Out of its depth: Why 52 feet could equal millions of dollars for this U.S. port

South Carolina Ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have agreed to study deepening North Charleston Terminal’s harbor access. The facility is currently maintained at 48 feet, and the proposal would extend depth to 52 feet—making Charleston Harbor the deepest in the U.S. Southeast. The effort follows a benchmark from the Port of Virginia, which cites a 55-foot harbor depth required by Congress to accommodate aircraft carriers at Naval Station Norfolk. A release says dredging would let all Charleston container terminals handle the biggest ship at any tide. The Corps will conduct engineering, environmental and economic analysis, supported by $500,000 authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 for FY26. The state agency shut down Leatherman operations in August, citing an uncertain trade outlook for 2H 2026 and cost reduction, despite Asia-to-eastern seaboard rates topping $9,000.