The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) will be spending up to a total of $17.3 million on two contracts with Zebra Enterprise Solutions (Zebra) in order to improve operations at the ports of Charleston and Georgetown.

The first contract, worth up to $8.35 million, will see the implementation of Zebra's web-based Navis SPARCS N4 terminal operating system to replace SCSPA's existing terminal operating system.

Meanwhile, the second contract valued at up to $8.95 million will cater for the hardware, licenses and other projects related to the implementation.

"Improving cargo visibility, accuracy and productivity will benefit companies choosing the Port of Charleston and Georgetown," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of SCSPA.

"Charleston has a global reputation for productivity and the deepest channels in the Southeast, routinely handling big ships up to 48 feet in draft. This will enhance South Carolina's position as the preferred place to do business."

According to SCSPA, the new SPARCS N4 terminal operating system offers users improved customer support, lower operating costs and increased utilisation.

In addition, the terminal operating system allow operators to control port operations from a central location across multiple sites.

Implementation of the new system will begin in February 2011, with the involvement of the local maritime transportation industry, SCSPA says.