weekly transatlantic services—Albatross and Dragon—both deploying 15,000-TEU vessels. These routes will enhance connectivity between the U.S. Southeast, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia. Notably, the Albatross service will exclusively serve Charleston, solidifying the port's status as the Southeast's premier logistics hub.
Sustained Growth: July Performance Metrics
Recent data confirms Charleston's upward trajectory. In July, SC Ports handled 213,177 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Inland ports Greer and Dillon processed record rail volumes of 17,739 and 4,059 lifts respectively, while automotive shipments surged 53% year-over-year to 16,628 units. These figures collectively demonstrate the port's accelerating growth pattern.
The record-breaking container volumes at Charleston Port reflect deliberate strategy rather than chance. Through infrastructure modernization, route network expansion, and operational excellence, the port is positioning itself as an increasingly vital node in global trade networks.