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8/31/2026
South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District have signed a feasibility study agreement to explore deepening a portion of the Charleston Harbor on the Cooper River between the Leatherman and North Charleston terminals.
Part of Charleston Harbor was deepened in 2022 to 52 feet to accommodate vessels sailing at any tide and to support two-way traffic to SC Ports’ Wando and Leatherman Terminals. The North Charleston Terminal is currently maintained at 48 feet, ports officials said in a press release.
“Deepening this final stretch makes our port more competitive and supports our long-term plan to modernize and enhance North Charleston Terminal,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said.
The agreement starts the Army Corps.’ engineering, environmental and economic analysis of the project. Congress authorized the study in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, and federal funding was included in fiscal-year 2026 federal appropriations.
Charleston Harbor is served by CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway, with terminal switching operations handled by Palmetto Railways.