South Carolina Ports Works to Reduce Vessel Delays

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) is working to address ship delays by implementing operational solutions and temporarily pausing toe wall construction as part of an effort to alleviate congestion for ocean carrier and cargo owners.

SC Ports has been managing a ship backlog due to a two-day software issue in May and ongoing berth impacts at Wando Welch Terminal. The toe wall construction along the wharf, which began in March, is essential to maintaining a 54-foot berth depth but has contributed to delays.

Operational measures have already reduced both wait times and the number of ships waiting. Currently, SC Ports has three ships at anchor, and the temporary project pause is expected to 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,” 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.”

Starting July 3, SC Ports will pause work on the toe wall project to reopen all three berths at Wando Welch Terminal through July 14, allowing SC Ports to expedite ship processing and clear the remaining backlog.

SC Ports expects to handle ships on arrival by mid-July. As toe wall construction resumes in August, a 48-hour average wait time is anticipated.

By late fall, SC Ports plans to work three ships simultaneously at Wando Welch Terminal, ahead of the project’s completion in March 2025. The planned reopening of Leatherman Terminal, announced last week, will also provide an additional berth for ocean carriers at the Port of Charleston.

Carriers have been leveraging operational measures to expedite ship processing, including flexible start times and virtual queue times for better scheduling. “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.

Construction of the toe wall initially allowed three ships at the terminal, but as work progressed, only two berths were available, causing longer wait times.

“We have proactively worked with our ocean carrier customers, 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.”