South Carolina Port volume up for year

Breakbulk volume through the state’s ports – driven primarily by vehicle shipments from BMW and energy related projects – rose 40 percent from 551,000 tons last year to 773,000 tons this year. The Ports Authority Board also approved two projects at its meeting. As part of the organization’s Security Improvement Plan, the Ports Authority is acquiring five modular pre-manufactured structures for use as guard and security buildings at the North Charleston, Columbus Street and Veterans Terminals. B.I.G. Enterprises will provide the buildings at a cost of USD536,425.  The purchase will be funded through a combination of federal Port Security Grants (75 percent) and the Authority (25 percent). The Board also approved a project to adjust timber fenders between the ship and the dock at the existing Union Pier passenger terminal.  Salmons Dredging of Charleston is being recommended to do the work at a cost of USD197,764.