The engineering firm of Moffat & Nichol said it could be 15 years before it made sense to construct the new port in Jasper County, SC.   In their recent report, the company cited slowing demand and increasing capacities at existing facilities as reasons for the delays.  In addition, M&N estimated that the permitting phase could take in excess of 12 years.

The Jasper Port, which would be operated by a joint Georgia and South Carolina port authority is in a unique position.  Lawmakers want the port up and operational as soon as possible.  They believe that it will be a huge economic driver for the region.  With the slowing in consumer spending and the resultant reduction in TEU volume, the individual states are concerned about cannibalizing business from Charleston and Savannah ports (both of which are increasing capacities).  Although, with a 12 year permitting process, demand will have certainly picked up by 2020.