South Carolina Ports Authority announced that Charleston Harbor is now the deepest harbour on the East Coast at 52 feet (ft) allowing the biggest ships access to South Carolina Ports' terminals any time, and at any tide.
In a statement, SC Ports said this depth makes SC Ports more competitive, helping to attract new ship services, first-in-calls and more cargo to South Carolina.
The deepened harbour will also support South Carolina's economy and Southeast supply chains.
"It is a truly historical moment to be celebrating this monumental achievement. Charleston Harbor has been deepened to 52 feet," said Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and CEO.
"With the deepest harbour on the East Coast, we can efficiently work mega container ships at any tide. This investment will bring economic success to South Carolina for generations to come," she added.
South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District partnered on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.
The US$580 million infrastructure project was funded by state and federal funds.
Deepening work began in 2018, with US$300 million that the state set aside in 2012, followed by several infusions of federal funding. In 2019, Congress appropriated US$138 million for the project, funding it to completion.
The Army Corps awarded five dredging contracts — three to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Corp., one to Norfolk Dredging Co. and one to Marinex Construction Inc. — and the work was completed in four years.
Deepening began in the entrance channel and continued through the harbour up to SC Ports' three container terminals.
The entrance channel was deepened to 54 feet to seamlessly handle vessels coming and going to SC Ports.
A 52-foot depth was achieved in Charleston Harbor up to both Wando Welch Terminal and Leatherman Terminal, and a 48-foot depth was achieved between Leatherman Terminal and North Charleston Terminal.
Turning basins were also widened in front of Wando Welch Terminal and Leatherman Terminal, enabling ships to easily pass one another and turn around without restrictions.
With the deepening project complete, SC Ports can handle the record cargo volumes and mega container ships calling on the Port of Charleston today and in the future.
