The Port of Charleston completed the USD22 million improvement project in order to accommodate BMW’s growing export business, along with other rolling stock, large machinery, power-generating equipment and additional non-container cargoes. A primary driver of the work is BMW’s growing export business. BMW manufactures X5, X6 and the all-new X3 vehicles at its Spartanburg, SC plant. In 2010, BMW’s exports of the X-series to 130 global markets were valued at more than USD4 billion.
To accommodate and better serve the automaker’s business and other operations, the SCSPA is relocating roll-on/roll-off cargo operations from Union Pier Terminal to the larger Columbus Street Terminal, where the first BMW shipments arrived by rail last Tuesday. “BMW is a strategic customer of the Port of Charleston, and this relocation to a more robust and capable terminal is essential to handle port growth,” said Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the SCSPA. “BMW’s success in South Carolina demonstrates the impact trade and our ports have on jobs and economic health”.
Ships serving the BMW business began calling at Columbus Street Terminal over the weekend with the arrival of “K” Line’s California Highway. Additional carriers including Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Hoegh Line and ARC offer roll-on/roll-off service in Charleston, and numerous other break-bulk carriers routinely call Columbus Street Terminal.
The expansion will also serve increases in other non-container cargoes. “With highly skilled labour, rail infrastructure and lifting capabilities up to 500 tonnes, Charleston offers solutions for over-dimensional moves, project cargoes and other break-bulk cargoes,” said Newsome. As a result of the move, daily trainloads of vehicles will no longer cross streets south of Columbus Street Terminal. Cargo operations, including other rail, will continue at Union Pier until the new cruise terminal opens and the redevelopment of non-maritime properties begins.