Virginia, South Carolina ports post record cargo volumes

The Virginia Port Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) yesterday announced record volumes for fiscal-year 2022.

The Port of Virginia processed 3.7 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at its Norfolk terminals in FY2022 ending June 30 — an all-time record and year-over-year increase of nearly 15%. The port processed 653,739 rail containers, up 12.4%, and 86,126 barge containers, up more than 25%. Total truck containers for the fiscal year clocked in at 1.3 million units, up 16.5%.

June was the port’s fourth-consecutive month of cargo volumes hitting or exceeding 314,000 TEUs. The port set a new June cargo record of 317,000 units, port authority officials said in a press release. The year’s record volumes were driven primarily by an increase in loaded imports followed by a growth of empty export boxes, they said. The port moved 32% of its total cargo volume by rail in FY22.

"Our growth is being driven by the confidence our customers and the cargo owners have in our ability to process their ships and cargo swiftly, safely and efficiently," said Port of Virginia CEO and Executive Director Stephen Edwards. "There were some challenges, but we adapted and delivered."

Meanwhile, the SCPA handled 2.85 million TEUs during FY22 — a 12% YOY increase — at the Wando Welch, North Charleston and Leatherman terminals at the Port of Charleston. The port also processed 1.58 million pier containers, which account for boxes of any size. Imports grew 22% YOY, leading the port to extend Sunday gate hours through at least September to handle the extra volume and keep imports and exports flowing, SCPA officials said in a press release.

The authority has invested more than $2 billion in various infrastructure projects in pursuit of terminal modernization to improve processing capacity as volumes rise. The new Navy Base Intermodal Facility — to be served by rail via Palmetto Railways and a near-dock cargo facility — is currently in development, port officials said.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project designed to make the harbor the East Coast’s deepest berth at 52 feet also is on track to be completed in fall.

"We are using every avenue possible to add more fluidity to the supply chain for our customers," said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin.

Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX serve both states' ports.