Consistently ranked among the most productive ports in the world, the Port of Charleston's highly efficient operating environment and advantageous position -- deep channels close to the open ocean and major transportation hubs -- offers tremendous benefits for our customers.
It all starts with deep water. Charleston Harbor is home to the deepest channels in the region and regularly handles 9,000+-TEU vessels drafting up to 48 feet. Short transit times to Charleston's six marine terminals, each within two hours sailing time from the open ocean, help keep vessel schedule integrity intact and minimize the risk of canal penalties or missed berthing windows at other ports.
Once a vessel ties up at the dock, Charleston's operational team goes to work to deliver rapid and efficient crane production, averaging 36 moves per hour per crane cross the port. Furthermore, truck turn times remain 23 minutes per gate mission on average with a nine-minute average queuing time outside the interchange gates.