SC Ports handled 213,177 total TEUs, and 117,059 pier containers during the first month of fiscal year 2026. (Photo:Matt Peacock)
SC Ports handled 213,177 total TEUs, and 117,059 pier containers during the first month of fiscal year 2026. (Photo/Matt Peacock)
Construction continues on two key infrastructure projects at the Port of Charleston that will enhance SC Ports’ rail capabilities and grow capacity at the Leatherman Terminal.
At the Leatherman Rail Facility, set to open in early 2026, all six electric rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) have been erected, and work by Kuenz to commission the cranes has begun. Upon completion, the facility will be capable of handling 1 million rail lifts per year. Progress is also being made on the one-mile, dedicated drayage road that will segregate intermodal traffic from Interstate 26.
“The investments SC Ports makes today, with backing from our state leaders, keep our port system ready to meet projected demand,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “The continued growth of our inland rail facilities, and our commitment to enhancing efficiency for our customers necessitated this critical infrastructure expansion, and will keep SC Ports competitive as a top 10 U.S. container port for decades to come.”
Phase two of the Leatherman Terminal expansion is underway. Test piles for the wharf extension have been installed, the first step in extending the wharf an additional 1,600 feet, which will create space for an additional five ship-to-shore cranes.
New services announced for Leatherman Terminal
MSC, the largest carrier in the world and SC Port’s largest carrier customer, will launch two new weekly services at the Port of Charleston, driving cargo growth and connectivity for shippers in the Southeast. The Albatros and Dragon services, both transatlantic services, will begin calling the Leatherman Terminal in September, and connect shippers in the Southeastern U.S. with North Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia.
“SC Ports proudly welcomes the Albatros and Dragon services to Charleston,” Melvin said. “This announcement comes as the Southeastern U.S. is experiencing tremendous growth. Our investments made in achieving the deepest Harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet, and SC Ports’ reputation for efficiently working ships makes the Port of Charleston a reliable partner for MSC.”
Both services will deploy 15,000 TEU vessels, among the largest weekly services to call the Port of Charleston. The Albatros service is an exclusive call for the Port of Charleston in the Southeast.
July volumes
SC Ports handled 213,177 total TEUs, and 117,059 pier containers during the first month of fiscal year 2026.
Both Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon set a record for rail moves in July, continuing a trend of posting year-over-year growth. Greer handled 17,739 rail moves, up 2% over the prior year, and Dillon handles 4,059 rail moves, up 10%, for a combined total of 21,798 rail moves.
Vehicles imports and exports totaled 16,628, marking a strong improvement over last July at 53% growth.
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.
SC Ports Media Contacts:
Liz Crumley
Director, Corporate Communications
SC Ports Authority
314-494-9106
lcrumley@scspa.com
Laura Clifton
Manager, Public Relations
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
lclifton@scspa.com
