South Carolina Ports Authority has announced that in the fiscal year to date, starting in July, container throughput rose 5.4 per cent year on year to stand at 1,029,450 TEU.

In December alone, Charleston container volumes grew 14 per cent compared to the same month the previous year to 164,480 TEU, a statement from port authorities said.

As measured in pier containers, or total box volume, SCPA handled 92,956 boxes in December, up 12.8 per cent year on year. Over the fiscal year to date pier container volume increased by 5.4 per cent, with 580,880 boxes moved at the north Charleston and Wando Welch container terminals.

Port of Charleston handled 61,377 pier tons in December, pushing fiscal year to date volume to 422,120 pier tons moved across SCPA docks.

"The port is experiencing an all-time high container volume, with loaded imports and exports achieving over seven per cent growth," said SCPA president and CEO, Jim Newsome.

"Looking ahead to the second half of our 2017 fiscal year, we remain cautiously optimistic as we continue to prepare for the deployment of 14,000 TEU ships and improve our existing infrastructure.

"We are also excited about the development plans for the new inland port Dillon and the efficiency and flexibility benefits the project will bring to shippers in that area."

Rail moves at inland port Greer continued to be strong, with 9,180 moves last month. With 54,072 rail lifts since July, the facility's rail volume is up 28 per cent year on year.