Port Update

Charleston, SC

August 20, 2025

Notices

PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
------------------------
Maximum Depths - (Fresh)
Harbor Entrance – 52’00
Main Channel – 54’00
 
BERTH LIMITS/INFORMATION: (CONFIRMED 07/24/25)
-------------------------
Current maximum drafts allowed at berths:
 
Inner anchorage - Max Draft 30’00 feet FW - Max LOA 750 FT
Amalie Oil – Depth alongside 28.3’ MLW, MAX DRAFT TBC (05/14/25)
Buckeye ( formerly Hess ) – Charleston is 40’00 Depth MLW currently, will decrease by .5’ every month on the 5th - -  MLW Max LOA 750’ Max DWT 70,000 MT UP to 3 x 10 INCH HOSES (07/11/25)
Delfin - Max Draft - 38'00 Max LOA 690'
ODJFELL Terminal – DEPTH ALONGSIDE – 37’00 - Max Draft – Terminal does not advise any Maximum draft restriction, we will advise 36’06 as USCG requires 6” UKC alongside berths - Max LOA 700' - 1 x 8 inch HOSE 1 x 6 inch VAPOR HOSE (UPDATED 04/29/24)
Chem Marine - Max Draft - 38'00 MLW
Kinder Morgan - berth 1 – 40’00 - all vessel arrivals require tide
Kinder Morgan - berth 2 - 40'00
Kinder Morgan - berth 4 - Max DRAFT 40'00, tide needed for anything deeper than 38'00 UP TO 2 x 8 INCH HOSES, Max DWT 74400, Max LOA 748.1, Max BM 105.6, Max BCM 371.8  
              new regulations – NO CARS ON DOCKS
Kinder Morgan North - Max draft 32'00"
Ineos Cooper River - max draft we are taking to Ineos now is 29’06 on a tide appointment. Depth alongside is 32'00  
Wando Terminal - Max draft 45'00 MLW - tide needed for anything deeper Than 43'01" Max BM No restriction
North Charleston Terminal - Max draft 45'00 MLW - Max BM No restriction
COLUMBUS STREET TERMINAL  - CST - Max draft 45'00 MLW - Max BM No restrictions
Veterans Terminal 35' MLW tidal restricted Nucor - Max draft 25'00 (movements daylight & tidal restricted), Max LOA 550', Max Beam 52'
Pier J Max Draft 38’00 FT
 
Air draft under the Don Holt Bridge 155 ft per pilots
 
Per pilots - restrictions for Tanker movements:
Drafts of 38'00 or less may transit at anytime Drafts of 38'01 to 40'00 -window:  Start in 1 Hour before low water until 2 hours before high water Drafts of 40'01 to 41'00 - window: start in 2 hours after low water until 2 hours before high water Drafts of 41'01 to 42'00 - window:  start in 3 hours after low water until 3 hours before high water
 
The Captain of the Port is going to be releasing a statement that will require vessels to take 2 tug tethered escorts (inbound and outbound) calling on Nucor, Ineos and Nexans for ships greater than 10,000 GT and greater than 25’ draft.  All ATBs which fall under these parameters will require a 1 tug escort (both inbound and outbound).  Currently all arrivals are being evaluated by Sector Charleston to determine which vessels will need an escort according to the above parameters.  We will share the Captain of the Port order as soon as it is released.  The escort is required between the most seaward portion of Range Charlie (Buoy R “70”) and the north end of Pier X-ray.  We are reacting to this news as is everyone else and recognize that this is a new procedure and will affect operations at the above terminals as well as tug availability throughout the harbor.  This information will be part of a forthcoming COTP order and ultimately codified in the US Coast Pilot.  We will continue to keep everyone informed as conflicts arise and make proposals as how to best serve you and our customers.  Pre-planning maneuvers is obviously in everyone’s best interest so please feel free to communicate any news you may feel is important to ship traffic with our office so we can adequately respond appropriately.
 
========================================================================================================
TANKER VESSEL TRAFFIC:   IN – MARIE C, ATB GALVESTON
 
DUE – ATTACHED AND CIELO DI NEW YORK, ATB COASTAL RELIANCE, AQUA RAY
========================================================================================================
FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL FILING REQUIREMENTS:
 
96 Hours - advance notice of arrival required by USCG
48 Hours - advance receipt of crew list by Immigration for any vessel arriving from a foreign port, or arriving coast wise with detained crew.
24 Hours (minimum) - Foreign cargo must have manifest submitted to Customs & Border Patrol AMS.  Bond must be filed for Foreign flag vessels or U.S. flag arriving with foreign cargo aboard.  24 Hours - advance notice to Pilots
24 Hours - advance fax of crew list and approved visitors required by Terminal.
72 Hours - post port call, the Port Authority requires bill of lading figures for all bulk cargo.
 
Port Security - All persons doing business within Port Authority property must have security pass from SCPA.  All persons wanting unescorted access to any vessel must have a valid TWIC.
 
=============================================================================================================================================================================
CURRENT ARTICLES:   -  NONE
=============================================================================================================================================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:  08/25/25 – 1400 - MASC - Join us for a firsthand executive-level account of a major ransomware incident that disrupted operations at SEA and challenged their organizational resilience. This session will explore how the attack unfolded, the leadership decisions made in real time, and the critical lessons that reshaped our governance, communication, and crisis response.  Designed for senior leaders, this discussion will focus on the strategic and operational implications of cyber incidents—and how executive teams can better prepare, lead, and align during crisis. Whether you oversee operations, technology, or enterprise risk, you'll leave with actionable insights for strengthening your organization's readiness and leadership coordination.
 
=============================================================================================================================================================================
FUTURE EVENTS:  08/28/25 – 0800 - MASC Nav/Ops Meeting - Thursday, August 28·8:00 – 9:00am
08/28/25 – 0930 - Harbor Safety Meeting - Thursday, August 28·9:30 – 10:30am  200 Ports Authority Drive
 
09/16/25 – MASC - MASC | Membership Orientation - September 16, 2025 - 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM (EDT) - MASC Office, 4500 Leeds Avenue, Room Number W281, South Carolina - Come learn about ways to get involved with MASC and benefits offered to our membership:
09/17/25 – MASC - MASC | Low Country Maritime Mixer - September 17, 2025  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM (EDT)  Over The Horizon Brewing  Heriot Street 2200  Charleston
09/25/25 - 0800 - MASC Nav/Ops Meeting
 
10/02/25 – 1800 – MASC -  2025 OKTOBERFEST  - When Oct 2, 2025 6:00 PM (EDT) Where Charles Towne Landing Old Towne Road 1500 Charleston, South Carolina - Enjoy an Oktoberfest-themed event with fellow members, colleagues & friends at Founders Hall (Charles Towne Landing).  We'll serve up German food and craft beer (along with other beverages) as we listen to music & network.  Come ready to participate -- we will have games, raffle prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a costume contest. Sponsorships are now available. Contact us at staff@maritimesc.org with any questions.
 
10/28/25 – 1100 - SCSPA - STATE OF THE PORT ADDRESS - Delivered by Barbara Melvin, President and CEO, South Carolina Ports - Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 11:00 am Networking Reception, 12:00 pm Lunch and Address
Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418 (ATTACHED)
=============================================================================================================================================================================
SECURITY LEVEL: MARSEC 1
=====================================================================================================================
HURRICANE ALERT:  4/SEASONAL –  Hurricane Erin Intermediate Advisory Number 36A - NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL052025 - 800 AM EDT Wed Aug 20 2025

...OUTER BANDS OF LARGE HURRICANE ERIN EXPECTED TO BRING WORSENING WEATHER CONDITIONS TO THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA BY THIS EVENING......BEACHGOERS ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST SWIMMING AT MOST U.S. EASTCOAST BEACHES DUE TO LIFE-THREATENING SURF AND RIP CURRENTS...
 
SUMMARY OF 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...29.6N 73.7W
ABOUT 560 MI...900 KM WSW OF BERMUDA
ABOUT 400 MI...645 KM SSE OF CAPE HATTERAS NORTH CAROLINA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100 MPH...155 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 345 DEGREES AT 13 MPH...20 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...948 MB...28.00 INCHES
 
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* North of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Chincoteague, Virginia
* Bermuda
======================================================
1. Near the Leeward Islands in the Tropical Atlantic:  A tropical wave located over the central tropical Atlantic continues to produce a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend while it moves near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.
 
2. Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL99):  A tropical wave located to the southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands
continues to produce a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms.  Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development over the next day or so while the system
moves westward at around 15 mph and a short-lived tropical depression could form.  By the end of the week, environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for further development.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium..40 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.
 
=====================================================================================================================

Tides / Currents

CHARLESTON TIDES:
 
Day        High      Tide  Height   Sunrise    Moon  Time      % Moon
           /Low      Time    Feet    Sunset                    Visible
 
AUGUST 2025
 
W   20      Low  12:13 AM     0.7   6:47 AM    Rise  3:45 AM      14
    20     High   6:06 AM     5.0   7:59 PM     Set  6:39 PM
    20      Low  12:12 PM     0.0
    20     High   6:44 PM     6.3
 
Th  21      Low   1:07 AM     0.5   6:48 AM    Rise  4:53 AM      7
    21     High   7:03 AM     5.2   7:58 PM     Set  7:18 PM
    21      Low   1:08 PM    -0.1
    21     High   7:35 PM     6.3
 
F   22      Low   1:55 AM     0.3   6:48 AM    Rise  6:00 AM      2
    22     High   7:56 AM     5.4   7:57 PM     Set  7:50 PM
    22      Low   1:59 PM    -0.1
    22     High   8:21 PM     6.3
 
Sa  23      Low   2:40 AM     0.3   6:49 AM    Rise  7:03 AM      0
    23     High   8:44 AM     5.5   7:55 PM     Set  8:19 PM
    23      Low   2:47 PM     0.0
    23     High   9:03 PM     6.2
 
Su  24      Low   3:22 AM     0.2   6:50 AM    Rise  8:04 AM      0
    24     High   9:30 AM     5.6   7:54 PM     Set  8:45 PM
    24      Low   3:33 PM     0.2
    24     High   9:43 PM     6.0
 
M   25      Low   4:01 AM     0.3   6:50 AM    Rise  9:02 AM      2
    25     High  10:12 AM     5.6   7:53 PM     Set  9:10 PM
    25      Low   4:17 PM     0.4
    25     High  10:20 PM     5.7
 
Tu  26      Low   4:37 AM     0.4   6:51 AM    Rise  9:59 AM      6
    26     High  10:53 AM     5.6   7:52 PM     Set  9:35 PM
    26      Low   5:00 PM     0.7
    26     High  10:57 PM     5.4
 
W   27      Low   5:12 AM     0.6   6:52 AM    Rise 10:56 AM      11
    27     High  11:34 AM     5.5   7:51 PM     Set 10:02 PM
    27      Low   5:43 PM     0.9
    27     High  11:34 PM     5.2
 
Th  28      Low   5:46 AM     0.8   6:52 AM    Rise 11:53 AM      18
    28     High  12:15 PM     5.4   7:49 PM     Set 10:31 PM
    28      Low   6:27 PM     1.2
 
F   29     High  12:14 AM     4.9   6:53 AM    Rise 12:51 PM      26
    29      Low   6:22 AM     0.9   7:48 PM     Set 11:04 PM
    29     High  12:59 PM     5.4
    29      Low   7:14 PM     1.4
 
Sa  30     High  12:57 AM     4.7   6:53 AM    Rise  1:50 PM      35
    30      Low   7:02 AM     1.1   7:47 PM     Set 11:42 PM
    30     High   1:47 PM     5.3
    30      Low   8:05 PM     1.6
 
Su  31     High   1:46 AM     4.5   6:54 AM    Rise  2:48 PM      44
    31      Low   7:50 AM     1.2   7:45 PM
    31     High   2:41 PM     5.3
    31      Low   9:01 PM     1.6
 
SEPTEMBER 2025
M    1     High   2:40 AM     4.5   6:55 AM     Set 12:27 AM      54
     1      Low   8:45 AM     1.2   7:44 PM    Rise  3:44 PM
     1     High   3:39 PM     5.4
     1      Low  10:00 PM     1.6
 
Tu   2     High   3:38 AM     4.5   6:55 AM     Set  1:19 AM      63
     2      Low   9:45 AM     1.1   7:43 PM    Rise  4:36 PM
     2     High   4:36 PM     5.5
     2      Low  10:56 PM     1.4
 
W    3     High   4:36 AM     4.6   6:56 AM     Set  2:17 AM      73
     3      Low  10:45 AM     0.9   7:42 PM    Rise  5:22 PM
     3     High   5:30 PM     5.8
     3      Low  11:48 PM     1.1
 
Th   4     High   5:31 AM     4.9   6:57 AM     Set  3:21 AM      81
     4      Low  11:42 AM     0.7   7:40 PM    Rise  6:03 PM
     4     High   6:20 PM     6.0
 
F    5      Low  12:36 AM     0.8   6:57 AM     Set  4:27 AM      88
     5     High   6:24 AM     5.2   7:39 PM    Rise  6:39 PM
     5      Low  12:36 PM     0.4
     5     High   7:07 PM     6.2
 
Sa   6      Low   1:22 AM     0.5   6:58 AM     Set  5:34 AM      94
     6     High   7:13 AM     5.5   7:38 PM    Rise  7:11 PM
     6      Low   1:27 PM     0.2
     6     High   7:52 PM     6.4
 
Su   7      Low   2:05 AM     0.1   6:59 AM     Set  6:41 AM      98
     7     High   8:01 AM     5.9   7:36 PM    Rise  7:42 PM
     7      Low   2:17 PM     0.0
     7     High   8:35 PM     6.5
 
M    8      Low   2:49 AM    -0.1   6:59 AM     Set  7:49 AM      99
     8     High   8:49 AM     6.2   7:35 PM    Rise  8:11 PM
     8      Low   3:07 PM    -0.1
     8     High   9:19 PM     6.4
 
Tu   9      Low   3:32 AM    -0.3   7:00 AM     Set  8:57 AM      98
     9     High   9:36 AM     6.4   7:34 PM    Rise  8:42 PM
     9      Low   3:57 PM     0.0
     9     High  10:03 PM     6.2
 
W   10      Low   4:16 AM    -0.3   7:01 AM     Set 10:07 AM      94
    10     High  10:25 AM     6.6   7:32 PM    Rise  9:16 PM
    10      Low   4:49 PM     0.1
    10     High  10:50 PM     5.9
 
Th  11      Low   5:03 AM    -0.3   7:01 AM     Set 11:19 AM      88
    11     High  11:17 AM     6.6   7:31 PM    Rise  9:54 PM
    11      Low   5:43 PM     0.4
    11     High  11:41 PM     5.6
 
F   12      Low   5:53 AM    -0.1   7:02 AM     Set 12:32 PM      79
    12     High  12:13 PM     6.5   7:30 PM    Rise 10:38 PM
    12      Low   6:41 PM     0.6
 
Sa  13     High  12:37 AM     5.4   7:02 AM     Set  1:43 PM      69
    13      Low   6:47 AM     0.1   7:28 PM    Rise 11:31 PM
    13     High   1:14 PM     6.3
    13      Low   7:44 PM     0.9
 
Su  14     High   1:39 AM     5.1   7:03 AM     Set  2:50 PM      58
    14      Low   7:48 AM     0.3   7:27 PM
    14     High   2:20 PM     6.2
    14      Low   8:50 PM     1.1
Th  11      Low   5:03 AM    -0.3   7:01 AM     Set 11:19 AM      88
    11     High  11:17 AM     6.6   7:31 PM    Rise  9:54 PM
    11      Low   5:43 PM     0.4
    11     High  11:41 PM     5.6
 
F   12      Low   5:53 AM    -0.1   7:02 AM     Set 12:32 PM      79
    12     High  12:13 PM     6.5   7:30 PM    Rise 10:38 PM
    12      Low   6:41 PM     0.6
 
Sa  13     High  12:37 AM     5.4   7:02 AM     Set  1:43 PM      69
    13      Low   6:47 AM     0.1   7:28 PM    Rise 11:31 PM
    13     High   1:14 PM     6.3
    13      Low   7:44 PM     0.9
 
Su  14     High   1:39 AM     5.1   7:03 AM     Set  2:50 PM      58
    14      Low   7:48 AM     0.3   7:27 PM
    14     High   2:20 PM     6.2
    14      Low   8:50 PM     1.1
 
M   15     High   2:46 AM     5.0   7:04 AM    Rise 12:31 AM      46
    15      Low   8:53 AM     0.5   7:26 PM     Set  3:48 PM
    15     High   3:29 PM     6.1
    15      Low   9:57 PM     1.1
 
Tu  16     High   3:53 AM     5.0   7:04 AM    Rise  1:36 AM      35
    16      Low   9:59 AM     0.5   7:24 PM     Set  4:37 PM
    16     High   4:34 PM     6.1
    16      Low  10:59 PM     1.0
 
W   17     High   4:58 AM     5.2   7:05 AM    Rise  2:43 AM      25
    17      Low  11:03 AM     0.5   7:23 PM     Set  5:18 PM
    17     High   5:34 PM     6.1
    17      Low  11:55 PM     0.8
 
Th  18     High   5:57 AM     5.4   7:06 AM    Rise  3:49 AM      16
    18      Low  12:01 PM     0.4   7:22 PM     Set  5:52 PM
    18     High   6:26 PM     6.2
 
F   19      Low  12:45 AM     0.7   7:06 AM    Rise  4:53 AM      9
    19     High   6:49 AM     5.6   7:20 PM     Set  6:21 PM
    19      Low  12:54 PM     0.3
    19     High   7:12 PM     6.2
 
Sa  20      Low   1:29 AM     0.5   7:07 AM    Rise  5:53 AM      4
    20     High   7:37 AM     5.8   7:19 PM     Set  6:48 PM
    20      Low   1:42 PM     0.3
    20     High   7:54 PM     6.1
 
Su  21      Low   2:10 AM     0.4   7:08 AM    Rise  6:52 AM      1
    21     High   8:21 AM     5.9   7:17 PM     Set  7:13 PM
    21      Low   2:27 PM     0.4
    21     High   8:32 PM     6.0
 
M   22      Low   2:48 AM     0.4   7:08 AM    Rise  7:49 AM      0
    22     High   9:01 AM     6.0   7:16 PM     Set  7:37 PM
    22      Low   3:10 PM     0.5
    22     High   9:09 PM     5.8
 
Tu  23      Low   3:23 AM     0.5   7:09 AM    Rise  8:46 AM      0
    23     High   9:39 AM     6.0   7:15 PM     Set  8:03 PM
    23      Low   3:51 PM     0.6
    23     High   9:45 PM     5.6
 
W   24      Low   3:56 AM     0.7   7:10 AM    Rise  9:43 AM      3
    24     High  10:16 AM     6.0   7:13 PM     Set  8:31 PM
    24      Low   4:31 PM     0.9
    24     High  10:20 PM     5.4
 
Th  25      Low   4:28 AM     0.8   7:10 AM    Rise 10:41 AM      7
    25     High  10:53 AM     5.8   7:12 PM     Set  9:03 PM
    25      Low   5:10 PM     1.1
    25     High  10:56 PM     5.1
 
F   26      Low   5:01 AM     1.0   7:11 AM    Rise 11:39 AM      13
    26     High  11:30 AM     5.7   7:11 PM     Set  9:39 PM
    26      Low   5:51 PM     1.3
    26     High  11:34 PM     4.9
 
Sa  27      Low   5:37 AM     1.2   7:12 AM    Rise 12:38 PM      20
    27     High  12:12 PM     5.6   7:09 PM     Set 10:21 PM
    27      Low   6:35 PM     1.5
 
Su  28     High  12:16 AM     4.7   7:12 AM    Rise  1:34 PM      28
    28      Low   6:18 AM     1.3   7:08 PM     Set 11:09 PM
    28     High  12:59 PM     5.4
    28      Low   7:24 PM     1.7
 
M   29     High   1:04 AM     4.6   7:13 AM    Rise  2:27 PM      37
    29      Low   7:07 AM     1.4   7:07 PM
    29     High   1:54 PM     5.4
    29      Low   8:19 PM     1.7
 
Tu  30     High   1:59 AM     4.6   7:14 AM     Set 12:04 AM      47
    30      Low   8:04 AM     1.4   7:05 PM    Rise  3:14 PM
    30     High   2:55 PM     5.4
    30      Low   9:18 PM     1.7

Weather / Marine Zone Forecast

MARINE WEATHER -  1056 AM EDT Wed Aug 20 2025
 
 .SYNOPSIS FOR MID ATLC WATERS...The center of Hurricane Erin is
expected to move N into the outer S waters late this afternoon,
then continue N and NE through the outer S and central waters
tonight and Thu. It will then turn more NE and move through the
Outer Mid- Atlantic Waters Thu night through Fri night.
Significant S to SE swell today will continue through Fri night
while gradually backing to the E. Another high pressure area will
build over the waters Fri night through Sat night while a
stationary front forms over the far S waters. A weak area of low
pressure will form along the front off the South Carolina coast
Sat night, then lift NE through the central waters Sun into Sun
night while the area of high pressure to the N shifts E of the
region. A cold front will approach the area from the W late Sun
night. For more information on Hurricane Erin, please closely
monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
 $$
 
 
 
 ANZ835-210300-
Cape Fear to 31N to 1000 FM-
1056 AM EDT Wed Aug 20 2025
 TROPICAL STORM WARNING
 
TODAY
N to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 16 to 26 ft. Showers
and tstms with vsby 1 nm or less.
 
TONIGHT
N to NW winds 30 to 40 kt. Seas 18 to 29 ft.
Scattered showers and tstms.
 
THU
NW winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 14 to 24 ft. Showers and
tstms.
 
THU NIGHT
N to NW winds 10 to 20 kt, becoming N to NE 5 to
15 kt. Seas 9 to 15 ft. Scattered showers and tstms.
 
FRI
E to NE winds 5 to 15 kt. Seas 8 to 12 ft.
 
FRI NIGHT
E winds 5 to 15 kt. Seas 6 to 10 ft.
 
SAT
E winds 5 to 15 kt. Seas 5 to 9 ft.
 
SAT NIGHT
E winds 5 to 15 kt, becoming S to SE 5 to 10 kt.
Seas 5 to 8 ft.
 
SUN
E to NE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 4 to 8 ft.
 
SUN NIGHT
SE winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming W to SW 5 to 15 kt.
Seas 4 to 7 ft.
 

Attachments

  • 2025 OKTOBERFEST.eml(111 KB )
  • KinderMorgan#4Dock Schedule.pdf(7.18 KB )

Disclaimer: For quality assurance purposes please note well that while the information contained in this website is regularly vetted for accuracy it is not intended to replace the local knowledge or expertise pertaining to port conditions of our marine operations personnel.

Access our team on the go

There are two ways to ensure you can always reach us.

Phone with Moran Shipping mobile app
Mobile App

Download our mobile app to search our corporate directory and contact us.

Apple App Store logoGoggle Play Store logo
Print Directory

Download and print out our foldable portable directory for quick access.

News Bulletin

Sign up to receive updates about port conditions, important notices, and other news.