Port Update
Charleston, SC
March 13, 2026
Notices
PORT LIMITS/INFORMATION
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Maximum Depths - (Fresh)
Harbor Entrance – 52’00
Main Channel – 54’00
BERTH LIMITS/INFORMATION: (UPDATED 03/04/26)
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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 38’00 MLW, Max draft allowed – 36’00 TO 27’00 – Bunkers allowed via barge (UPDATED 2/17/26)
Buckeye ( formerly Hess ) – Charleston is 38’00 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 DWT – 49209, MAX AD 148’M MAX LOA 700’, MAX DISPLACEMENT 65000 MT, max draft we are taking to Ineos now is 29’06 on a tide appointment. Depth alongside is 32'00 – NEW TERMINAL BOOKLET ATTACHED
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 – ATB CORPUS CHRISTI
VESSELS DUE: ATB BROWNSVILLE, ATB DBL 140, HAFNIA AMETHYST, THE AMIGO
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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: NONE
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FUTURE EVENTS: 03/31/26 – MASC - Mar 31, 2026 (7:45 AM - 9:00 AM), Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. Terminal, 1500 Port Access Rd, North Charleston, SC. North Charleston, South Carolina
Join Us for an Exclusive Breakfast Briefing at the Hugh Leatherman Terminal - We invite you to a members-only Breakfast Briefing featuring Micah Mallace, President & CEO of SC Ports. This intimate event, limited to just 60 attendees, offers a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights from one of the maritime industry's leading voices. Hear Micah share his perspective on the future of the ports and the broader maritime sector, providing invaluable knowledge that can inform your business and strategic decisions.
Beyond the presentation, enjoy dedicated networking time with fellow industry leaders. Connect, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network in a focused and engaging setting.
04/01/26 – MASC - 2026 Maritime & Logistics Youth Expo, 3rd Annual Youth Expo - Apr 1, 2026, (8:00 AM - 2:00 PM) (EDT) - SC Ports Cruise Terminal, 196 Concord Street, Charleston
We’re excited to invite you to support and participate in the 3rd Annual Maritime & Logistics Youth Expo, an awesome event connecting the next generation to careers in our region’s maritime and logistics industries. This Expo will have students from across the state (including Charleston & Berkeley counties) that are interested in learning more about maritime and supply chain careers.
Your involvement helps make this event impactful for students while strengthening the future workforce of our industry. We encourage members to attend, volunteer, or participate as exhibitors to help showcase the exciting possibilities within maritime and logistics.
Companies should get involved in the Maritime & Logistics Youth Expo to connect directly with over 1,000 local students, showcase career opportunities in the industry, and help build the future workforce that will power the region’s maritime and logistics economy. ATTACHED
04/28/26 – MASC - When Apr 28, 2026 (8:30 AM - 3:00 PM) (EDT) Where City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course 2110 Maybank Hwy Charleston, South Carolina
Registration for the MASC Spring Golf Tournament is officially OPEN—and spots are already moving fast! This event sells out every single year, so don’t wait. Secure your team’s spot for April 28th at the Muni before it’s gone! 8:30- 9:15am registration 9:30 Shotgun
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SECURITY LEVEL: MARSEC 1
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HURRICANE ALERT: 5/OFF SEASON
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RIGHT WHALE SEASON – SPEED RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE NOW THROUGH APRIL 30, 2026
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Tides / Currents
CHARLESTON TIDES:
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
MARCH 2026
F 13 High 4:14 AM 4.7 7:32 AM Rise 4:16 AM 37
13 Low 10:34 AM 1.1 7:26 PM Set 2:05 PM
13 High 4:21 PM 4.1
13 Low 10:31 PM 0.8
Sa 14 High 5:13 AM 4.9 7:31 AM Rise 4:58 AM 28
14 Low 11:28 AM 0.8 7:27 PM Set 3:06 PM
14 High 5:20 PM 4.4
14 Low 11:31 PM 0.6
Su 15 High 6:05 AM 5.1 7:30 AM Rise 5:34 AM 20
15 Low 12:16 PM 0.5 7:28 PM Set 4:10 PM
15 High 6:12 PM 4.7
M 16 Low 12:24 AM 0.3 7:28 AM Rise 6:07 AM 12
16 High 6:52 AM 5.4 7:28 PM Set 5:13 PM
16 Low 1:01 PM 0.2
16 High 7:00 PM 5.1
Tu 17 Low 1:14 AM 0.0 7:27 AM Rise 6:37 AM 6
17 High 7:35 AM 5.5 7:29 PM Set 6:17 PM
17 Low 1:43 PM -0.2
17 High 7:45 PM 5.5
W 18 Low 2:01 AM -0.3 7:26 AM Rise 7:06 AM 2
18 High 8:17 AM 5.6 7:30 PM Set 7:22 PM
18 Low 2:24 PM -0.4
18 High 8:28 PM 5.8
Th 19 Low 2:48 AM -0.4 7:24 AM Rise 7:35 AM 0
19 High 8:57 AM 5.6 7:30 PM Set 8:29 PM
19 Low 3:05 PM -0.6
19 High 9:11 PM 6.1
F 20 Low 3:35 AM -0.5 7:23 AM Rise 8:06 AM 0
20 High 9:39 AM 5.5 7:31 PM Set 9:37 PM
20 Low 3:47 PM -0.7
20 High 9:54 PM 6.3
Sa 21 Low 4:23 AM -0.4 7:22 AM Rise 8:40 AM 3
21 High 10:22 AM 5.4 7:32 PM Set 10:48 PM
21 Low 4:31 PM -0.6
21 High 10:41 PM 6.3
Su 22 Low 5:13 AM -0.3 7:20 AM Rise 9:19 AM 9
22 High 11:09 AM 5.1 7:33 PM
22 Low 5:18 PM -0.5
22 High 11:31 PM 6.2
M 23 Low 6:06 AM 0.0 7:19 AM Set 12:01 AM 17
23 High 12:01 PM 4.9 7:33 PM Rise 10:05 AM
23 Low 6:10 PM -0.3
Tu 24 High 12:28 AM 6.0 7:18 AM Set 1:12 AM 26
24 Low 7:05 AM 0.3 7:34 PM Rise 10:59 AM
24 High 1:00 PM 4.7
24 Low 7:08 PM 0.0
W 25 High 1:32 AM 5.7 7:17 AM Set 2:18 AM 37
25 Low 8:09 AM 0.5 7:35 PM Rise 12:02 PM
25 High 2:07 PM 4.5
25 Low 8:14 PM 0.1
Th 26 High 2:43 AM 5.5 7:15 AM Set 3:16 AM 48
26 Low 9:16 AM 0.6 7:35 PM Rise 1:09 PM
26 High 3:19 PM 4.6
26 Low 9:24 PM 0.2
F 27 High 3:54 AM 5.5 7:14 AM Set 4:04 AM 60
27 Low 10:22 AM 0.5 7:36 PM Rise 2:19 PM
27 High 4:29 PM 4.7
27 Low 10:33 PM 0.2
Sa 28 High 5:00 AM 5.5 7:13 AM Set 4:45 AM 70
28 Low 11:23 AM 0.3 7:37 PM Rise 3:26 PM
28 High 5:32 PM 5.0
28 Low 11:37 PM 0.0
Su 29 High 5:59 AM 5.5 7:11 AM Set 5:19 AM 80
29 Low 12:16 PM 0.1 7:38 PM Rise 4:31 PM
29 High 6:29 PM 5.3
M 30 Low 12:33 AM -0.2 7:10 AM Set 5:48 AM 88
30 High 6:49 AM 5.6 7:38 PM Rise 5:33 PM
30 Low 1:03 PM -0.1
30 High 7:18 PM 5.6
Tu 31 Low 1:25 AM -0.3 7:09 AM Set 6:15 AM 94
31 High 7:35 AM 5.6 7:39 PM Rise 6:34 PM
31 Low 1:47 PM -0.2
31 High 8:03 PM 5.9
APRIL 2026
W 1 Low 2:12 AM -0.3 7:07 AM Set 6:42 AM 98
1 High 8:16 AM 5.5 7:40 PM Rise 7:33 PM
1 Low 2:27 PM -0.2
1 High 8:45 PM 6.0
Th 2 Low 2:56 AM -0.3 7:06 AM Set 7:08 AM 99
2 High 8:55 AM 5.4 7:40 PM Rise 8:32 PM
2 Low 3:04 PM -0.2
2 High 9:23 PM 6.0
F 3 Low 3:38 AM -0.1 7:05 AM Set 7:36 AM 99
3 High 9:32 AM 5.2 7:41 PM Rise 9:31 PM
3 Low 3:39 PM 0.0
3 High 10:00 PM 5.9
Sa 4 Low 4:19 AM 0.0 7:03 AM Set 8:07 AM 97
4 High 10:08 AM 5.0 7:42 PM Rise 10:30 PM
4 Low 4:13 PM 0.2
4 High 10:35 PM 5.8
Su 5 Low 4:58 AM 0.3 7:02 AM Set 8:41 AM 93
5 High 10:44 AM 4.7 7:43 PM Rise 11:29 PM
5 Low 4:46 PM 0.4
5 High 11:12 PM 5.5
M 6 Low 5:37 AM 0.5 7:01 AM Set 9:21 AM 87
6 High 11:22 AM 4.5 7:43 PM
6 Low 5:21 PM 0.6
6 High 11:50 PM 5.3
Tu 7 Low 6:18 AM 0.8 7:00 AM Rise 12:26 AM 80
7 High 12:02 PM 4.4 7:44 PM Set 10:06 AM
7 Low 5:59 PM 0.8
W 8 High 12:34 AM 5.1 6:58 AM Rise 1:20 AM 73
8 Low 7:03 AM 1.0 7:45 PM Set 10:57 AM
8 High 12:47 PM 4.2
8 Low 6:44 PM 1.0
Th 9 High 1:24 AM 4.9 6:57 AM Rise 2:09 AM 64
9 Low 7:53 AM 1.1 7:45 PM Set 11:53 AM
9 High 1:40 PM 4.2
9 Low 7:38 PM 1.1
F 10 High 2:22 AM 4.9 6:56 AM Rise 2:52 AM 55
10 Low 8:49 AM 1.1 7:46 PM Set 12:52 PM
10 High 2:39 PM 4.2
10 Low 8:42 PM 1.1
Sa 11 High 3:23 AM 4.9 6:55 AM Rise 3:30 AM 45
11 Low 9:46 AM 1.0 7:47 PM Set 1:53 PM
11 High 3:40 PM 4.4
11 Low 9:49 PM 1.0
Su 12 High 4:22 AM 5.0 6:53 AM Rise 4:04 AM 35
12 Low 10:40 AM 0.8 7:48 PM Set 2:55 PM
12 High 4:39 PM 4.7
12 Low 10:53 PM 0.8
M 13 High 5:16 AM 5.1 6:52 AM Rise 4:34 AM 26
13 Low 11:31 AM 0.4 7:48 PM Set 3:58 PM
13 High 5:34 PM 5.1
13 Low 11:52 PM 0.5
Tu 14 High 6:07 AM 5.3 6:51 AM Rise 5:03 AM 17
14 Low 12:18 PM 0.1 7:49 PM Set 5:01 PM
14 High 6:25 PM 5.6
W 15 Low 12:47 AM 0.1 6:50 AM Rise 5:32 AM 9
15 High 6:55 AM 5.4 7:50 PM Set 6:07 PM
15 Low 1:04 PM -0.2
15 High 7:14 PM 6.0
Th 16 Low 1:39 AM -0.2 6:49 AM Rise 6:02 AM 4
16 High 7:42 AM 5.5 7:50 PM Set 7:15 PM
16 Low 1:49 PM -0.5
16 High 8:01 PM 6.4
F 17 Low 2:29 AM -0.4 6:47 AM Rise 6:35 AM 0
17 High 8:29 AM 5.5 7:51 PM Set 8:27 PM
17 Low 2:35 PM -0.7
17 High 8:48 PM 6.6
Sa 18 Low 3:19 AM -0.5 6:46 AM Rise 7:13 AM 0
18 High 9:17 AM 5.4 7:52 PM Set 9:42 PM
18 Low 3:22 PM -0.7
18 High 9:37 PM 6.7
Su 19 Low 4:10 AM -0.4 6:45 AM Rise 7:57 AM 2
19 High 10:06 AM 5.3 7:53 PM Set 10:56 PM
19 Low 4:10 PM -0.7
19 High 10:28 PM 6.7
M 20 Low 5:02 AM -0.3 6:44 AM Rise 8:51 AM 7
20 High 10:59 AM 5.1 7:53 PM
20 Low 5:02 PM -0.5
20 High 11:23 PM 6.5
Tu 21 Low 5:57 AM 0.0 6:43 AM Set 12:07 AM 14
21 High 11:55 AM 5.0 7:54 PM Rise 9:52 AM
21 Low 5:58 PM -0.2
W 22 High 12:22 AM 6.2 6:42 AM Set 1:10 AM 23
22 Low 6:55 AM 0.2 7:55 PM Rise 11:00 AM
22 High 12:58 PM 4.8
22 Low 6:58 PM 0.0
Th 23 High 1:26 AM 5.9 6:41 AM Set 2:02 AM 34
23 Low 7:56 AM 0.4 7:56 PM Rise 12:10 PM
23 High 2:04 PM 4.8
23 Low 8:04 PM 0.3
F 24 High 2:31 AM 5.6 6:39 AM Set 2:45 AM 45
24 Low 8:59 AM 0.4 7:56 PM Rise 1:19 PM
24 High 3:12 PM 4.9
24 Low 9:12 PM 0.4
Sa 25 High 3:35 AM 5.5 6:38 AM Set 3:21 AM 56
25 Low 9:59 AM 0.4 7:57 PM Rise 2:25 PM
25 High 4:16 PM 5.1
25 Low 10:18 PM 0.4
Su 26 High 4:34 AM 5.4 6:37 AM Set 3:52 AM 67
26 Low 10:55 AM 0.3 7:58 PM Rise 3:27 PM
26 High 5:14 PM 5.3
26 Low 11:19 PM 0.3
M 27 High 5:28 AM 5.3 6:36 AM Set 4:19 AM 76
27 Low 11:45 AM 0.1 7:58 PM Rise 4:27 PM
27 High 6:07 PM 5.6
Tu 28 Low 12:14 AM 0.2 6:35 AM Set 4:45 AM 84
28 High 6:17 AM 5.2 7:59 PM Rise 5:25 PM
28 Low 12:31 PM 0.0
28 High 6:54 PM 5.8
W 29 Low 1:05 AM 0.1 6:34 AM Set 5:11 AM 91
29 High 7:01 AM 5.2 8:00 PM Rise 6:23 PM
29 Low 1:13 PM 0.0
29 High 7:37 PM 6.0
Th 30 Low 1:51 AM 0.1 6:33 AM Set 5:38 AM 96
30 High 7:43 AM 5.1 8:01 PM Rise 7:22 PM
30 Low 1:52 PM 0.0
30 High 8:17 PM 6.1
Weather / Marine Zone Forecast
MARINE WEATHER - 5NM ENE Capers Reef MR
Marine Zone Forecast
TodayNE winds 15 to 20 kt, becoming E 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt late this morning, then becoming SE 5 to 10 kt early this afternoon, becoming NW late. Seas 4 to 5 ft, subsiding to 3 to 4 ft this afternoon. Wave detail: NE 5 ft at 6 seconds and SE 1 foot at 9 seconds, becoming E 4 ft at 7 seconds.
TonightSW winds 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave detail: E 4 ft at 9 seconds.
SatNW winds 5 kt, becoming E in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 8 seconds.
Sat NightE winds 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave detail: E 3 ft at 8 seconds. A slight chance of showers after midnight.
SunE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft, building to 3 to 4 ft in the afternoon. Wave detail: SE 3 ft at 5 seconds and SE 3 ft at 8 seconds, becoming SE 3 ft at 7 seconds. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of tstms in the afternoon.
Sun NightSE winds 10 to 15 kt, becoming S 20 to 25 kt after midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft, building to 4 to 6 ft after midnight. Wave detail: SE 4 ft at 6 seconds, becoming SE 6 ft at 7 seconds. A chance of tstms. Showers.
MonS winds 25 to 30 kt. Seas 7 to 9 ft. Showers with a chance of tstms.
Mon NightW winds 25 to 30 kt. Seas 7 to 9 ft. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms.
TueNW winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.
Tue NightN winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
