Charleston, SC – The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project has officially reached its 52-foot depth, making it the deepest harbor on the East Coast. This achievement marks the successful completion of a $580 million project funded by both state and federal governments.
Final Federal Reimbursement Secures Completion
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided the final $21.28 million reimbursement in its Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan, allowing the South Carolina Ports Authority (SC Ports) to complete the project. This federal funding ensured the harbor could accommodate larger container ships, enhancing the port’s capacity to support the growing economy of South Carolina.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The project’s expansion enables larger container ships to navigate the harbor without tidal restrictions, making Charleston an even more attractive destination for global shipping services. Barbara Melvin, SC Ports Authority President and CEO, credited the collaboration between state and federal leaders for the success of the project, emphasizing that the project’s completion ensures South Carolina remains competitive in the thriving Southeast.
“This project is a massive undertaking that required collaboration and teamwork,” Melvin said. “Thanks to Senator Lindsey Graham’s leadership and over a decade of hard work, we were able to secure the funding and get this project across the finish line.”
A Strong Partnership for Success
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham played a key role in pushing the project forward, emphasizing its importance to both the local and national economies. “The deepening of the Charleston Harbor is about jobs today and in the future,” Graham said. “This ensures that the port remains a multi-billion-dollar economic engine that benefits South Carolina and the entire country.”
The project began in 2011, was approved by Congress in 2015, and construction started in 2018. The harbor reached the 52-foot depth in 2023, with the final reimbursement completing the project.
Celebrating a Historic Achievement
Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston, called the completion of the project a significant achievement. “Completing the largest project in our District’s history, on time and within budget, is a testament to our strong partnership with SC Ports, Senator Graham, and other state and federal leaders,” Mainwaring said.
Together, they moved over 40 million cubic yards of material to make the harbor the deepest on the East Coast, positioning Charleston as a key player in both regional and global trade. This project not only represents an engineering milestone but is also a strategic investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic future.
