Boeing to Consolidate 787 Dreamliner Production in Charleston Area
Great news for Charleston! Following an in-depth feasibility study, Boeing has just announced that it will consolidate production of its 787 Dreamliner jets on its North Charleston site in order to improve operational efficiency, recovery and long-term growth in the face of the market downturn brought about by the impact of COVID-19. It aims to do so starting by mid-2021. Its' Everett, Washington site will maintain its focus on producing the 737, 747, 767 and 777 airplanes. Boeing will continue to assess potential impacts to employment in Everett and North Charleston and will communicate any changes directly to its employees. Read more here.
Folly Beach Pier to Be Replaced
The Folly Beach Pier, a Lowcountry landmark and destination for fishing, dancing and ocean views that opened in 1995, is deteriorating as it reaches the end of its useful life and will soon be replaced. It will close to the public on October 19th to permit the construction of a new pier expected to be completed by Spring 2023. The new pier will continue to host the same activities and facilities, including public restrooms, retail facilities, benches and a shade structure over the pier head. This work will be undertaken by Cape Romain Contractors and will begin in November after turtle nesting season concludes on Folly Beach. It will take place in stages so that the new apron area, along with the restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms can reopen in Spring 2021. Beach access will be affected during the loading of equipment and material onto the pier and pier parking will be impacted during the construction period. Pieces of the old pilings will be available for purchase from Charleston County Parks at a later date to benefit the Charleston County Parks Foundation. Read more here.
Recent Visit by the Largest Container Ship to Ever Visit the U.S. East Coast
Did you happen to notice the new CMA CGM Brazil ship enter Charleston Harbor on September 20th or while it was moored at the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant late last month? As the largest ship to ever visit the US East Coast, it was certainly hard to miss! To help put it in perspective, its 1,200 feet of length are equivalent to four football fields and longer than two Washington Monuments or eight Statues of Liberty. It traveled here from Malaysia via the Suez Canal in Egypt, transporting general department store and retail goods as well as hardware, tools and more. Not to worry if you missed it, as it will be returning to Charleston in a couple of months. We can also expect to see more such ships in the future given their efficiencies and as our Port's ever-improving infrastructure can accommodate them. Read more here.