The SC Ports Authority reported a strong finish for the 2014 fiscal year on Monday with 8% container growth, an increase of 2% over projected plans.

For the total fiscal year period, July 2013 through June 2014, the SCPA moved 1,684,907 20-foot equivalent units. In June the SCPA handled 149,183 TEUs, up 19% from 125,257 TEUs handled the same period last year.

On the non-containerized cargo side, the SCPA handled 83,399 pier tons in June for a total of 763,230 pier tons during the fiscal year in Charleston, an increase of 3.6% over expectations.

Despite depth challenges at the Port of Georgetown, the terminal exceeded projected plans with 553,039 pier tons handled during the fiscal year, an increase of 11.8% year over year.

"Our above-market fiscal year growth again this year is testament to strong performance in our major business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "The implementation of our strategic plan is paying off, and the large capital investments committed to port infrastructure by the state of South Carolina and Ports Authority are yielding great dividends. Significant capital investment by major port users has also positively impacted volumes."

The authority said capital projects planned for fiscal year 2015 will support continued growth. Wando Welch Terminal will receive upgrades to accommodate increases in Post-Panamax vessel calls. Construction at the Navy Base Terminal and harbor deepening remain key strategic priorities for the SCPA over the next several years, as well as the opening of the South Carolina Department of Commerce's intermodal container transfer facility. The Inland Port in Greer is meeting volume and performance objectives, and will continue to be a vital component of SCPA growth, according to the authority.

The South Carolina Ports Authority owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually.