- OOCL Iris (16,828 TEUs) sets a new record at the Port of Charleston.
- SC Ports’ 52-foot deep harbor allows unrestricted mega-ship access.
- Wando Welch Terminal upgrades ensure a 54-foot berth depth.
- OOCL Iris on ECX1 service strengthens U.S.-Asia trade.
SC Ports proudly welcomed the OOCL Iris to Wando Welch Terminal, marking a new milestone as the largest vessel to call the Port of Charleston with a capacity of 16,828 TEUs. This surpasses the previous record held by CMA CGM’s MARCO POLO, which first called in May 2021 with a 16,022 TEU capacity, according to SC Ports Authority.
Strategic Infrastructure Investments Enable Larger Vessel Calls
“SC Ports’ strategic infrastructure investments allow us to continue welcoming the largest ships calling the U.S. East Coast,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “The Iris calling on the Port of Charleston is evidence of our commitment to providing highly productive port service to our customers.”
SC Ports boasts the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, ensuring unrestricted vessel access regardless of tides. This capability enables ocean carriers to efficiently load and unload cargo, improving supply chain performance.
Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Larger Ships
The OOCL Iris arrives as SC Ports nears completion of a critical year-long infrastructure project along Wando Welch Terminal’s toe wall. This project will maintain a 54-foot berth depth, further enhancing the 52-foot harbor depth.
To support long-term growth, SC Ports is investing nearly $3 billion to modernize port facilities, expand cargo capacity, and develop rail infrastructure to improve cargo movement.
“Charleston’s harbor depth and widened turning basins, taller ship-to-shore cranes and highly productive terminals and maritime community all work together to provide fluidity to our customers’ supply chains,” Melvin said. “SC Ports offers expedited logistics in the booming Southeast market. This is a significant competitive advantage for the ocean carriers and cargo owners calling on the Charleston port market.”
Strengthening U.S.-Asia Trade Connections
Unveiled in December 2024, the OOCL Iris will be deployed on OOCL’s Trans-Pacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, further reinforcing a key trade route between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.
Asia remains SC Ports’ largest trade lane, accounting for 50% of port volume, with 11 weekly services linking the regions.
Charleston’s status as the final U.S. East Coast port in the rotation allows exporters to fully leverage its deep draft, ensuring fully loaded vessels can depart without tidal restrictions.
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Source: SC Ports Authority
