Charleston, SC, January 27, 2026
The official opening of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center in North Charleston marks a significant milestone, enhancing the area’s role as a vital East Coast trade gateway. Developed by Capital Development Partners, this $250 million investment promises accelerated economic growth and job creation, benefiting both local businesses and global distributors. The center’s strategic location adjacent to the SC Ports Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal supports optimal logistics capabilities for import and export customers, making it crucial for regional prosperity.
Charleston, SC
Charleston’s Logistics Boom: New Center Fuels Economic Engine
The Lowcountry solidifies its position as a vital East Coast trade gateway with the official opening of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center by Capital Development Partners, a significant private investment that promises to accelerate economic growth and foster a thriving business environment in Charleston County.
Charleston’s economic landscape continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and a spirit of entrepreneurial innovation. The recent unveiling of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, a sprawling 135-acre development, stands as a testament to the power of private investment and strategic vision in driving regional prosperity. Spearheaded by Capital Development Partners, a national developer with a focused approach on U.S. port markets, this project underscores a commitment to enhancing the logistical backbone of the Southeast, benefiting businesses from small local enterprises to large global distributors. Such investments highlight how a favorable business climate, characterized by a willingness to embrace ambitious projects, can translate into tangible economic benefits, including job creation and strengthened supply chains.
The foresight and determination of developers like Capital Development Partners are key components of Charleston’s sustained economic growth. By committing substantial capital to state-of-the-art infrastructure, they are not only creating physical assets but also laying the groundwork for future generations of South Carolina entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. This initiative perfectly aligns with the ethos of fostering an environment where innovation can flourish, and where the logistical efficiencies gained can translate into lower costs for consumers and greater competitiveness for businesses operating within the region.
Shipyard Creek Logistics Center: A New Chapter in Port Efficiency
The Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, developed by Capital Development Partners, represents a substantial investment in South Carolina’s infrastructure, with a total project investment anticipated to exceed $250 million. The initial phase alone accounts for $175 million. Located in North Charleston, directly adjacent to the SC Ports Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal, the center is strategically positioned for optimal port-driven logistics and regional distribution. The comprehensive 135-acre site is designed to serve import and export customers with high-speed port logistics capabilities.
The first phase of the center, a 160,250-square-foot Class A transload facility on 42 acres, was completed in October 2024 and became operational in the fall of 2024. This facility is equipped with 153 dock doors and 724 trailer parking spaces, further boasting on-site storage that can accommodate up to five stacked shipping containers. Furthermore, Capital Development Partners is developing a second phase: a 259,200-square-foot, 27-acre cross-dock facility and U.S. government inspection warehouse. This facility is slated for delivery in the fall of 2025.
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution Establishes Key South Carolina Presence
Reinforcing the significance of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, a leading temperature-controlled logistics provider with over 70 years of experience, has chosen Charleston County for its first South Carolina operation. This strategic expansion involves a $14.5 million investment and is projected to create 52 new jobs within the community.
Their new facility, part of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center at 2015 Tellico Road in North Charleston, is located 1.5 miles from the entrance of the SC Ports Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal. This state-of-the-art operation comprises 259,000 square feet of warehousing space across 17.6 acres, complemented by an additional nine acres for parking and storing 350 trailers and containers. The facility is specifically designed for public refrigerated warehousing solutions and will also serve as a base for Safeway Trucking operations, further diversifying the logistical services available in the Lowcountry. Operations are expected to commence in the summer of 2025.
Unlocking Efficiency: Strategic Connectivity and Infrastructure
The appeal of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center lies in its unparalleled connectivity, which streamlines supply chain operations and boosts competitiveness for Charleston SC business. The center offers direct access to the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal via I-26, placing it at a prime nexus of transportation networks. Its strategic location is further highlighted by its proximity to major interstates: just 1.8 miles from I-26 and 6.6 miles from I-526. Furthermore, it is ideally situated near key port terminals, including 0.5 miles from the Leatherman Terminal, 6 miles from the North Charleston Terminal, and 13 miles from the Wando Welch Terminal.
Beyond road access, the center features a massive dual rail facility and will benefit from the upcoming SC Ports Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which will be serviced by both Norfolk Southern and CSX. This robust multi-modal infrastructure supports high-velocity container movement, allowing for a significant volume of fast imports and exports at a lower cost for U.S. consumers. Such advanced logistical capabilities are essential for fostering Lowcountry economic growth and providing a competitive advantage for global shippers, third-party logistics providers, and advanced manufacturers.
Economic Ripple Effect for the Lowcountry
The strategic expansion and development witnessed at the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center have a profound ripple effect across the Charleston County economy and beyond. The Port of Charleston is recognized as an economic engine, contributing nearly $87 billion to the state’s economy annually and supporting 260,000 jobs statewide. For Charleston County specifically, the Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) department has facilitated over $6.9 billion in capital investment and approximately 39,000 new, direct jobs over the past three decades. CCED-affiliated activities alone support an annual economic impact of $18.2 billion in Charleston County.
South Carolina continues to enhance its logistical prowess, with capital investments totaling $2.1 billion from transportation, distribution, and logistics-related firms between 2017 and 2023. The deepening of the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet, making it the deepest shipping channel in the Southeast, further solidifies Charleston’s role as a critical gateway for trade and a “first-in/last-out” port. These infrastructure improvements, coupled with private sector investments like the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, create an environment ripe for South Carolina entrepreneurs and small businesses, promoting job creation and sustained prosperity for the entire state.
Conclusion
The official opening and continued development of the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, anchored by the significant presence of East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, marks a pivotal moment for Charleston County economy. This substantial private investment by Capital Development Partners, combined with East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s commitment, not only expands critical infrastructure but also directly contributes to job creation and strengthens the region’s position as a leading hub for global trade. It exemplifies how entrepreneurial drive and strategic private-sector engagement can lead to robust economic growth and improved efficiencies that benefit the wider community. As these facilities become fully operational, their impact will undoubtedly be felt throughout the Lowcountry, fostering a dynamic and competitive environment for Charleston small business and large enterprises alike. We encourage our readers to recognize the importance of such ventures in shaping our collective economic future and to support the businesses that call Charleston home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center?
- The Shipyard Creek Logistics Center is a premier Class A industrial development in North Charleston, South Carolina, developed by Capital Development Partners. It is designed for port-driven logistics and regional distribution.
- What is the total investment in the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center?
- The total project investment for the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center is expected to exceed $250 million, with an initial investment of $175 million for the first phase.
- What are the key facilities within the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center?
- The center includes a 160,250-square-foot transload facility on 42 acres, which became operational in Fall 2024. Capital Development Partners is also developing a 259,200-square-foot cross-dock facility and U.S. government inspection warehouse slated for delivery in Fall 2025.
- What is East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s role at the center?
- East Coast Warehouse & Distribution has established its first South Carolina operation within the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center. This includes a $14.5 million investment to create a 259,000-square-foot temperature-controlled warehousing facility dedicated to public refrigerated solutions, creating 52 new jobs.
- When will East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s operations begin?
- Operations for East Coast Warehouse & Distribution at the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center are expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
- How does the Shipyard Creek Logistics Center contribute to the Charleston County economy?
- The center enhances Charleston County’s logistical capabilities, supporting job creation and contributing to the county’s annual economic impact. The Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) department has facilitated over $6.9 billion in capital investment and approximately 39,000 new, direct jobs over 30 years, with CCED-affiliated activities supporting an annual economic impact of $18.2 billion in Charleston County.
Key Features of Shipyard Creek Logistics Center & East Coast Warehouse Facility
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Capital Development Partners | National |
| Location | North Charleston, SC, adjacent to SC Ports Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal | Local |
| Total Project Investment (Shipyard Creek Logistics Center) | Over $250 million | Local |
| Phase 1 Transload Facility Size | 160,250 square feet on 42 acres | Local |
| Phase 1 Completion | Fall 2024 | Local |
| Phase 2 Cross-Dock Facility Size | 259,200 square feet on 27 acres | Local |
| Phase 2 Delivery | Fall 2025 | Local |
| East Coast Warehouse & Distribution Investment | $14.5 million | Local |
| East Coast Warehouse & Distribution Job Creation | 52 new jobs | Local |
| East Coast Warehouse & Distribution Facility Size | 259,000 square feet on 17.6 acres (temperature-controlled) | Local |
| East Coast Warehouse & Distribution Operations Start | Summer 2025 | Local |
| Port Access | Direct access to Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal via I-26; Proximity to other major terminals | Local |
| Rail Access | Massive dual rail facility; access to upcoming SC Ports Navy Base Intermodal Facility | Local |
| State-level Economic Impact (SC Ports) | Nearly $87 billion annually; supports 260,000 jobs statewide | State-level |
| County-level Capital Investment (CCED) | Over $6.9 billion (over 30 years) | County-level |
| County-level Job Creation (CCED) | Approx. 39,000 new, direct jobs (over 30 years) | County-level |
| Deepest Shipping Channel | Charleston Harbor at 52 feet (Southeast) | Regional |
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