South Carolina (SC) Ports announced that its ship-to-shore crane project has been completed allowing the East Coast gateway to further serve mega containerships.

The said 15 ship-to-shore cranes now stand 155 feet above the wharf deck at Wando Welch Terminal after the final crane was recently moved into position along the waterfront.

SC Ports noted that with five cranes to a berth, Wando Welch Terminal is now even more capable of efficiently working three 14,000-TEU vessels simultaneously with crane operators efficiently moving containers on and off ships, helping to keep the supply chain fluid.

The new ship-to-shore cranes have 155 feet of lift height and the ability to reach out over 22 containers to work the biggest ships calling the East Coast.

"It is truly remarkable to see the final crane of our new fleet moved into place on the Wando Welch Terminal wharf. This is the culmination of years of effort, planning and coordination by our team and project partners," said Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and chief executive.

"Our modern equipment provides smarter operations and more fluidity for the supply chain," Melvin added.

Multi-million terminal modernization

SC Ports said in the release that the cranes are a key part of SC Ports' US$500 million investment to modernize the Wando Welch Terminal.

The multi-year project enhanced capacity and operations with new container-handling equipment, a modernized container yard and refrigerated cargo yard, improved traffic patterns and IT systems, a strengthened wharf, and an on-terminal transload facility for mega-retailers.

"SC Ports boldly invests in infrastructure ahead of demand, ensuring we have the capabilities and capacity to meet our customers' needs," Melvin added.

In addition to investing in port infrastructure, SC Ports noted that it continues to deploy creative solutions to keep supply chains moving amid the surge in demand.

SC Ports has extended Sunday gate hours for motor carriers through at least peak season, given berth priority to vessels taking out more cargo, significantly improved rail dray dwell times, and launched a port-owned and port-operated chassis pool, among others.

"These efforts have helped SC Ports maintain fluidity," the gateway added. "There have been no vessels waiting since early May, though supply chain challenges continue along the East Coast."

SC Ports handled 216,097 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 119,872 pier containers at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Leatherman Terminal in July.

SC Ports moved 21,034 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in July, a 36% increase year-over-year. Meanwhile, Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon reported a combined 11,383 rail moves in July.