Charleston ports chief calls for co-operation

Mr Newsome believes that agencies that operate public maritime facilities such as the Port of Charleston could benefit from the same type of co-operation the shipping industry is showing in its trend of forming alliances for greater efficiency.

He revealed to the Federal Maritime Commission that he foresees a future partnership with an undisclosed Southeast competitor to help share some of the surging costs of infrastructure needed to serve larger containerships.

“In general terms, there could be an opportunity for co-operation between ports,” he told the commission. “Ports that are in close geographic proximity often share a common approach to operations, which would be amendable to the transparency and simplification of a joint contracting approach. I think it’s worth exploring.”

Mr Newsome added that such port agreements can be used to balance the growing negotiating power the shipping industry has as it evolves from individual competing container lines into alliances.