With the support of the maritime community, South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) is swiftly processing ships and reducing its vessel queue by implementing innovative operational solutions and temporarily halting toe wall construction for ocean carrier and cargo owner customers.
These operational solutions have already reduced waiting times and the number of ships on queue. Currently, SC Ports has three ships at anchor and believes this project pause will quickly and effectively further minimize vessel delays.
“Our SC Ports team and maritime partners are working together to ensure fluidity for our customers amid this critical infrastructure project. Our ability to provide creative solutions when challenges arise, along with the incredible support we receive from our customers, makes all the difference in navigating short-term supply chain challenges,” stated Barbara Melvin, SC Ports president and CEO.
South Carolina Ports has been addressing a ship backlog caused by a two-day software issue in May and ongoing berth impacts at Wando Welch Terminal due to toe wall construction aimed at maintaining a 16-meter berth depth.
Starting 3 July, SC Ports will temporarily halt work on the toe wall project to reopen all three berths at Wando Welch Terminal until 14 July. This pause will allow SC Ports and the maritime community to expedite ship processing and clear the remaining backlog, benefiting ocean carrier customers and shippers, according to SC Ports statement.
SC Ports anticipates that ships will be processed upon arrival by mid-July. When toe wall construction resumes in August, a 48-hour average wait time is expected.
By late fall, SC Ports plans to handle three ships simultaneously at Wando Welch Terminal, ahead of the project’s completion in March 2025. The upcoming reopening of Leatherman Terminal will also provide an additional berth for ocean carriers at the Port of Charleston.
Carriers have been utilizing various operational measures to expedite ship processing, including start times at 01:00, 07:00, 08:00, 13:00, and 19:00; flexibility to call at either Wando Welch or North Charleston terminals; and virtual queue times, where SC Ports communicates with ocean carriers about estimated berthing times to minimize waiting.
“Our ocean carrier partners are seeing positive effects of the measures we have implemented, and cargo customers appreciate the restoration of regular calls and services,” noted Byron Miller, Chief Commercial Officer of SC Ports’.
Construction of the toe wall began in March 2024. The installation of steel sheets along the wharf is carried out in sections, which enabled SC Ports to accommodate three ships at the terminal for most of the spring. However, as the construction moved further along the wharf, only two berths remained available, leading to longer wait times for vessels.
“We have proactively worked with our ocean carrier customers, as well as our maritime partners and logistics providers, to provide solutions,” Miller added.
“We appreciate the confidence, support and encouragement from our customers as we navigate these challenges. We will continue delivering the superior service they have come to expect from us.”
