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SC Ports Awards $720K Design Contract for North Charleston Vehicle Terminal Expansion

SC Ports Authority initiates a redevelopment plan to shift vehicle export operations to a 280-acre North Charleston site, supported by a $720,000 design contract for rail and cargo yard upgrades.

By Colin Percy · May 15, 2026

The South Carolina State Ports Authority is moving forward with plans to relocate vehicle export operations from the flood-prone Columbus Street Terminal in downtown Charleston to the former WestRock paper mill site in North Charleston. The authority, which acquired the 280-acre property for $105 million, has awarded a $720,000 design contract for critical rail and cargo yard improvements. These infrastructure upgrades are intended to facilitate the transport of vehicles—including those manufactured by BMW—via rail services provided by Palmetto Railways, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Corp.

Demolition of the defunct paper mill is scheduled to begin this summer, with the project slated to reach operational status by 2028. This move aims to mitigate significant flood risks that have previously damaged cargo at the Columbus Street Terminal while freeing up space at the downtown hub for increased breakbulk cargo capacity. Longer-term expansion of the North Charleston site to handle container cargo remains under consideration, contingent upon future infrastructure projects including the replacement of the Don Holt Bridge.

Companies mentioned

tenant

Volvo Cars

developer

SC State Ports Authority

other

CSX Transportation

other

Norfolk Southern Railroad

other

Palmetto Railways

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