en.Wedoany.com Reported - The South Carolina Ports Authority recently disclosed plans to expand its rail roll-on/roll-off operations at the North Charleston Terminal, aiming to provide stronger support for the local automotive industry. The Ports Authority Board has approved the design contract for the project, which will enable more freight companies to transport greater volumes of cargo through the Port of Charleston.

Demolition work on a former paper mill site adjacent to the terminal, acquired by the port in 2024, is set to begin this summer. Site preparation for the terminal's ro-ro facility is scheduled to commence in 2027, with completion expected in 2028. Currently, breakbulk and ro-ro operations are handled at the Columbus Street Terminal, which processes over 250,000 vehicles annually through the Port of Charleston.

Port officials stated that the new plan will create greater throughput capacity for the terminal to accommodate more waterborne trade. Micah Mallace, President and CEO of the Ports Authority, said: "We are committed to growth and will utilize every inch of land to welcome new cargo opportunities for Charleston."

The expansion includes rail facility upgrades and ro-ro capacity building. Rail operations are managed by partner Palmetto Railways, which provides intermodal connections with CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. Patrick McCrory, President and CEO of Palmetto Railways, noted that the rail service expansion plan for the North Charleston Terminal leverages the existing robust rail infrastructure to enhance handling capacity for future freight growth.

He said: "We will continue to collaborate seamlessly to enhance service for our mutual customers of the ro-ro operations at the North Charleston Terminal, while also exploring future growth opportunities together at the Columbus Street Terminal." The expansion project is expected to further strengthen South Carolina's pivotal position in the automotive supply chain.

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