Expansion plan evaluation

SC Ports operates multiple cargo facilities in South Carolina, among them the seaport in Charleston and the Inland Port Greer, which extends the Port of Charleston’s reach 212 miles inland via rail link.

In light of growing container volumes handled at Inland Port Greer, SC Ports commissioned HPC to develop a plan to evaluate the potential for expansion.

“As operators, we aim for flexibility in responding to the supply chain disruptions that are more and more becoming a new normal, while also considering our planned expansion efforts to meet our customers’ needs,” said Steve Kemp, senior director intermodal, chassis and operations projects at SC Ports.

HPC originally provided a development plan a few years ago but is now updating this in light of ongoing supply chain issues in North America and the need for greater capacity.

Some adjustment measures have already been suggested which will allow the facility to handle up to 300,000 rail units. “We consider all possible terminal resources such as tracks, lift equipment, yard, empty yard, gate, etc., individually and in combination with each other,” said Christoph Schoppmann, project director and responsible for intermodal planning at HPC.

“As a result, the customer enjoys a better understanding of the options and can make well-informed decisions on making the facility fit for future growth.”