South Carolina Ports reopens Leatherman Terminal with ZIM’s weekly Asia service, boosting capacity and providing a competitive edge for U.S. Southeast shippers.
South Carolina Ports Reopens Leatherman Terminal with New Asia-US Service
Introduction
South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has officially reopened the Leatherman Terminal, marking a significant milestone in the state’s maritime operations. Beginning on September 26, 2024, SC Ports will resume container operations at the terminal in preparation for a crucial new weekly service from Asia. This service is set to provide U.S. Southeast shippers with enhanced connectivity to Asian markets. The reopening of the terminal, along with the introduction of Israeli ocean carrier ZIM’s ZCP service, underscores the importance of the Port of Charleston as a major hub for international trade.
Leatherman Terminal Reopens: A New Era for SC Ports
The reopening of Leatherman Terminal marks a pivotal moment for South Carolina’s world-class port system. As the newest ocean terminal in the United States to be developed in over a decade, Leatherman Terminal boasts modern facilities and increased capacity that will significantly improve cargo handling in the region. The reopening event, which began at 8 a.m. on September 26, is in anticipation of ZIM’s new ZCP service set to launch early next month.
SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin expressed her enthusiasm for the reopening, stating, “The reopening of Leatherman Terminal is a monumental day for our world-class port system. In partnership with the ILA, employers, and the greater maritime community, we are thrilled to once again provide excellent port service at Leatherman Terminal for the benefit of our ocean carrier and cargo owner customers.”
ZIM’s ZCP Service: Connecting Asia and the U.S. Southeast
Israeli ocean carrier ZIM is set to introduce its ZCP service at Leatherman Terminal, offering a vital weekly connection between Asia and the U.S. Southeast consumer market. The first-in-call service will commence on October 6, with the arrival of the LNG-powered ZIM Mount Blanc, a vessel boasting a capacity of 15,000 TEUs. This service is poised to be a game-changer for shippers seeking efficient and direct trade routes between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.
“This weekly service is the first of many to come as we resume operations at Leatherman Terminal, providing more capacity and fluidity for the U.S. East Coast port market,” Melvin added. “This first-in-call from Asia is a significant competitive advantage for shippers moving goods through the Port of Charleston.”
The ZIM ZCP service will be operated in collaboration with leading ocean carriers MSC and Maersk, adding to the strength of the service. The service will directly link Charleston with key Asian markets, including China and South Korea, offering a crucial competitive advantage for the U.S. Southeast region.
Expanded Capacity and Competitive Advantage
Leatherman Terminal adds an impressive 700,000 TEUs of capacity to Charleston Harbor, with the potential to expand to 2.4 million TEUs at full build-out. The added capacity is expected to ease congestion, allowing for smoother and more efficient cargo flow at one of the U.S. East Coast’s most strategic ports.
The reopening and expanded services at Leatherman Terminal come at a time when global supply chains are under increasing pressure, and the demand for efficient, high-capacity trade routes is higher than ever. The Asia-first call service gives the Port of Charleston a significant competitive edge, particularly for shippers in the U.S. Southeast who can now benefit from shorter lead times and a more direct connection to Asia.
Moreover, the LNG-powered ZIM Mount Blanc represents a commitment to more environmentally friendly shipping practices. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is seen as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, offering lower carbon emissions and aligning with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
Strategic Route for Global Trade
The ZIM ZCP service provides a highly efficient and strategic route for global trade. The service will operate along a route that includes direct calls to Charleston, Qingdao (China), Ningbo (China), Shanghai (China), Busan (South Korea), Kingston (Jamaica), Savannah (United States), Norfolk (United States), and back through Kingston, Busan, and Qingdao. This route provides shippers with access to some of the world’s busiest trade hubs, ensuring fast and reliable movement of goods between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.
The addition of Leatherman Terminal to this service route strengthens the Port of Charleston’s role in international trade, making it a key player in the movement of goods between Asia and the U.S. Southeast. As global trade continues to expand, having such a direct and efficient route available positions Charleston as a critical hub for the future of international shipping.
Impact on the U.S. Southeast Market
The reintroduction of container operations at Leatherman Terminal has broader implications for the U.S. Southeast market. As the first port in the region to receive calls from Asia under ZIM’s ZCP service, the Port of Charleston will play an integral role in bolstering the local economy and improving supply chain efficiency. Shippers across the region will benefit from improved access to international markets, and the introduction of additional capacity will help ease any bottlenecks in the supply chain.
This increased capacity also positions Charleston to compete more effectively with other East Coast ports, such as Savannah and Norfolk, which are also key players in U.S.-Asia trade. By offering an Asia-first call service, Charleston can draw more business to the region, boosting the local economy and supporting job creation in related industries such as logistics and transportation.
The reopening of Leatherman Terminal and the introduction of the ZCP service have already garnered positive attention from the maritime community, with many praising the move as a step toward creating a more fluid and efficient port market on the U.S. East Coast.
Conclusion
The reopening of South Carolina’s Leatherman Terminal marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. East Coast port market. With the introduction of ZIM’s ZCP service, shippers now have a more direct and efficient trade route connecting Asia with the U.S. Southeast. The added capacity provided by the terminal will not only help alleviate congestion but also position Charleston as a competitive hub for international trade.
As global supply chains evolve and the demand for efficient, high-capacity trade routes increases, SC Ports’ investment in Leatherman Terminal and partnerships with major carriers like ZIM, MSC, and Maersk are crucial steps toward ensuring the Port of Charleston remains a key player in global trade. With the potential for further expansion, Leatherman Terminal is set to play an essential role in shaping the future of sustainable and efficient port operations in the region.
The first arrival of the LNG-powered ZIM Mount Blanc in early October is just the beginning of what promises to be a new era of success for the Port of Charleston, bringing with it economic growth and increased global connectivity for the U.S. Southeast.
