Groseclose resigns as S.C. ports chief

Bernard S. Groseclose Jr. abruptly resigned Tuesday as president of the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

   The state body said board member John F. Hassell will immediately take over as interim president while the board conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

   A statement gave no reason for his departure and spokesman Byron Miller declined to provide any details.

   Maersk Line, the port's largest customer, announced it will gradually shift vessel calls to other ports during the next two years until its lease expires at the end of 2010, at which point it will hand back control of its dedicated terminal in Charleston. Maersk, citing the high cost of unionized labor at the port, said it would quickly begin phasing out about 25 percent of its port calls in the first quarter of 2009.

   Groseclose has been under fire from state politicians as Charleston has lost market share to other East Coast ports in recent years. He has also been criticized for not utilizing private partnerships to expand port capacity.

   Hassell has taken an leave of absence from the Maritime Association of South Carolina, which he has served as president for 15 years. He also worked for the port authority from 1980 to 1986.

   The people of South Carolina owe Bernie Groseclose a debt of gratitude for his service to one of our state’s most important economic development engines, Port Authority Chairman David Posek said. During his tenure, the port system became one of the most effective and efficient ports authorities in the world. He has led the authority through some very turbulent times over the years and the board wishes him the best.

   Groseclose joined the SCSPA in 1985 as manager of business analysis and later served as director of planning and development. The SCSPA board unanimously selected him as president and CEO in mid-1996. He is a former chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities.

   Posek said the search committee will seek input on a new director from constituencies at the local and state level.

Source: American Shipper