Charleston Harbor Vessel Traffic to Face New Tug Escort Requirements

Charleston Harbor will soon require tug escorts for certain vessels calling on Nucor, Ineos, and Nexans terminals, a move intended to enhance safety amid evolving operational conditions.

The Captain of the Port is preparing to release an order mandating two-tug tethered escorts for inbound and outbound vessels exceeding 10,000 gross tons and a draft of 25 feet, according to information released yesterday. Articulated Tug-Barge combinations (ATBs) meeting those parameters will require a single tug escort. Currently, Sector Charleston is evaluating all arrivals to determine which vessels will be subject to the new requirements, which will apply between the seaward portion of Range Charlie (Buoy R “70”) and the north end of Pier X-ray.

Draft restrictions also remain in effect at various berths, with current maximum allowances ranging from 25 feet at Nucor to 45 feet at Wando and North Charleston Terminals, often requiring tide considerations for deeper drafts. Detailed berth-specific information, including depth alongside and maximum allowable dimensions, is available from the South Carolina Ports Authority. Tanker vessel traffic is also subject to draft-dependent transit windows; vessels drawing between 38’01 and 40’00 feet, for example, may only transit within a window starting one hour before low water until two hours before high water. For more information on maritime safety, visit the U.S. Coast Guard website.

Officials acknowledge the new escort requirement and evolving berth limitations may impact operations and tug availability, emphasizing the importance of pre-planning maneuvers and open communication. The Captain of the Port order is expected to be codified in the US Coast Pilot, and further updates will be provided as conflicts arise.