Port Update
Charleston, SC
October 23, 2025
Notices
PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
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Maximum Depths - (Fresh)
Harbor Entrance – 52’00
Main Channel – 54’00
BERTH LIMITS/INFORMATION: (CONFIRMED 10/22/25)
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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
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
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
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 – ATTACHED AND PALANCA RIO, COASTAL RELIANCE, ATB BROWNSVILLE, CHEM MIA, ATB DYLAN COOPER
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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: 10/27/25 -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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FUTURE EVENTS: 11/06/25 – CMCA - CMCA | 2025 Fall Oyster Roast - Thursday, November 6, 2025 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM) (EST) Where Elks Lodge 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd Charleston, South Carolina Charleston Motor Carriers Association, Maritime Association of South Carolina Contact Organizer +1 8649924338
11/07/25 – MASC - • Friday November 7 (8:30 - 1:30pm, Pinnacle Financial Partners) - MASC & USC Darla Moore School of Business | Leadership Training , In partnership with USC, this executive education course helps prepare high-potential leaders in maritime, logistics & supply chain for strategic roles in South Carolina’s growth.
11/09/25 – MASC -November 9, 2025 - 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (EST) Gold Bug Island, 1560 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Organizer: Maritime Association of South Carolina, Goldbug Island
Phone: +1 8649924338Contact Person: Valerie Torres Email: vtorres@maritimesc.org Event Details - Come join us for our 3rd Annual Family Day Turkey Shoot on Sunday, November 9 at Goldbug Island. This Turkey Shoot will have 10 participant lanes shooting at the paper targets. WE HAVE GUNS AVAILABLE!!!!! The gun is not required but you can bring your own (either a 12 or 410-gauge shotgun). The closest pellet to the crosshairs wins! 50/50 Rounds, Kids-only Rounds, and Ladies Rounds will also be part of the fun!
12/02/25 – MASC - 2025 Maritime Holiday Golf Tournament - When Dec 2, 2025 (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) (EST) - Where City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course Maybank Highway 2110 Charleston, South Carolina
Last year's Maritime Association of South Carolina Holiday Golf Tournament was a fantastic event, even if the weather was a bit chilly! We had a great turnout and collected a generous number of toy donations for the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. It's sure to be a great time (and hopefully a little warmer too)! SIGN UP QUICKLY- THIS EVENT SELLS OUT QUICKLY! DONATION This holiday season, the Maritime Association of South Carolina invites our members to join us in making a meaningful impact for the children at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to bless children with toys, joy, and unforgettable smiles. This year, our goal is to double that impact—and we need your help to make it happen. Your donation will go directly toward purchasing toys and gifts that brighten the holidays for children facing medical challenges. Every contribution, big or small, helps bring comfort and joy when they need it most. Let's come together as a maritime community to make this season truly magical. Donate today and help us deliver hope, happiness, and holiday cheer! ATTACHED
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SECURITY LEVEL: MARSEC 1
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HURRICANE ALERT: 4/SEASONAL – TS MELISSA
Tropical Storm Melissa Advisory Number 9
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL132025
1100 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
...MELISSA REORGANIZING AND EXPECTED TO BEGIN INTENSIFYING SOON...
...HEAVY RAINS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING EXPECTED FOR PORTIONS
OF HISPANIOLA AND JAMAICA THROUGH THE WEEKEND...
SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...15.4N 74.9W
ABOUT 220 MI...355 KM SE OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
ABOUT 280 MI...450 KM SW OF PORT AU PRINCE HAITI
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 345 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Southwestern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the
Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince
* Jamaica
A Tropical Storm Warning in effect for...
* Jamaica
Tides / Currents
CHARLESTON TIDES:
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
October 2025
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
NOVEMBER 2025
Sa 1 High 4:28 AM 5.5 7:38 AM Set 3:05 AM 70
1 Low 10:47 AM 0.8 6:29 PM Rise 4:03 PM
1 High 5:03 PM 5.8
1 Low 11:21 PM 0.4
Su 2 High 4:25 AM 6.0 6:39 AM Set 3:10 AM 80
2 Low 10:48 AM 0.4 5:28 PM Rise 3:33 PM
2 High 4:56 PM 5.9
2 Low 11:11 PM 0.0
M 3 High 5:19 AM 6.5 6:40 AM Set 4:19 AM 88
3 Low 11:46 AM 0.1 5:27 PM Rise 4:04 PM
3 High 5:47 PM 6.0
Tu 4 Low 12:00 AM -0.3 6:41 AM Set 5:30 AM 95
4 High 6:11 AM 6.9 5:26 PM Rise 4:40 PM
4 Low 12:41 PM -0.1
4 High 6:38 PM 6.0
W 5 Low 12:49 AM -0.6 6:41 AM Set 6:45 AM 98
5 High 7:03 AM 7.2 5:25 PM Rise 5:21 PM
5 Low 1:34 PM -0.2
5 High 7:29 PM 5.9
Th 6 Low 1:38 AM -0.7 6:42 AM Set 8:02 AM 99
6 High 7:56 AM 7.2 5:24 PM Rise 6:09 PM
6 Low 2:27 PM -0.2
6 High 8:21 PM 5.8
F 7 Low 2:29 AM -0.6 6:43 AM Set 9:18 AM 97
7 High 8:50 AM 7.2 5:24 PM Rise 7:07 PM
7 Low 3:20 PM 0.0
7 High 9:15 PM 5.6
Sa 8 Low 3:21 AM -0.4 6:44 AM Set 10:28 AM 93
8 High 9:45 AM 6.9 5:23 PM Rise 8:13 PM
8 Low 4:15 PM 0.2
8 High 10:12 PM 5.4
Su 9 Low 4:16 AM -0.2 6:45 AM Set 11:27 AM 85
9 High 10:44 AM 6.6 5:22 PM Rise 9:23 PM
9 Low 5:11 PM 0.5
9 High 11:12 PM 5.2
M 10 Low 5:14 AM 0.2 6:46 AM Set 12:16 PM 76
10 High 11:44 AM 6.2 5:21 PM Rise 10:33 PM
10 Low 6:10 PM 0.7
Tu 11 High 12:16 AM 5.1 6:47 AM Set 12:55 PM 66
11 Low 6:15 AM 0.5 5:21 PM Rise 11:39 PM
11 High 12:46 PM 5.9
11 Low 7:11 PM 0.8
W 12 High 1:21 AM 5.1 6:48 AM Set 1:28 PM 55
12 Low 7:20 AM 0.7 5:20 PM
12 High 1:47 PM 5.7
12 Low 8:10 PM 0.9
Th 13 High 2:24 AM 5.1 6:49 AM Rise 12:42 AM 45
13 Low 8:25 AM 0.8 5:20 PM Set 1:56 PM
13 High 2:44 PM 5.5
13 Low 9:05 PM 0.8
F 14 High 3:22 AM 5.3 6:49 AM Rise 1:41 AM 34
14 Low 9:26 AM 0.9 5:19 PM Set 2:21 PM
14 High 3:36 PM 5.4
14 Low 9:56 PM 0.7
Sa 15 High 4:15 AM 5.5 6:50 AM Rise 2:38 AM 25
15 Low 10:22 AM 0.8 5:18 PM Set 2:46 PM
15 High 4:24 PM 5.3
15 Low 10:41 PM 0.6
Su 16 High 5:03 AM 5.7 6:51 AM Rise 3:33 AM 17
16 Low 11:13 AM 0.7 5:18 PM Set 3:11 PM
16 High 5:08 PM 5.2
16 Low 11:23 PM 0.5
M 17 High 5:46 AM 5.9 6:52 AM Rise 4:29 AM 11
17 Low 11:59 AM 0.6 5:17 PM Set 3:37 PM
17 High 5:50 PM 5.2
Tu 18 Low 12:02 AM 0.4 6:53 AM Rise 5:26 AM 5
18 High 6:27 AM 6.0 5:17 PM Set 4:06 PM
18 Low 12:43 PM 0.6
18 High 6:30 PM 5.1
W 19 Low 12:39 AM 0.4 6:54 AM Rise 6:24 AM 2
19 High 7:06 AM 6.1 5:16 PM Set 4:38 PM
19 Low 1:23 PM 0.5
19 High 7:09 PM 5.1
Th 20 Low 1:15 AM 0.5 6:55 AM Rise 7:22 AM 0
20 High 7:43 AM 6.1 5:16 PM Set 5:17 PM
20 Low 2:02 PM 0.6
20 High 7:47 PM 5.0
F 21 Low 1:50 AM 0.5 6:56 AM Rise 8:20 AM 0
21 High 8:20 AM 6.0 5:16 PM Set 6:01 PM
21 Low 2:40 PM 0.7
21 High 8:24 PM 4.9
Sa 22 Low 2:25 AM 0.6 6:57 AM Rise 9:15 AM 1
22 High 8:56 AM 5.9 5:15 PM Set 6:51 PM
22 Low 3:18 PM 0.8
22 High 9:00 PM 4.7
Su 23 Low 3:00 AM 0.7 6:58 AM Rise 10:05 AM 5
23 High 9:32 AM 5.7 5:15 PM Set 7:47 PM
23 Low 3:56 PM 0.9
23 High 9:36 PM 4.6
M 24 Low 3:38 AM 0.7 6:58 AM Rise 10:50 AM 10
24 High 10:10 AM 5.6 5:15 PM Set 8:47 PM
24 Low 4:37 PM 1.0
24 High 10:15 PM 4.6
Tu 25 Low 4:20 AM 0.8 6:59 AM Rise 11:28 AM 17
25 High 10:50 AM 5.5 5:14 PM Set 9:48 PM
25 Low 5:21 PM 1.0
25 High 11:00 PM 4.5
W 26 Low 5:08 AM 0.9 7:00 AM Rise 12:03 PM 24
26 High 11:37 AM 5.4 5:14 PM Set 10:49 PM
26 Low 6:08 PM 0.9
26 High 11:52 PM 4.6
Th 27 Low 6:03 AM 0.9 7:01 AM Rise 12:33 PM 34
27 High 12:29 PM 5.4 5:14 PM Set 11:51 PM
27 Low 7:00 PM 0.8
F 28 High 12:52 AM 4.8 7:02 AM Rise 1:02 PM 44
28 Low 7:06 AM 0.9 5:14 PM
28 High 1:26 PM 5.3
28 Low 7:54 PM 0.6
Sa 29 High 1:54 AM 5.1 7:03 AM Set 12:54 AM 54
29 Low 8:14 AM 0.8 5:14 PM Rise 1:30 PM
29 High 2:25 PM 5.3
29 Low 8:49 PM 0.3
Su 30 High 2:56 AM 5.5 7:04 AM Set 1:58 AM 65
30 Low 9:23 AM 0.6 5:13 PM Rise 1:59 PM
30 High 3:25 PM 5.3
30 Low 9:44 PM 0.0
Weather / Marine Zone Forecast
MARINE WEATHER - 4NM W Capers Reef MR
Marine Zone Forecast
TodayN winds 5 to 10 kt, diminishing to 5 kt or less. Seas 1 to 2 ft. Wave detail: NW 2 ft at 3 seconds and NE 2 ft at 8 seconds.
TonightS winds 5 kt or less. Seas 1 to 2 ft. Wave detail: NE 2 ft at 8 seconds and W 1 foot at 3 seconds.
FriNW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming N in the afternoon. Seas 1 to 2 ft. Wave detail: NW 2 ft at 3 seconds and E 2 ft at 8 seconds.
Fri NightNE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: NE 3 ft at 6 seconds.
SatNE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: NE 4 ft at 5 seconds.
Sat NightNE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft. Wave detail: NE 5 ft at 6 seconds.
SunNE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft.
Sun NightE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 6 to 7 ft. A chance of showers.
MonNE winds 25 kt. Seas 7 to 9 ft. A chance of showers.
Mon NightNE winds 25 to 30 kt. Seas 8 to 10 ft. A chance of showers.
