The Port of Charleston recently completed its harbor deepening project. At 52 feet, the South Carolina port is expected to increase its freight transportation opportunities as the deepest East Coast harbor.
“It is a truly historical moment to be celebrating this monumental achievement. Charleston Harbor has been deepened to 52 feet,” South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin reportedly said. “With the deepest harbor 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.”
Like its counterparts in Savannah, Norfolk, Boston, and New York-New Jersey, among others, previously planned infrastructure projects are delivering a return on investment at an opportune time. Trade routes have shifted in recent years to take advantage of lower costs and less congestion along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean docks.
The typical Panamax vessel requires a channel depth of 35 feet. Ships carrying 5,000 TEUs generally require 42 feet of harbor floor clearance. The newer, massive containerships are hauling more than 10,000 TEUs and must have 50 feet of clearance to make port. Charleston has cleared that hurdle and reports indicate the port can seamlessly handle these gigantic ships regardless of tide shifts.
“Our deepening project was completed faster than any other project of its kind in the nation. It required tremendous dedication, collaboration and creativity from everyone involved over the past decade,” Melvin reportedly said. “We had an amazing project partner — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District — as well as the dredging companies, environmental groups and business partners who worked alongside us. Thank you to Governor Henry McMaster, the SC Legislature, our Congressional delegation and the Obama and Trump Administrations for fully funding this transformational project.”
The channel’s entrance is now 54 feet deep and able to facilitate the movement of large ships entering and exiting the harbor. A mark of 52 feet has been established within Charleston Harbor up to both Wando Welch Terminal and Leatherman Terminal. From the Leatherman Terminal to North Charleston Terminal, the floor is now 48 feet.
“Many great things come from humble beginnings, and Charleston Harbor is no exception,” Lt. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Andrew Johannes reportedly said. “In 1760, during the age of sail, the harbor averaged a depth of only 12 feet. Nearly 100 years later, in 1851, the harbor underwent its first deepening to 17 feet to accommodate larger, heavier steam vessels and the World’s first hydraulic dredge, the General Moultrie, was employed. Today, the Army Corps of Engineers working with our great partners has deepened the Charleston Harbor to a depth of 52 feet and the harbor can now safely accommodate the largest cargo ships in the world at any time, thus strengthening the economy of South Carolina and the nation.”
CEO Barbara Melvin has reportedly been instrumental and accelerating Port of Charleston Port economic growth and expansion. With 25 years of dedication to the port, she served as Chief Operating Officer beginning in 2019 and was part of the long-term planning before being elevated to the top post. The infrastructure project started in 2018, costing roughly $580 million, and was funded by state and federal tax dollars. Vessels also have enough sea space to pass each other without delays.
South Carolina ports reportedly generate upwards of $12.8 billion in annual salaries, wages 32 percent higher than the state’s average, and support or create 1 in 12 jobs in the region. Truckers can anticipate a higher volume of container pulls from the Port of Charleston heading into 2023.
Sources: scspa.com, ajot.com
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