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Subject:SOUTH CAROLINA DAILY PORT UPDATE
Date:Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Priority:Normal
Notice:
URGENT INFORMATION - NONE

PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
------------------------
Maximum Depths - (Fresh)
Harbor Entrance - 47.0 ft
Main Channel - 45.0 ft

BERTH LIMITS/INFORMATION:
-------------------------
Current maximum drafts allowed at berths:

Amerada Hess - Max draft of 40'00
Kinder Morgan - berth 1 - 40'00
Kinder Morgan - berth 2 - 40'00
Kinder Morgan - berth 3 - TBA
Kinder Morgan - berth 4 - Max draft 39'00, tide needed for anything
deeper than 36'00
BP - Max draft 32'6" Low water / Salt
Wando Terminal - Max draft 46'00 - Max BM 187'00
North Charleston Terminal - Max 42'00 - Max BM 187'00
CST - Max draft 47'00 - Max BM 187'00
Nucor - Max draft 25'00 (movements daylight & tidal restricted), Max LOA
450', Max Beam 52'

Per pilots - restrictions for Tanker movements:
Drafts of 36'00 or less may transit at anytime Drafts of 36'01 to 40'00 -
window: Start in 1 Hour before low water until 2 hours before high water
Drafts of 40'01 to 41'00 - window: start in 2 hours after low water until
2 hours before high water
Drafts of 41'01 to 42'00 - window: start in 3 hours after low water until
3 hours before high water

VESSEL TRAFFIC:
---------------------------------------------

HESS - TOWER BRIDGE - IN 1200/16TH ETD 1700/17TH

=============================================
FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL FILING REQUIREMENTS:
---------------------------------------------
96 Hours - advance notice of arrival required by USCG

48 Hours - advance receipt of crew list by Immigration for any vessel
arriving from a foreign port, or arriving coast wise with detained crew.

24 Hours (minimum) - Foreign cargo must have manifest submitted to
Customs & Border Patrol AMS. Bond must be filed for Foreign flag vessels
or U.S.
flag arriving with foreign cargo aboard.

24 Hours - advance notice to Pilots

24 Hours - advance fax of crew list and approved visitors required by
Terminal.

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL - as of 11/15 - Mandatory Right Whale reporting by all
vessels - for information - www.nmfs.noaa/pr/shipstrike.com

72 Hours - post port call, the Port Authority requires bill of lading
figures for all bulk cargo.

Port Security - All persons doing business within Port Authority property
must have security pass from SCPA. All persons wanting unescorted access
to any vessel must have a valid TWIC.

=========================================

NEWS ARTICLES:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2008



Charleston Terminal Advances, Port Expansion Buoys Local Economy



Charleston, SC – With another $13 million in new security improvements,
the S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is pumping more than $60 million
into the local economy through recent construction projects and is
preparing to bid another $60-million project.



At its monthly Board meeting today, the SCSPA Board awarded two contracts
to area businesses totaling $13 million. This brings the total to more
than $60 million in recently awarded construction projects to companies
in the region. The work covers paving projects, demolition work and site
preparation.



“This is great news for the local economy,” said Bernard S. Groseclose
Jr., president & CEO of the SCSPA. “We continue to evaluate our capital
projects, but these projects are certainly a bright spot in the local
market – they’re putting people to work.”



In addition, the SCSPA today announced that a major project associated
with the construction of the new Navy Base terminal is coming down the
pike.



In early February, the SCSPA will go out for bids on a multi-million
contract for the construction of a 5,000-foot-long containment structure
out to the main shipping channel. The containment structure will be built
in preparation for the placement of fill material in the tideland area of
the new terminal.



Construction of the containment wall is expected to begin in the summer
of 2009 and take 15 months to complete. The project is an essential next
step to ensure that the terminal’s first phase stays on schedule for a
November 2014 completion.



“We’ll be ready when the tide turns,” Groseclose said. “The opening of
the new terminal directly coincides with the opening of the Panama
Canal’s expanded locks. Charleston has the deepest water on the Southeast
coast and is uniquely positioned to handle the larger ships associated
with the new locks.”



Today, the SCSPA awarded an $11.9-million contract for security
infrastructure to Gulf Stream and a $1.6-million project to I-Sys for
security video systems. Both companies are located in North Charleston.



For more information:

Byron D. Miller

Director, Public Relations

843-577-8197

www.scspa.com



###

============================================

SPA volume down; construction projects up
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
By Molly Parker
SCBIZ Daily Staff

CHARLESTON -- The strengthening U.S. dollar is dragging down exports at
the Port of Charleston, and tight-pocketed consumers aren’t doing
anything to increase imports.

Between July and November, container volume at the Port of Charleston was
down 4.4% compared with the same time last year. The port handled 683,650
20-foot-long containers during the first five months of the fiscal year.

Last month, the port handled 123,231 containers, an almost 13% decline
from November 2007’s 141,573 TEUs.

“Nobody could have predicted what happened in the last month and what may
continue to happen in the coming months,” Fred Stribling, the S.C. State
Ports Authority’s vice president of marketing and sales, said in his
monthly report to the SPA’s board.

In total, imports are down by about 14,000 containers, and exports are
down 17,000 containers compared with last year. Earlier this year,
exports helped steady the port’s business as the weak dollar increased
demand for U.S. items overseas.

The top items imported into Charleston are tied to the housing and auto
industries, so the decline comes as no big surprise. Those things, in
order, are furniture, auto parts, miscellaneous items and housing-related
wares such as curtains, drapes, linens and sheets. The top exports are
paper, wood pulp, textiles and auto parts.

Charleston’s woes are not unique, Stribling said. Other ports across the
nation are seeing similar, if not more severe, volume declines. And it
might get worse.

“Some carriers are looking at whether there’s enough demand to keep
making calls throughout the winter,” Stribling said.

In October, the port reported an unusual uptick in business but warned
that was not likely to become a trend. The year-to-year increase was
attributed, in part, to storms that might have diverted some ships from
other ports into the Port of Charleston, as well as to extended weekend
activity in October 2008.

Despite the falling volume, revenues remained flat for the fiscal year
compared with last year. A diversified business model, a steady volume of
break bulk cargo and yearly contract increases with shipping lines are
helping keep the port’s budget ahead of projections. Operating earnings
were $2.5 million ahead of plan as of November.

Also Tuesday, the port issued $13 million in new contracts. Two local
firms won bids to build a security system at the Wando Welch Terminal.
Gulf Stream in Hanahan was awarded an $11.8 million contract to build the
infrastructure, and i-Sys in North Charleston was awarded a $1.5 million
contract to install the technology.

With those two in the mix, the SPA has more than $60 million in total
construction projects under way in the Lowcountry. It expects to award
another $60 million contract soon.

The SPA said a major project associated with the construction of the
terminal on the former Navy base will be bid out in February. The
multimillion-dollar contract will be for the construction of a 5,000-foot-
long containment structure out of the main shipping channel. The
containment structure will be built in preparation for the placement of
fill material in the tideland area of the new terminal.

==================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2008



Port Charleston Cuts Rates with “Mid-Winter Rate Roll-Back”



Charleston, SC – The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is
instituting an across-the-board rate discount in the Port of Charleston
to provide near-term relief to customers impacted by the current global
economic situation.



From January 1 through March 31, the SCSPA’s “Mid-Winter Rate Roll-Back”
will reduce contract unit fees for container carrier customers by 5
percent.



“Our carrier customers are facing some very challenging market
conditions,” said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the
SCSPA. “We heard from them and we’re responding. This sends a clear
signal that we are serious about their business today and in the future.”



The SCSPA’s action is aimed at maintaining the viability of current
service levels from its carrier clients, avoiding cuts that would
negatively affect the local maritime industry and jobs statewide.



“We understand the pressures our clients have, and this rate roll-back
will make our Charleston operation even more affordable at a time when
our customers could use a break,” said Groseclose. “The entire
Charleston maritime community is committed to keeping existing business
while bringing in new accounts. One way to show our commitment is to
provide some relief and reduce rates.”



Additionally, this rate reduction will be attractive to those customers
who may wish to concentrate business in Charleston.



Through the first five months of the current fiscal year (July-November),
Charleston’s container business was off 4 percent from the same period
last year.



For more information:

Byron D. Miller

Director, Public Relations

S.C. State Ports Authority

843-577-8197

www.scspa.com

==================================================

SPA awards security contracts

Work includes fencing, lighting and software for 'intelligent video
surveillance'
By Allyson Bird (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, December 17, 2008


In keeping with post-Sept. 11 maritime security regulations, the State
Ports Authority board on Tuesday awarded two contracts for a multimillion-
dollar security enhancement project at the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount
Pleasant.

Gulfstream Construction Co. of North Charleston will handle the
infrastructure portion of the project, which includes lighting, fencing
and wiring, at a cost of nearly $11.9 million.

The SPA received more than $3 million in federal grant money for the
project.

Charleston-based i-Sys Corp. will provide software for "intelligent video
surveillance" that can zero in on potential threats or concerns. The SPA
will pay i-Sys nearly $1.6 million, including $700,000 in federal funding.

Though the combined projects will come in below estimated cost, the
contract with i-Sys came in about $200,000 more than anticipated. Some
lower-bidding companies were disqualified from the bidding process
because they did not complete the entire application, according to Joe
Bryant, vice president of terminal development.

Bryant warned board members that some of the low bidders might protest
the decision to award the job to i-Sys.

The board also discussed similar security enhancements for its Columbus
Street, Union Pier and Georgetown terminals at an estimated cost of $16
million.

In other business, the SPA reported that its revenues were even with last
year for the July through November period, at $63.7 million.

But 10 fewer ships came to call during that time. And 13 percent fewer 20-
foot cargo containers came through the Port of Charleston last month,
when compared with November 2007.

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.


==================================================

CURRENT ISSUES:
12/16 - 1700 - Charlseston City Council Meeting

FUTURE/ONGOING ISSUES:
01/07 - 0815 - Maritime Association Board Meeting
01/08 - 1700 - SAVANNAH PROPELLOR CLUB DINNER
01/13 - 1145 - CWIT LUNCHEON MEETING
01/13 - 1700 - Commissioners of Pilots meeting
01/16 - 1000 - SCSPA Board Meeting
01/22 - 0815 - Maritime Association NAV OPS Meeting
01/25-27 - GA FOREIGN TRADE CONVENTION
02/06 - Maritime Association Banquet
2014 - ETA FOR NEW CHARLESTON PORT TERMINAL TO BE COMPLETED

-----------------------------------------------

HURRICANE ALERT - 5 - OUT OF SEASON
SEAPORT SECURITY ALERT CURRENTLY AT YELLOW/ELEVEATED - MARSEC 1

============================================

Tides for Charleston (Customhouse Wharf) starting with October 6, 2008.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible

W 17 Low 5:16 AM -0.2 7:16 AM Set 11:16 AM 76
17 High 11:37 AM 5.9 5:16 PM Rise 11:05 PM
17 Low 5:57 PM 0.0

Th 18 High 12:14 AM 5.2 7:17 AM Set 11:45 AM 66
18 Low 6:15 AM 0.1 5:16 PM
18 High 12:31 PM 5.5
18 Low 6:51 PM 0.1

F 19 High 1:14 AM 5.2 7:17 AM Rise 12:07 AM 55
19 Low 7:17 AM 0.4 5:17 PM Set 12:13 PM
19 High 1:25 PM 5.1
19 Low 7:45 PM 0.2

Sa 20 High 2:13 AM 5.2 7:18 AM Rise 1:07 AM 45
20 Low 8:20 AM 0.6 5:17 PM Set 12:41 PM
20 High 2:19 PM 4.8
20 Low 8:38 PM 0.3

Su 21 High 3:10 AM 5.3 7:18 AM Rise 2:06 AM 35
21 Low 9:21 AM 0.7 5:18 PM Set 1:10 PM
21 High 3:13 PM 4.6
21 Low 9:30 PM 0.3

M 22 High 4:03 AM 5.4 7:19 AM Rise 3:04 AM 26
22 Low 10:17 AM 0.6 5:18 PM Set 1:42 PM
22 High 4:04 PM 4.5
22 Low 10:20 PM 0.3

Tu 23 High 4:53 AM 5.5 7:19 AM Rise 4:03 AM 18
23 Low 11:09 AM 0.5 5:19 PM Set 2:17 PM
23 High 4:54 PM 4.5
23 Low 11:07 PM 0.3

W 24 High 5:40 AM 5.6 7:20 AM Rise 5:00 AM 11
24 Low 11:56 AM 0.4 5:20 PM Set 2:58 PM
24 High 5:41 PM 4.5
24 Low 11:51 PM 0.2

Th 25 High 6:23 AM 5.7 7:20 AM Rise 5:56 AM 6
25 Low 12:40 PM 0.3 5:20 PM Set 3:44 PM
25 High 6:25 PM 4.6

F 26 Low 12:33 AM 0.1 7:21 AM Rise 6:49 AM 2
26 High 7:05 AM 5.7 5:21 PM Set 4:35 PM
26 Low 1:21 PM 0.3
26 High 7:07 PM 4.6

Sa 27 Low 1:13 AM 0.1 7:21 AM Rise 7:36 AM 0
27 High 7:45 AM 5.7 5:21 PM Set 5:30 PM
27 Low 2:00 PM 0.3
27 High 7:47 PM 4.6

Su 28 Low 1:50 AM 0.1 7:21 AM Rise 8:18 AM 0
28 High 8:23 AM 5.7 5:22 PM Set 6:27 PM
28 Low 2:37 PM 0.3
28 High 8:25 PM 4.6

M 29 Low 2:27 AM 0.1 7:21 AM Rise 8:55 AM 1
29 High 8:59 AM 5.6 5:23 PM Set 7:25 PM
29 Low 3:13 PM 0.3
29 High 9:01 PM 4.6

Tu 30 Low 3:03 AM 0.2 7:22 AM Rise 9:28 AM 5
30 High 9:32 AM 5.5 5:23 PM Set 8:23 PM
30 Low 3:49 PM 0.3
30 High 9:36 PM 4.6

===========================================

MARINE WEATHER FORECAST:

THIS AFTERNOON
SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 4 FT. AREAS OF DENSE
FOG.

TONIGHT
SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 3 FT. AREAS OF DENSE FOG WITH VSBY
1/2 NM OR LESS.

THU
W WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 3 FT. AREAS OF DENSE FOG IN THE
MORNING WITH VSBY 1/2 NM OR LESS.

THU NIGHT
SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 3 FT.

FRI
SW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 3 FT.

FRI NIGHT
W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 3 FT.

SAT
SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT...INCREASING TO 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 3 TO
4 FT...SUBSIDING TO 2 TO 3 FT. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN
SW WINDS 15 TO 20 KT. SEAS 3 TO 4 FT...BUILDING TO 4 TO 5
FT. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

$$
Notice posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Disclaimer
For quality assurance purposes please note well that while the above information is regularly vetted for accuracy it is not intended to replace the local knowledge or expertise pertaining to port conditions of our marine operations personnel. Port précis should always be verified by contacting the corresponding marine department of a particular location for the most up-to-date information.