The Port of Charleston will see its weekly service offerings grow from 25 to 29 in 2025 as new ocean carrier deployments enhance SC Ports' coverage across the U.S. Southeast market.
SC Ports said the expanded lineup will provide more options for importers, exporters, and retailers and boost connectivity between the region and international markets.
SC Ports indicated that it continues to provide first-in calls from major markets in Asia and Europe, enabling the rapid flow of imports and exports.
“The Port of Charleston serves as a powerful gateway for importers and exporters,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our highly productive operations deliver sustained fluidity to quickly work ships. We provide reliable port service so our customers can focus on running and growing their businesses.”
Two of the 29 weekly services are first-in-calls from Asia — Maersk/Hapag-Lloyd's TP11/US1 and MSC/ZIM’s Emerald/ZXB; the latter boasts the fastest transit time from Vietnam to the South Atlantic.
Additionally, three first-in-calls from Europe, representing all major ocean carriers, will support manufacturers’ supply chains through this key Charleston trade lane.
Starting in April, SC Ports will offer a new direct service with Turkey and Israel through MSC's EMUSA service, providing a vital connection to the Eastern Mediterranean market.
SC Ports said its deepwater infrastructure supports these global connections. Charleston Harbor, with its 52-foot depth — the deepest on the U.S. East Coast — allows ships to access terminals without tidal restrictions. Widened turning basins also accommodate simultaneous dual ship access, streamlining logistics for shippers.
February Performance
In February, SC Ports handled 225,532 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an 11% increase year-over-year, and 123,611 pier containers, up 10% compared to February 2024.
"This growth was largely driven by an influx of imports, reflecting a stronger month after more tempered monthly container volumes," the port said.
Inland Port Greer recorded 18,669 rail moves in February, up 18% year-over-year and marking its second-highest month on record.
Inland Port Dillon handled 3,412 rail moves, down 18% from the previous year but trending upward since December. Meanwhile, the port managed 11,273 vehicles in February, a 28% year-over-year decrease, though the automotive sector remains a strong long-term performer with new investments bolstering future growth.
"South Carolina ranks No. 5 in the nation for both population and GDP growth. This will continue to drive imports and exports to our port,” Melvin said. “The Southeast is booming, and we are ready to support this growing market with 10 million TEUs of capacity on the horizon and an expanded intermodal network."
