South Carolina Ports Halts Construction to Clear Vessel Backlog

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) is addressing a ship backlog caused by a two-day software issue in May and ongoing berth impacts at Wando Welch Terminal. The company has temporarily stopped construction work and is making progress in reducing ship delays and improving port operations. Collaboration with maritime partners has decreased wait times and reduced the number of ships anchored, currently standing at three.

The toe wall construction, which began in March 2024, is essential for maintaining a 54-foot berth depth but has resulted in delays due to limited berth availability. SC Ports will pause construction from July 3 to July 14, reopening all three berths at Wando Welch Terminal to expedite ship processing and clear the backlog. By mid-July, SC Ports expects to handle ships upon arrival, although a 48-hour average wait is anticipated when construction resumes in August.

“Our SC Ports team and maritime partners are working together to ensure fluidity for our customers amid this critical infrastructure project,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin. “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.”

News of the collaboration comes just a week after SC Ports and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reached an agreement to reopen the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in Charleston after months of intense negotiations, This terminal, which originally opened in March 2021, had been largely inactive due to a protracted dispute over crane operations between the two entities.

SC Ports has implemented several operational measures to mitigate delays, including extended working hours with start times throughout the night and early morning, flexible terminal calls between Wando Welch and North Charleston, and virtual queue times to communicate estimated berthing times to ocean carriers. These measures have been well-received by ocean carrier partners and cargo customers, restoring regular calls and services.

Looking ahead, SC Ports plans to work three ships simultaneously at Wando Welch Terminal by late fall, ahead of the project's scheduled completion in March 2025. The planned reopening of Leatherman Terminal will also provide an additional berth for ocean carriers at the Port of Charleston, further enhancing port capacity and efficiency.

“Our ocean carrier partners are seeing positive effects from the measures we have implemented, and cargo customers appreciate the restoration of regular calls and services,” said SC Ports’ Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller. “We have proactively worked with our ocean carrier customers, maritime partners, and logistics providers to provide solutions. 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.”