Port Update
Charleston, SC
September 29, 2025
Notices
PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
------------------------
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 – NONE
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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: 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.
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FUTURE EVENTS: 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: CONDITION X-RAY – TROPICAL FORCE WINDS EXPECTED WITHIN 48 HOURS – CURRENTLY PORT REMAINS OPEN
Hurricane Humberto Intermediate Advisory Number 19A - NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082025 800 AM AST Mon Sep 29 2025
...HUMBERTO A LITTLE STRONGER AND EXPECTED TO PRODUCE DANGEROUS SURF FOR BERMUDA AND MOST OF THE U.S. EAST COAST THIS WEEK...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS POSSIBLE IN BERMUDA ON TUESDAY...
SUMMARY OF 800 AM AST...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...27.5N 67.3W
ABOUT 365 MI...585 KM SSW OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...145 MPH...230 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 320 DEGREES AT 14 MPH...22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...938 MB...27.70 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Bermuda
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 800 AM AST (1200 UTC), the center of Hurricane Humberto was located located by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 27.5 North, longitude 67.3 West. Humberto is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h). A gradual turn towards the north is expected over the next day or so. The hurricane is then forecast to turn and accelerate east-northeastward by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Humberto will pass west, and then north of Bermuda on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts. Humberto is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. fluctuations in intensity are possible today. Gradual weakening is forecast after that, but Humberto is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane into Tuesday.
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Tropical Storm Imelda Intermediate Advisory Number 11A - NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092025 800 AM EDT Mon Sep 29 2025
...IMELDA CONTINUES NORTHWARD AND A LITTLE STRONGER...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS CONTINUE OVER THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS THIS MORNING...
SUMMARY OF 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...26.3N 77.0W
ABOUT 10 MI...15 KM SE OF GREAT ABACO ISLAND
ABOUT 265 MI...425 KM ESE OF CAPE CANAVERAL FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 360 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...993 MB...29.33 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Portions of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Eleuthera, the Abacos, Grand Bahama Island and the surrounding keys.
Interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Imelda.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Imelda was located by NOAA and Air Force Reconnaissance aircraft near latitude 26.3 North, longitude 77.0 West. Imelda is moving toward the north near 9 mph (15 km/h), and a generally northward motion is expected to continue today. On Tuesday, Imelda is expected to turn sharply to the east-northeast. On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to start moving away from the northwestern Bahamas today and then turn east-northeastward, moving away from the southeastern U.S. by the middle part of this week.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast and Imelda could become a hurricane on Tuesday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km)from the center.
Tides / Currents
CHARLESTON TIDES:
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
SEPTEMBER 2025
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 - 519 AM EDT Mon Sep 29 2025
.SYNOPSIS FOR MID ATLC WATERS...A stalled front over the N
waters will move E of the region today into tonight.
Hurricane Humberto will track N and NE while passing to the SE
and E of the waters today into Tue night, then turn more E to NE
while moving well E of the area Wed and Wed night. Tropical
Storm Imelda will approach the area from the S today into
tonight, turn E while passing just S of the area Tue into Wed as
a hurricane, then turn more E to NE into the N Atlantic later
Wed into Fri night. SE to E swell from Humberto will move into
area today into Tue, back to NE Tue night into Wed as Imelda
passes S and SE of the region, then continue into Fri. See the
latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center. Otherwise,
a cold front will approach from the NW Tue, then move SE across
the far NE waters Tue night. Strong high pressure will build N
of the area Wed into Thu night, then move over the N portion Fri
and Fri night.
$$
ANZ835-292130-
Cape Fear to 31N to 1000 FM-
519 AM EDT Mon Sep 29 2025
GALE WARNING
TODAY
E to NE winds 15 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 11 ft. Scattered
showers and tstms.
TONIGHT
E to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 12 to 20 ft.
Scattered showers and tstms.
TUE
N to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 14 to 23 ft. Scattered
showers and isolated tstms.
TUE NIGHT
N to NE winds 25 to 35 kt. Seas 12 to 21 ft.
Scattered showers and tstms.
WED
N to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 11 to 19 ft.
WED NIGHT
NE winds 25 to 30 kt, becoming 25 to 35 kt. Seas
10 to 18 ft.
THU
NE winds 25 to 35 kt. Seas 10 to 18 ft.
THU NIGHT
E to NE winds 25 to 35 kt. Seas 10 to 17 ft.
FRI
E to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 15 ft.
FRI NIGHT
E to NE winds 20 to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 15 ft.
