Channel Specifications

With the deepest water in the South Atlantic, Charleston offers a maintained harbor of -45 feet (13.7 meters) of depth at mean low tide throughout the main shipping channel and -47 feet (14.3 m) in the entrance channel. A five to six foot tidal lift provides even deeper access for several hours during the day. The following chart illustrates Charleston’s big ship handling capability throughout the day:

Vessel Drafts	43 Feet	44 Feet	45 Feet	46 Feet	47 Feet	48 feet
Vessel Movement Hours Per Day	24 Hours	18 Hours	14 Hours	10 Hours	6 Hours	2 Hours

Channel Depth (mean low water):
--Entrance Channel 47 ft (14.3m)
--Harbor channel and dockside 45 ft (13.7m)
--Soft mud bottom.

Channel Width:
Minimum 500 feet (152m).
Maximum 1,000 feet (304.8m).

Tidal Currents:
Average 1.5 knots.

In addition, there are virtually no air draft restrictions in the Port of Charleston. Columbus Street Terminal has no air draft limitations. Vessels access the port’s largest facility, the Wando Welch Terminal, as well as the new terminal under construction at the former Navy Base, by sailing underneath the Ravenel Bridge, which allows for 186 feet (56.7 m) of vertical clearance at mean high water. Ships sailing to North Charleston Terminal transit underneath the Don Holt Bridge, with 150 feet (45.7 m) of air draft.

Bridges:
Lower Cooper River Bridge -
Air draft 186 ft (56.6m) MHW

Upper Cooper River Bridge (North Charleston Terminal Only)
Air draft 150 ft (45.7m) MHW

Charts:
NOAA 11524 and 1 1 526.

Pilotage:
Required. Charleston Branch Pilot's Association.

Regulations:
U.S. Coast Guard regulations apply.

Tug and Tow:
Available 24-hours-a-day.

Water:
Available at dock.

Radio Contacts:
SPA Berthing Office monitors marine VHF 13, 14, 16 and 18-A.
Harbor Pilots monitor marine VHF 13, 16 and 1 S-A.
Tug & Docking Pilots monitor marine VHF 7-A, 17-A and 74.

Tariff:
Available on request or click to view online.