NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Ports Authority announced Thursday that it will temporarily pause cargo operations at the Leatherman Terminal later this summer, in a cost-saving move that will shift shipping activity to other Charleston-area facilities.
Port officials emphasized the decision is not a permanent shutdown. Instead, operations at the Leatherman Terminal will be consolidated into the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals. Port leaders said the terminal will remain maintained during the pause, with the intention of reopening when cargo demand supports operating all three terminals.
According to SC Ports, cargo that typically moves through Leatherman will be redirected primarily to the North Charleston Terminal, with additional capacity supported by Wando Welch. The Leatherman Terminal, which opened in April 2021, currently handles about 5.9% of the Port of Charleston’s container volume and receives five weekly ship calls from Mediterranean Shipping Company. Those shipments will now be rerouted. SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said the decision was driven by business retention and long-term competitiveness…