In a bid to accommodate larger containerships, South Carolina Ports has announced a plan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to investigate dredging additional depth at North Charleston Terminal, which is currently maintained at 48 feet.
Charleston Harbor was successfully deepened in 2022 to 52 feet — including up to SC Ports’ Wando and Leatherman Terminals — to accommodate two-way traffic and vessels sailing at any tide. Adding additional depth to this stretch of the Cooper River — between Leatherman and North Charleston Terminals — will complete the deepening project for the Port of Charleston.
At that 52-foot depth, Charleston Harbor already has the deepest harbor in the Southeast, but the deepening of that additional stretch would enable all SC Ports’ container terminals to handle the biggest ship at any tide, further enhancing port competitiveness.
Today’s agreement to launch a feasibility study for the plan marks the first step in that project, port leaders said. “Deepening this final stretch makes our port more competitive and supports our long-term plan to modernize and enhance North Charleston Terminal,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “Having the deepest harbor in the Southeast ensures expedited logistics for port customers and enhances South Carolina’s competitiveness, helping to drive cargo growth and create jobs.”
