Port Update

Charleston, SC

September 16, 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.

 

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TANKER VESSEL TRAFFIC:   IN – NONE

 

DUE – ATB GALVESTON, PALANCA CADIZ

========================================================================================================

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:  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 - Come connect, collaborate, and celebrate at an exciting networking Event hosted by the Maritime Association of South Carolina!  This member-favorite gathering is the perfect opportunity to:  Build new relationships, Catch up with familiar faces, Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere   Whether you're here to expand your network or simply unwind with fellow members, we'd love to have you join us.  We can't wait to see you there!  ATTACHED

 

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FUTURE EVENTS:  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.  ATTACHED

10/23/25 - 0800 - MASC Nav/Ops Meeting

10/23/25 - Harbor Safety Committee meeting on October 23, 2025 at the Ports Authority – 200 Ports Authority Drive, Mt. Pleasant.

10/27/25 -Maritime Mixer | JLL warehouse - Monday, October 27·5:30 – 7:30pm

10/27/25 – MASC - Shipyard Creek Logistics Center | Grand Opening! - Save the date October 27, 2025  4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (EDT) Venue Location Shipyard Creek Logistics Center

2040 Sewanee Road North Charleston, South Carolina - Shipyard Creek Logistics Center, Maritime Association of South Carolina, Capital Development Partners, JLLPhone: +1 8649924338Contact Person: Taylor Jackson Email: tjackson@maritimesc.org - Join Charleston's Maritime Industry for an exciting look at the future of supply chain on the East Coast!  Get ready to celebrate the launch of Shipyard Creek, Charleston's newest state-of-the-art trans-load facility, positioned right next to the Hugh Leatherman Terminal (SCPA).  This game changing logistics hub features a high-powered trans-load operation and a brand new build-to-suit facility for East Coast Warehouse.  Capital Development Partners  Maritime Association of South Carolina  JLL

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  

10/28-30/25 – SCSPA - the South Carolina International Trade Conference is experiencing record registrations this year -- October 28-30 at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Both events highlight the vitality of our maritime and logistics sector and offer unmatched opportunities to exchange ideas, explore trends, and build connections. We are looking forward to a dynamic October together.

 

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SECURITY LEVEL: MARSEC 1

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HURRICANE ALERT:  4/SEASONAL – Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
Issued by the NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
200 PM EDT Tue Sep 16 2025
 
For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America:
 
1. Central Tropical Atlantic (AL92):
Showers and thunderstorms associated with an elongated area of low 
pressure located about midway between the Windward Islands and the 
Cabo Verde Islands have become better organized since yesterday. 
Environmental conditions are conducive for additional development, 
and a tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the next 
day or two as the system moves west-northwestward or northwestward 
at 10 to 15 mph over the central tropical Atlantic.  Additional 
information on this system, including gale warnings, can be found in 
High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...high...90 percent.
 
2. Eastern Tropical Atlantic:
A tropical wave just offshore of the west coast of Africa is 
producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some 
slow development of this system is possible towards the latter 
part of this week as it moves westward at 15 to 20 mph, moving from 
the eastern to central portion of the tropical Atlantic. 
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

Tides / Currents

CHARLESTON TIDES:
 
Day        High      Tide  Height   Sunrise    Moon  Time      % Moon
           /Low      Time    Feet    Sunset                    Visible
 
SEPTEMBER 2025
 
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
 
October 2025
 
W    1     High   3:00 AM     4.7   7:14 AM     Set  1:04 AM      57
     1      Low   9:08 AM     1.3   7:04 PM    Rise  3:57 PM
     1     High   3:55 PM     5.6
     1      Low  10:15 PM     1.4
 
Th   2     High   4:01 AM     4.9   7:15 AM     Set  2:08 AM      66
     2      Low  10:13 AM     1.1   7:03 PM    Rise  4:34 PM
     2     High   4:51 PM     5.8
     2      Low  11:09 PM     1.1
 
F    3     High   5:00 AM     5.2   7:16 AM     Set  3:13 AM      76
     3      Low  11:14 AM     0.8   7:01 PM    Rise  5:07 PM
     3     High   5:43 PM     6.1
     3      Low  11:59 PM     0.7
 
Sa   4     High   5:54 AM     5.7   7:16 AM     Set  4:19 AM      84
     4      Low  12:11 PM     0.5   7:00 PM    Rise  5:38 PM
     4     High   6:31 PM     6.3
 
Su   5      Low  12:46 AM     0.3   7:17 AM     Set  5:26 AM      91
     5     High   6:46 AM     6.1   6:59 PM    Rise  6:08 PM
     5      Low   1:06 PM     0.2
     5     High   7:19 PM     6.4
 
M    6      Low   1:32 AM    -0.1   7:18 AM     Set  6:34 AM      97
     6     High   7:35 AM     6.6   6:58 PM    Rise  6:38 PM
     6      Low   1:58 PM     0.0
     6     High   8:05 PM     6.4
 
Tu   7      Low   2:17 AM    -0.3   7:18 AM     Set  7:45 AM      99
     7     High   8:25 AM     6.9   6:56 PM    Rise  7:11 PM
     7      Low   2:50 PM    -0.1
     7     High   8:52 PM     6.3
 
W    8      Low   3:03 AM    -0.4   7:19 AM     Set  8:58 AM      99
     8     High   9:14 AM     7.1   6:55 PM    Rise  7:49 PM
     8      Low   3:42 PM    -0.1
     8     High   9:41 PM     6.1
 
Th   9      Low   3:50 AM    -0.4   7:20 AM     Set 10:13 AM      96
     9     High  10:05 AM     7.1   6:54 PM    Rise  8:32 PM
     9      Low   4:35 PM     0.1
     9     High  10:31 PM     5.9
 
F   10      Low   4:40 AM    -0.3   7:21 AM     Set 11:28 AM      90
    10     High  11:00 AM     6.9   6:53 PM    Rise  9:23 PM
    10      Low   5:30 PM     0.4
    10     High  11:26 PM     5.6
 
Sa  11      Low   5:33 AM     0.0   7:21 AM     Set 12:39 PM      82
    11     High  11:58 AM     6.7   6:51 PM    Rise 10:23 PM
    11      Low   6:28 PM     0.7
 
Su  12     High  12:25 AM     5.3   7:22 AM     Set  1:42 PM      72
    12      Low   6:30 AM     0.3   6:50 PM    Rise 11:28 PM
    12     High   1:01 PM     6.4
    12      Low   7:30 PM     0.9
 
M   13     High   1:30 AM     5.2   7:23 AM     Set  2:35 PM      61
    13      Low   7:33 AM     0.5   6:49 PM
    13     High   2:08 PM     6.1
    13      Low   8:34 PM     1.1
 
Tu  14     High   2:38 AM     5.1   7:23 AM    Rise 12:36 AM      50
    14      Low   8:39 AM     0.7   6:48 PM     Set  3:19 PM
    14     High   3:14 PM     6.0
    14      Low   9:38 PM     1.1
W   15     High   3:44 AM     5.2   7:24 AM    Rise  1:43 AM      39
    15      Low   9:46 AM     0.8   6:46 PM     Set  3:55 PM
    15     High   4:16 PM     5.9
    15      Low  10:37 PM     1.0
 
Th  16     High   4:45 AM     5.4   7:25 AM    Rise  2:47 AM      29
    16      Low  10:48 AM     0.8   6:45 PM     Set  4:25 PM
    16     High   5:10 PM     5.9
    16      Low  11:30 PM     0.8
 
F   17     High   5:41 AM     5.6   7:26 AM    Rise  3:47 AM      20
    17      Low  11:45 AM     0.7   6:44 PM     Set  4:52 PM
    17     High   5:59 PM     5.9
 
Sa  18      Low  12:16 AM     0.7   7:27 AM    Rise  4:46 AM      13
    18     High   6:30 AM     5.8   6:43 PM     Set  5:17 PM
    18      Low  12:36 PM     0.6
    18     High   6:42 PM     5.8
 
Su  19      Low  12:58 AM     0.6   7:27 AM    Rise  5:42 AM      7
    19     High   7:14 AM     6.0   6:42 PM     Set  5:41 PM
    19      Low   1:22 PM     0.6
    19     High   7:23 PM     5.8
 
M   20      Low   1:37 AM     0.5   7:28 AM    Rise  6:38 AM      2
    20     High   7:54 AM     6.2   6:41 PM     Set  6:06 PM
    20      Low   2:06 PM     0.6
    20     High   8:01 PM     5.7
 
Tu  21      Low   2:13 AM     0.5   7:29 AM    Rise  7:35 AM      0
    21     High   8:32 AM     6.2   6:40 PM     Set  6:33 PM
    21      Low   2:47 PM     0.6
    21     High   8:38 PM     5.5
 
W   22      Low   2:47 AM     0.6   7:30 AM    Rise  8:32 AM      0
    22     High   9:09 AM     6.2   6:39 PM     Set  7:03 PM
    22      Low   3:26 PM     0.7
    22     High   9:14 PM     5.3
 
Th  23      Low   3:19 AM     0.7   7:30 AM    Rise  9:30 AM      1
    23     High   9:44 AM     6.1   6:37 PM     Set  7:38 PM
    23      Low   4:04 PM     0.9
    23     High   9:49 PM     5.2
 
F   24      Low   3:52 AM     0.8   7:31 AM    Rise 10:29 AM      4
    24     High  10:20 AM     6.0   6:36 PM     Set  8:18 PM
    24      Low   4:42 PM     1.0
    24     High  10:24 PM     5.0
 
Sa  25      Low   4:26 AM     1.0   7:32 AM    Rise 11:26 AM      9
    25     High  10:56 AM     5.8   6:35 PM     Set  9:04 PM
    25      Low   5:21 PM     1.2
    25     High  11:01 PM     4.8
 
Su  26      Low   5:02 AM     1.1   7:33 AM    Rise 12:20 PM      15
    26     High  11:35 AM     5.6   6:34 PM     Set  9:56 PM
    26      Low   6:03 PM     1.4
    26     High  11:41 PM     4.7
 
M   27      Low   5:44 AM     1.2   7:34 AM    Rise  1:09 PM      22
    27     High  12:20 PM     5.5   6:33 PM     Set 10:53 PM
    27      Low   6:50 PM     1.5
 
Tu  28     High  12:28 AM     4.6   7:35 AM    Rise  1:52 PM      31
    28      Low   6:33 AM     1.3   6:32 PM     Set 11:54 PM
    28     High   1:12 PM     5.4
    28      Low   7:42 PM     1.5
W   29     High   1:23 AM     4.6   7:35 AM    Rise  2:30 PM      40
    29      Low   7:30 AM     1.3   6:31 PM
    29     High   2:10 PM     5.5
    29      Low   8:38 PM     1.4
 
Th  30     High   2:24 AM     4.7   7:36 AM     Set 12:57 AM      50
    30      Low   8:35 AM     1.2   6:30 PM    Rise  3:03 PM
    30     High   3:10 PM     5.5
    30      Low   9:34 PM     1.1
 
F   31     High   3:27 AM     5.0   7:37 AM     Set  2:00 AM      60
    31      Low   9:42 AM     1.1   6:29 PM    Rise  3:34 PM
    31     High   4:08 PM     5.7
    31      Low  10:29 PM     0.8

Weather / Marine Zone Forecast

MARINE WEATHER - 4NM SSW Capers Reef MR
Marine Zone Forecast
 
This AfternoonNW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming W late. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: NE 3 ft at 7 seconds.
TonightW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming N after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: NE 3 ft at 7 seconds.
WedN winds 5 kt, becoming SW in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: E 2 ft at 7 seconds and SW 1 foot at 2 seconds.
Wed NightSW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: SW 2 ft at 3 seconds and E 2 ft at 8 seconds.
ThuSW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: E 2 ft at 8 seconds and SW 1 foot at 3 seconds.
Thu NightS winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft. Wave detail: E 2 ft at 9 seconds and S 1 foot at 3 seconds.
FriNE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft.
Fri NightE winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
SatNE winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
Sat NightNE winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms.
 
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.

Attachments

  • MASC _ Maritime Mixer _ Last Chance !!.eml(94.9 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.

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