Out of its depth: Why 52 feet could equal millions of dollars for this U.S. port

Southeast hub in pact to study terminal deepening South Carolina Ports and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed a feasibility study agreement toward investigating deepening of the North Charleston Terminal. NCT is currently maintained at 48 feet.

The Port of Virginia claims the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 55 feet, mandated by Congress to accommodate aircraft carriers at the adjacent Norfolk naval base. At 52 feet Charleston Harbor is the deepest in the southeast, and dredging would enable all of its container terminals to handle the biggest ship at any tide, improving its competitiveness.

“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 Chief Executive Micah Mallace said in a release.

“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.” Mediterranean Shipping Co.’ s Irina Class vessels are the world’s largest box ships, at 24,364 twenty foot equivalents TEUs.

Charleston Harbor was deepened in 2022 to 52 feet, including up to the Wando and Leatherman Terminals, to accommodate two-way traffic at any tide. Dredging of the Cooper River between the Leatherman and North Charleston facilities will complete the deepening project. The agreement kicks off the Corps’ engineering, environmental and economic analysis.

The port said the study is authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, with $500,000 funding included in FY26 federal appropriations. The state agency shut down operations as of August at Leatherman. It cited an uncertain trade outlook in the second half of 2026 and the need to reduce costs.

The closure came as demand surged and rates from Asia to the eastern seaboard topped $9,000. “The Port of Charleston is the economic engine of our state. Ensuring the harbor remains the deepest harbor in the Southeast preserves the Port’s competitiveness and efficiency by attracting the biggest container ships in the world,” said Sen.

Darline Graham, in a statement. “It’s vital we examine the feasibility of deepening the Upper Harbor. I look forward to reviewing its findings and working with stakeholders to make sure the federal government remains helpful and engaged.” Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Read more: $5.

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