Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/643635
14 January 2016 www.cargobusinessnews.com Port neWs 1/28: PoRT of ChARlESToN loWERS CoNTAiNER volUME ExPECTATioNS The South Carolina State Ports Author- ity is scaling back expectations for the coming months following last year's near- record numbers for containerized cargo. "If you look at the December numbers for most ports, they are very modest — some negative and some slightly posi - tive," said Jim Newsome, the SPA's presi- dent and CEO. "We expect flat to very modest growth over the next six months." The Port of Charleston handled 551,174 TEUs during the first half of fiscal 2016, which started July 1. That is a 4.8 percent year-over-year increase, much lower than the 14.4 percent growth the SPA experienced in fiscal 2015. Economic weakness in China and tepid demand elsewhere are combining with a strong dollar and inflated invento - ries to depress U.S. imports and exports. "Short term, it seems global trade is taking a pause right now," Newsome said. "We believe that to be a short-term blip right now." T h e s l o w d o w n i s a l s o a ff e c t i n g Charleston's main competition in Geor - gia, where the larger Port of Savannah set a record for cargo last year but saw its December numbers decline. "I think everyone's cautious about this coming year," Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority, told The Wall Street Journal. "Everyone feels decent about the U.S economy but what they're worried about is China affecting other markets." Newsome said he hopes new projects, such as expansion of cold storage ware - houses in the Charleston region and a Dollar Tree distribution center upstate, will drive more traffic to the port. "Whatever happens in world trade, we've got a lot of things to accomplish," he said. "We have to stay on track with our marketing plan and that really relies on us capturing all the cargo that should move across our port and capturing our share of discretionary cargo." Newsome hopes there will be another boost in the second half of this year when the expanded Panama Canal opens. For more of the Post and Courier story: www.postandcourier.com PoRT of hoUSToN CoNTAiNER volUME ToPS 2 MillioN TEUS iN 2015 The Port of Houston Authority an- nounced it topped the 2 million-TEU mark handled in 2015 in December, set- ting a new record that beats the previous record of 1.96 million TEUs set for all of the previous year. "Having the two millionth TEU cross - ing our docks illustrates the steadfast guidance of the port authority's lead- ership through the port commission and diligence of our staff to deliver exemplary service to our customers and validates that the port is ready for the increased cargo…and bigger things to come," said PHA Executive Director Roger Guenther. Projections indicate continued strong growth in containers moving across port authority docks in coming years. The PHA reports it has continued to invest in its facilities and the newest technology to help spur growth and serve its customers. About $700 million is being invested over the next decade to modernize the Barbours Cut Con - tainer Terminal to increase efficiency, facilitate larger vessels and double the container handling capacity. Among other improvements, four new Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore wharf cranes that were delivered this year are now in operation. At the newer Bayport terminal, a state- of-the-art truck entry gate has improved truck processing, and a user-friendly mobile app for truck drivers has in - creased efficiency. Recently, the Port Au- thority processed a record 4,300 trucks in one day at Bayport, which opened in 2007 and is being built out according to its master plan. The terminal continues to show excellent service levels and low truck turn times. 1/27: CoNTAiNER volUME AT PoRT of SAvANNAh UP 11.7 PERCENT iN 2015 The Georgia Ports Authority posted container volumes in 2015, Executive Director Curtis Foltz reported to the GPA board this week. Over the last year, the Port of Savannah moved an all-time high 3.73 million TEUs, an increase of 391,356 TEUs, or 11.7 percent compared to CY2014. "The expansion was fueled in part by heightened demand in the U.S. South - east, Savannah's logistical advantages drawing new customers to Georgia, and cargo diverted from the West Coast," said Foltz. Total tonnage across all terminals reached a record 31.48 million tons in 2015, an increase of 1.09 million tons, or 3.6 percent, according to a port au - thority statement. Container tonnage accounted for most of that growth, adding 991,031 tons (up 4 percent), for a total of 25.81 million tons. Bulk cargo added 60,705 tons (up 2.2 percent) to reach 2.86 million, while breakbulk cargo grew 1.7 percent, or 47,358 tons, to reach 2.79 million tons. At the meeting, the GPA board ap- proved the purchase of four new ship-to- shore cranes for the Port of Savannah, bringing the total number to 30. "With today's decision, the Georgia Ports Authority will make a $47 million investment in order to maintain the highest level of service for port custom -