South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Navy Base Intermodal Facility.
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility, located approximately one mile from the Leatherman Terminal, will provide near-dock rail to the Port of Charleston. It also will enhance SC Ports’ successful, rail-served Inland Ports in Greer and Dillon.
“This resolves the last remaining competitive disadvantage we have as a major East Coast container port,” Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and CEO, said. “This critical infrastructure project will greatly enhance SC Ports’ capacity, allowing imports and exports to swiftly move between the hinterland and the Port of Charleston.”
During phase one, nearly 80,000 feet of rail track will be built with a capacity of 1 million rail lifts.
CSX and Norfolk Southern, in partnership with Palmetto Railways, will use the rail yard.
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility is expected to open in July 2025.
SC Ports’ inner-harbor barge will move containers between Wando Welch Terminal and Leatherman Terminal via a designated marine highway.
The projects complement the more than $2 billion SC Ports has invested in its infrastructure and operations.
South Carolina Ports Authority owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown, and Greer.