The US Army Corps of Engineers has approved the Charleston Harbor deepening project, authorizing dredging to 52 feet. The upgrade positions South Carolina’s busiest port to handle fully-loaded post-Panamax container ships.
Project Timeline
Dredging will begin in Q3 2025 and complete by late 2027. The $558 million project includes deepening the entrance channel, inner harbor, and turning basin. Environmental mitigation adds $35 million for ecosystem restoration.
Economic Impact
Port officials estimate the deeper channel will attract 8% more cargo volume annually. Larger vessels can call fully loaded rather than lightening cargo at other ports. Per-container handling costs decrease as vessel sizes increase.
Competition Factor
Charleston joins Savannah and Norfolk in the 50+ foot depth club. Shallower ports like Jacksonville and Wilmington may lose market share as carriers concentrate calls at fewer, deeper facilities.
The project reinforces the East Coast’s growing importance as Panama Canal constraints push some Asia cargo to Suez routing.
