united statesUSCHS

Charleston Port

Charleston Port - A Major Hub for Trade and Transport

Explore Charleston Port, one of the largest and most significant ports in the United States, fostering international trade and supporting a robust local economy.

Overview of Charleston Port

Charleston Port, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most important and dynamic ports in the United States. Known for its rich history and strategic coastal location, the port is a major hub for international trade, connecting the Southeastern United States with global markets. Charleston Port handles a diverse range of cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and vehicles, making it vital for various industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. Its deepwater capabilities allow for accommodating large vessels, fostering efficient logistics and transportation.

The port's terminal facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, ensuring the smooth handling of over 2 million TEUs annually. Businesses rely on Charleston Port for its excellent operational efficiency, with a focus on reducing turnaround times for vessels. The port is well-connected to major interstate highways and rail networks, facilitating seamless inland distribution for goods that arrive and depart from the docks.

In addition to its economic significance, Charleston Port is committed to sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. The port management actively engages in initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, conserving marine habitats, and enhancing community relations. By balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, Charleston Port remains a key player in promoting both regional development and ecological preservation.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Charleston Port

Basic Information

Address176 Concord StreetCharleston, SC 29401United States
Phone843-723-8651
Fax843 577 8626
Coordinates32º 46' 34'' N, -79º -55' -41'' W
Decimal32.7761176, -79.9281851
U N/ L O C O D EUSCHS
Websitewww.scspa.com
RegionNorth Atlantic

Port Facilities

TerminalYes
Channel41 - 45 feet 12.5 - 13.7 meters
Anchorage41 - 45 feet 12.5 - 13.7 meters
Oil Terminal41 - 45 feet 12.5 - 13.7 meters
Harbor SizeSmall
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeRiver Natural
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port AuthoritySouth Carolina State Ports Authority
Port TypeDeepwater Seaport
Port SizeVery Large
Inland portNo
Mean tide5 feet m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier36 - 40 feet 11 - 12.2 meters
Mean Tide5 feet
ShelterGood
Turning AreaYes
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsMajor
Marine RailroadNot specified
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeSmall
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Charleston Port

Annual TEUs

2,250,000 TEUs

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

Approximately 450 vessel calls per month

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

16-20 hours for standard vessels

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

80%

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

85%

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

1-2 hours

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Maersk Line
Mediterranean Shipping Company
CMA CGM

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

Transatlantic shipping routes
Import/export of agricultural products
Automobile shipments

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

Severe weather
Port congestion during peak seasons

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Adverse weather
Increased unloading during peak season

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Charleston Port

Green Initiatives

Renewable energy projects
Habitat conservation

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

0.08 tons

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

Below average due to green initiatives

Relative environmental performance

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Charleston Port

Economic Significance

Charleston Port is an integral part of the regional economy, facilitating trade while embracing sustainable operational practices to ensure long-term viability and community well-being.

Regional economic impact and significance

Shipping Lines Serving Port

Shipping companies operating at Charleston Port

Alianca

Discover Alianca Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

CMA CGM

Discover Cma cgm Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

COSCO

Discover Cosco Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

DAL

Discover Dal Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

DCL

Discover Dcl Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Evergreen

Discover Evergreen Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

FLS

Discover Fls Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Hamburg SUD

Discover Hamburg sud Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Hanjin

Discover Hanjin Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Hapag-Lloyd

Discover Hapag Lloyd Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

HATSU MARINE

Discover Hatsu marine Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Libra

Discover Libra Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Maersk

Discover Maersk Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Matson

Discover Matson Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

MSC

Discover Msc Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

ONE

Discover One Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

OOCL

Discover Oocl Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Protos

Discover Protos Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Safmarine

Discover Safmarine Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Samskip

Discover Samskip Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Sealand Maersk

Discover Sealand maersk Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Yang Ming

Discover Yang ming Shipping Company: Global Fleet & Operations services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Charleston Port