South Carolina Ports and ILA Reach Agreement to Reopen Leatherman Terminal

SC Ports and the International Longshoremen’s Association have reached an agreement to reopen the Leatherman Terminal, aiming to provide long-term stability and competitiveness for the Port of Charleston.

A unanimous vote of approval from the SC Ports Board of Directors solidified the agreement.

In a joint statement, SC Ports and the ILA confirmed, “After productive and collaborative conversations, we have mutually developed and agreed to the framework for an operating agreement. This will create long-term stability and competitiveness for the Port of Charleston while providing an enhanced product.”

“SC Ports and ILA are ready to welcome our USMX partners at the Leatherman Terminal for many years to come without hesitation as all obstacles to operations have been removed,” the statement added.

South Carolina Ports opened the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in 2021, marking the first container terminal to open in the United States since 2009. However, since its opening SC Ports and the ILA have been locked in a long legal battle over the employment model at the terminal, impacting its operations.

Phase One of the terminal development, coming at a cost of $1 billion, adds 700,000 TEUs of annual throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston, with 1,400-feet of berth space and five ship-to-shore cranes tall enough to handle the biggest ships calling on the East Coast. Upon full buildout, Leatherman Terminal will boast three berths and 286 acres, adding 2.4 million TEUs of annual throughput capacity, effectively doubling the port’s current capacity.

A SC Ports spokesperson said, “The reopening provides more fluidity and reliability for U.S. supply chains and the U.S. East Coast port market. The Southeast market is booming, and we’re investing in our infrastructure to handle that growth. This is much-needed and timely capacity for the Southeast.”

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up