Founded in 1942, the South Carolina State Ports Authority owns and operates public marine terminals at two port facilities: The Port of Charleston and the Port of Georgetown. These facilities are owner-operated terminals, meaning the SCSPA owns the terminals and operates them with its own staff. SPA staff works in all container cranes, run the container yard equipment, and operate gates at all terminals. The only exceptions are the licensed operators at the port, who license terminal space and operate their own yards and gates. SPA personnel do operate the dockside container cranes and the yard equipment for licensed operators.

The SCSPA is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Despite its status as a public agency dedicated to the economic development of the State of South Carolina, the SCSPA does not receive direct appropriations from the state for capital or operations expenses. Instead, the SCSPA operates like a private business, and funds its operations and investment efforts through its own revenue stream and ability to issue bonds.

Mission of the SCSPA

The mission of the South Carolina State Ports Authority is to contribute to the economic development of South Carolina by fostering and stimulating waterborne commerce and shipment of freight. In pursuit of this mission, the Authority seeks to develop and operate efficient marine terminals and attract high-quality ocean carrier services.