CHARLESTON

• USCHS
• Latitude: 32.7949
• Longitude: -79.9146
• US East Coast
• Port in US

Location: US

Phone number: +1-843-577-8101

Web-site: https://scspa.com/ports/charleston/

Charleston, South Carolina, is home to one of the busiest ports on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Known officially as the Port of Charleston, it is a critical gateway for international trade, connecting the U.S. southeast region with global markets. Here’s an overview of its description and specifications:

General Description

• Location: Charleston, South Carolina, on the Atlantic coast of the United States.
• Coordinates: Approximately 32.78° N latitude and 79.93° W longitude.
• Operator: South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA).
• Major Functions: Import/export hub, container terminal services, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), breakbulk, and project cargo.
• Annual Throughput: Handles millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers annually.

Terminals

1. Wando Welch Terminal

   • Size: Around 400 acres.
   • Berths: Four berths with a combined length of about 3,800 feet.
   • Depth: Approximately 50 feet.
   • Cranes: Multiple ship-to-shore cranes, including super post-Panamax cranes capable of handling the largest container ships.

2. North Charleston Terminal

   • Size: Approximately 255 acres.
   • Berths: Three berths.
   • Depth: Around 45 feet.
   • Cranes: Multiple post-Panamax cranes.

3. Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal

   • Size: Over 280 acres (Phase 1).
   • Berths: Able to accommodate mega container ships.
   • Depth: Around 52 feet.
   • Cranes: State-of-the-art ship-to-shore gantry cranes for larger vessels.

4. Columbus Street Terminal

   • Function: Primarily handles RoRo, breakbulk, and project cargo.
   • Size: Approximately 155 acres.
   • Depth: Around 45 feet.

5. Veterans Terminal

   • Function: Focuses on bulk cargo.
   • Size: Around 110 acres.
   • Depth: 45 feet.

Services and Facilities

• Rail Connectivity: Direct connections to major rail lines operated by CSX and Norfolk Southern.
• Highway Access: Convenient access to major highways like I-26 and I-95.
• Warehousing: On-dock and near-port warehousing for various types of cargo.
• Cold Storage: Facilities available for refrigerated and perishable goods.
• Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ): Designated FTZs for tariff and duty exemptions.
• Customs and Inspection: On-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection for expedited processing.
• Environmental Initiatives: Green port initiatives including shore power and environmental certifications.

Strategic Advantages

• Deep Water: Among the deepest channels in the southeastern U.S. Ports.
• Expansion Projects: Regular infrastructure improvements and expansions to accommodate forecasted increases in cargo volume.
• Economic Impact: Significant contributor to local and state economies, providing jobs and revenue.

Recent Developments

• Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal: Continued development and operational scaling.
• Channel Deepening: Ongoing projects to deepen harbor channels to handle larger vessels.
• Technology Upgrades: Investments in digital infrastructure for improved logistics and operational efficiency.

Summary

The Port of Charleston stands as a vital hub for maritime commerce in the southeastern United States, serving as a critical link in global supply chains with its advanced facilities, strategic location, and ongoing expansions. The combination of extensive infrastructure, deepwater berths, and comprehensive services makes it a competitive and valuable asset in the international maritime industry.