Channel depth and width

Charleston Harbor is ideally suited for modern ocean transport. The Port of Charleston currently has a major Harbor Deepening Project nearing completion. The main channel depth to all container facilities is -45 feet (13.7m) at mean low water (MLW). The entrance channel is -47 feet (14.3m) MLW.

The entrance channel is dredged to 1,000 feet wide and main channel width varies from 400 to 600 feet. Even the largest containerships are able to pass in most areas of the channel.

For a map of the harbor and the shipping channels, click here.