South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, have initiated a feasibility study to explore additional depth for the North Charleston Terminal. This agreement, signed on August 28, 2026, marks the initial step in investigating the potential to deepen the channel, which is currently maintained at 48 feet.
Charleston Harbor already holds the distinction of having the deepest harbor in the Southeast, at 52 feet. This depth was achieved in 2022, accommodating two-way traffic and vessels at any tide for SC Ports’ Wando and Leatherman Terminals. The proposed deepening of the Cooper River stretch between the Leatherman and North Charleston Terminals would finalize the overall deepening project for the Port of Charleston.
SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace stated that deepening this final segment would enhance the port’s competitiveness and support the long-term modernization plans for the North Charleston Terminal. He emphasized that a deeper harbor ensures expedited logistics for port customers and boosts South Carolina’s economic competitiveness, fostering cargo growth and job creation.
The agreement initiates the Army Corps’ comprehensive engineering, environmental, and economic analysis for the proposed upper harbor deepening. This study was authorized by Congress through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, with federal funding secured in the FY26 Federal Appropriations.
SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern highlighted the decade-long collaboration between SC Ports, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the South Carolina Legislature, and the Congressional delegation in successfully deepening Charleston Harbor, which has provided a lasting competitive advantage for the state. He added that this new deepening effort aligns with the port’s mission to deliver projects that support economic growth and jobs across South Carolina.
Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, expressed the district’s commitment to continuing collaboration with the South Carolina Ports Authority and stakeholders. The goal is to evaluate options for improving navigation and strengthening the economy of both South Carolina and the nation, building on the success of the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Deepening Project.
U.S. Senator Tim Scott commented that the agreement to begin the feasibility study for the Upper Harbor shipping channel is a significant step for the Lowcountry and South Carolina’s economy. He believes the project will help maintain the region’s status as an East Coast port system epicenter, supporting jobs, businesses, and manufacturers statewide. U.S. Senator Darline Graham also noted the Port of Charleston’s role as an economic engine for the state, stressing the importance of examining the feasibility of deepening the Upper Harbor to preserve the port’s competitiveness and efficiency by attracting the largest container ships globally.
