SC Ports Handles 2.6M TEUs in FY2025, Eyes Future Growth

Post by : Amit

Resilient Growth Amid Economic Shifts

In a year marked by global economic headwinds, trade disruptions, and supply chain recalibrations, South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has recorded a throughput of 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for Fiscal Year 2025. This significant milestone not only demonstrates the port authority’s operational resilience but also reflects the growing importance of South Carolina as a key logistics and maritime hub in the southeastern United States.

Despite a soft global shipping market, SC Ports has maintained its momentum, leveraging strategic infrastructure investments and a strong regional manufacturing base to drive container volume and cargo throughput. The port’s diversified cargo mix and robust inland rail connections helped cushion the impact of reduced import demand and shifting global trade routes. SC Ports’ latest numbers reflect a measured but purposeful trajectory toward becoming one of the East Coast’s most efficient and forward-looking maritime gateways.

Monthly Performance Highlights Indicate Strategic Stability

For June 2025 alone, SC Ports moved 201,418 TEUs across the Port of Charleston’s terminals. Although this represents a year-over-year dip from the container surge of FY2024—partially attributed to post-pandemic restocking cycles and e-commerce booms—the performance was in line with FY2025’s strategic adjustments. According to SC Ports, the numbers indicate a “new normal” level of trade activity, where supply chains are stabilizing, and throughput is becoming more consistent after years of volatility.

Breakbulk cargo also remained strong, with 183,306 pier tons handled in June. This is especially important considering SC Ports’ strategic pivot to strengthen non-container cargo segments such as vehicles, forest products, and project cargo. Automotive shipments and manufacturing goods, in particular, continue to be dominant growth engines.

CEO Barbara Melvin: ‘Smart Investments are Delivering Results’

SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin emphasized the organization’s commitment to strategic expansion and customer-centric services during a recent press conference at Wando Welch Terminal.

“We are moving goods for our customers at high productivity levels while delivering excellent service and schedule reliability,” Melvin said. “The investments we’ve made in port infrastructure, technology, and people are translating into long-term value for the state and the region.”

Melvin’s leadership has been crucial in helping SC Ports transition from reactive crisis management during the pandemic to proactive supply chain modernization. Under her guidance, the port authority has focused on long-term partnerships with manufacturers, retailers, and agricultural exporters. Several capital-intensive initiatives are now bearing fruit, such as the Leatherman Terminal, rail-served inland ports, and upgraded harbor deepening projects.

Automotive Sector Fuels Consistent Roll-On/Roll-Off Growth

One of the most consistently growing segments in SC Ports’ cargo mix has been the automotive sector. In FY2025, SC Ports handled 253,526 vehicles, representing a 4% year-over-year increase. South Carolina continues to attract major automotive and EV investments from companies like BMW, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Scout Motors—boosting not only finished vehicle exports but also component and CKD (completely knocked-down) kit imports.

The Port of Charleston’s Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) capabilities and proximity to auto manufacturing zones give it a competitive edge over other East Coast ports. Terminal upgrades, digitalized yard operations, and reduced vessel turnaround times are encouraging more OEMs to look toward SC Ports as a preferred gateway for U.S.-bound and overseas vehicle shipments.

Inland Port System Anchors Supply Chain Fluidity

SC Ports has also reported strong performance at its inland terminals. Inland Port Greer handled 151,481 rail moves in FY2025, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year, while Inland Port Dillon processed 37,723 rail moves, maintaining steady flow in a challenged rail logistics market.

These inland facilities are crucial to SC Ports’ strategy of connecting the Port of Charleston to inland manufacturing, agriculture, and warehousing clusters. The rail-served inland ports reduce truck traffic, lower emissions, and provide shippers with fast turnarounds—enhancing competitiveness for exporters in the Carolinas and neighboring states.

Inland Port Greer’s Phase II expansion, which includes longer rail sidings, an expanded container yard, and advanced gate systems, has played a pivotal role in accommodating growing intermodal cargo volumes. The expansion is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics.

Capital Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades Bolster Readiness

The foundation of SC Ports’ success in FY2025 lies in its aggressive capital investment program. A multi-year, $2 billion+ infrastructure modernization strategy is gradually transforming the Port of Charleston into a global contender.

The Wando Welch Terminal has now completed berth deepening, crane expansions, and terminal yard automation, allowing it to handle three 14,000 TEU vessels simultaneously. Meanwhile, the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, SC Ports’ first new container terminal in over a decade, continues to ramp up operations with modern equipment and green logistics systems.

Furthermore, the state’s decision to support the Naval Base Intermodal Facility, a rail-served port logistics center slated to open by 2028, will ensure that SC Ports can sustain growth through the next decade. This facility will allow for seamless Class I rail connections from the waterfront to the hinterland—greatly enhancing import/export efficiency.

Resilience in the Face of External Challenges

While many U.S. ports are still grappling with congestion, equipment shortages, or high dwell times, SC Ports has maintained its reputation for reliability. FY2025 saw a return to scheduled berthing, improved truck turn times, and reduced cargo backlogs. This resilience has attracted new customers and encouraged existing partners to scale up their operations in Charleston.

According to logistics analysts, part of SC Ports’ strength lies in its mid-sized flexibility—large enough to handle global volumes, yet nimble enough to implement tailored solutions. In a post-pandemic world where agility and supply chain transparency matter more than ever, SC Ports’ proactive investments in digital cargo tracking, AI-enabled yard systems, and customer service tools are paying off.

Positioning for Future Trade Growth

Looking forward, SC Ports plans to deepen customer engagement across a broader regional base—extending its influence into Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The authority is also eyeing offshore wind energy, hydrogen exports, and green fuels logistics as potential future cargo streams, aligning with federal and state decarbonization mandates.

Further expansion of cold chain logistics and agricultural exports is also on the horizon. SC Ports is investing in cold storage capacity and specialized reefer handling capabilities to meet rising demand for U.S. produce, meats, and seafood in overseas markets.

“Our vision is to be the most competitive and sustainable port in North America,” said Barbara Melvin. “With the support of our partners, the strength of our workforce, and the reliability of our infrastructure, we are well-positioned to deliver on that promise.”

Public-Private Synergy and Policy Backing Drive Success

Behind SC Ports’ strong fiscal performance is a robust framework of public-private cooperation. South Carolina’s government continues to champion port development as a catalyst for statewide economic growth. State lawmakers have earmarked funds for roads, bridges, and workforce development tied to port activity.

Moreover, the state’s manufacturing-friendly policies—ranging from tax incentives to training programs—are drawing more exporters and importers to SC Ports. This alignment of government, industry, and community stakeholders gives SC Ports a unique edge as a trusted, long-term trade facilitator.

SC Ports’ Growth Story Signals Broader U.S. Maritime Trends

In an uncertain global trade environment, South Carolina Ports’ FY2025 performance offers a blueprint for resilient, forward-looking port development. By combining infrastructure investment, operational innovation, and regional integration, SC Ports is demonstrating that even mid-sized ports can set global benchmarks.

With 2.6 million TEUs handled, growing rail volumes, and strong customer confidence, SC Ports is not only shaping the economic landscape of the Southeast—it is also redefining how U.S. ports compete in a rapidly changing world.

SC Ports, TEUs FY2025, Future Growth