[091011.EN.BIZ] Agri Containerisation: Bulk-to-Box Transloading Starts In Charleston

SAVANNAH's Jimco Group has opened a bulk-to-container transloading operation in South Carolina's Port of Charleston to meet rising demand for containerising agricultural and other bulk products.

Jimco also opened up a similar facility in the Port of Savannah in May, moving bulk to boxes. Like the Charleston facility, the operation is rail based, linked to the Norfolk Southern.

At Charleston, the rail-to-container transloading of agri-bulk, typically denser and heavier than import loads, can reduce costs, said the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) statement announcing the opening.

South Carolina Public Railways (SCPR) provides on-site switching and the facility is located on its property linked to Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines.

The new bulk-to-box facility is adjacent to the North Charleston Terminal at the South Carolina Public Railways' Remount Road facility. It will receive bulk commodities by rail or truck and convey it into containers for export.

Increased global consumption, particularly in Asia, is pushing commodity exports. Strong demand for empty containers in the US interior to serve growing exports is another factor driving the Charleston transloading operation, where there is an ample supply of empties for export.

Said Jimco founding president Jimmie Collins: "Our Charleston facility gives farmers, agricultural interests and other bulk cargo shippers a new, cost-effective way to get their products to overseas buyers through a productive, deep-water port."

Said SCPA vice president Paul McClintock: "We expect that exports will continue to increase, and Charleston is well-positioned to serve this growing business."

Said SCPR president Jeff McWhorter: "We are pleased to have Jimco operating at Public Railways, utilising the Port of Charleston, and supporting the economic viability of our state."

With the region's deepest channels, ocean carriers in Charleston can take on more and heavier export loads before sailing vessels at actual drafts up to 48 feet (14.6 metres).

Said the Georgia Ports Authority: "Jimco's operations will be attractive to the grain companies who ship commodities such as corn, soybean, cottonseed and dried distillers grain. In addition, a portion of the export wood pellet shipments may find an opportunity in their shipments being loaded into containers."

Source : HKSG, 04.10.11.