SC ports Authority Takes Preventive Measures to Safeguard BMW Exports

Major Proactive Steps Undertaken

The S.C. State Ports Authority (SPA), in its proactive attempts to secure BMW exports, is investing significantly in the construction and enhancement of storage and drainage facilities. This comes in the wake of instances of severe water damage experienced at SPA’s Union Pier Terminal late last year due to excessive rainstorms and high tides. Built on the waterfront, both the Columbus Street Terminal and the Union Pier Terminal are low-lying sites located beside the Cooper River, making them vulnerable to flooding.

As a remediation measure, the SPA has approved an expenditure of nearly $2 million to pave an 18-acre lot at the Leatherman Terminal, located in North Charleston. Intended to serve as a backup storage location for BMW cars during heavy rainstorms, this new site will safeguard these exports from damage.

Quick Completion and Enhanced Capacity

Walter Lagarenne, the S.C. Ports Authority’s Vice President of Engineering and Facilities, emphasized that the project needs to reach completion urgently. The target for completion has been set for the end of May this year.

A study conducted by the University of Tennessee predicts a capacity of holding between 2,700-2,900 vehicles, based on the configuration of the designated 18-acre lot.

State of the Art Prevention Measures

In addition to paving the new storage area, the SPA is also installing tide valves, aqua dams, and pumps to prevent waterlogging at the Columbus Street Terminal’s parking area. The Authority has also conducted a site survey to understand the areas with the highest potential of flooding, and has subsequently marked them with paint to avoid car storage at those spots.

AquaDams, in particular, are removable, temporary barriers designed to control or divert water, which help in preventing water from reaching the vehicles stored at the terminal.

Protecting Investments

“The State has invested a great deal in the automotive sector, and automakers have invested significantly in growing operations here,” said Barbara Melvin, the SPA’s President and CEO. She also stressed on the importance of proactive investment in port infrastructure in order to support customers’ global supply chains, in her official statement.

According to a statement released by BMW, the German automaker shares a strong relationship with the SPA and hopes to continue working collectively to tackle adverse weather events.