Port Update
Charleston, SC
August 21, 2025
Notices
PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
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Maximum Depths - (Fresh)
Harbor Entrance – 52’00
Main Channel – 54’00
BERTH LIMITS/INFORMATION: (CONFIRMED 07/24/25)
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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.
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TANKER VESSEL TRAFFIC: IN – NONE
DUE – CIELO DI NEW YORK, AQUA RAY, ATB GALVESTON, CHEM ARROW, PENNSYLVANIA
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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.
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CURRENT ARTICLES: - NONE
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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.
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
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FUTURE EVENTS: 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)
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SECURITY LEVEL: MARSEC 1
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HURRICANE ALERT: 4/SEASONAL – Hurricane Erin Intermediate Advisory Number 40A - NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL052025 - 800 AM EDT Thu Aug 21 2025
...COASTAL FLOODING CONTINUES ALONG PORTIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
AND MID-ATLANTIC COASTS......BEACHGOERS ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST SWIMMING AT MOST U.S. EAST COAST BEACHES DUE TO LIFE-THREATENING SURF AND RIP CURRENTS...
SUMMARY OF 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...34.8N 71.8W
ABOUT 210 MI...340 KM E OF CAPE HATTERAS NORTH CAROLINA
ABOUT 440 MI...710 KM WNW OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH...165 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 25 DEGREES AT 17 MPH...28 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...945 MB...27.91 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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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 Chincoteague, Virginia,
including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Bermuda
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1. Near the Leeward Islands in the Tropical Atlantic: An area of showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located a few hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands has changed little over the past several hours. Environmental conditions appear conducive for further development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend while it moves near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium..40 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...high...70 percent.
2. Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL99): Showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located
several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands show some signs of organization. Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development over the next day or
so while the system moves west-southwestward at around 15 mph, and a short-lived tropical depression could form. In a couple of days, 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.
3. Central Atlantic: A small area of low pressure located about 1200 miles southwest of
the Azores is producing limited showers and thunderstorms. Upper-level winds are only marginally conducive for development while the system moves slowly eastward over the next couple of days
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.
Tides / Currents
CHARLESTON TIDES:
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
AUGUST 2025
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 - Hazardous Weather Conditions
Small Craft Advisory until August 21, 05:00 PM EDT
Last Update: 926 AM EDT Thu Aug 21 2025
View Nearby Observations
3NM E Capers Reef MR
Marine Zone Forecast
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
TodayNW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt, diminishing to 5 to 10 kt early this afternoon, then becoming SW late. Seas 4 to 6 ft, subsiding to 4 to 5 ft this afternoon. Wave detail: SE 6 ft at 8 seconds and SE 6 ft at 15 seconds, becoming E 5 ft at 14 seconds.
TonightSW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 12 seconds. A chance of showers and tstms.
FriNE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 4 seconds and E 3 ft at 11 seconds. Showers and tstms likely.
Fri NightE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 5 seconds and E 3 ft at 12 seconds. A chance of showers and tstms.
SatE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft, building to 4 to 5 ft in the afternoon. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 12 seconds and E 2 ft at 7 seconds, becoming E 3 ft at 6 seconds and E 3 ft at 12 seconds. Showers and tstms likely.
Sat NightE winds 10 to 15 kt, diminishing to 5 to 10 kt after midnight. Seas 4 to 5 ft, subsiding to 3 to 4 ft after midnight. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 5 seconds and E 3 ft at 12 seconds, becoming E 3 ft at 5 seconds and E 3 ft at 13 seconds. Showers likely with a chance of tstms.
SunNE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Showers likely with a chance of tstms.
Sun NightSW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. A chance of showers and tstms.
MonW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms.
Mon NightW winds 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. A slight chance of showers and tstms.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
