OOCL Iris sets record as largest vessel to call at Charleston port

SC Ports welcomed OOCL Iris to Wando Welch Terminal on 18 February, marking a new milestone as the largest vessel ever to call at 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 arrived at Wando Welch in May 2021 with a capacity of 16,022 TEUs.

“SC Ports’ strategic infrastructure investments allow us to continue welcoming the largest ships calling the US East Coast,” pointed out Barbara Melvin, CEO and President of SC Ports. “OOCL Iris calling on the Port of Charleston is evidence of our commitment to providing highly productive port service to our customers.”

With the deepest harbour on the US East Coast at 52 feet (16 meters), SC Ports allows mega container ships to access the Port of Charleston.

The arrival of OOCL Iris coincides with the near completion of a year-long infrastructure project at the terminal’s toe wall, which will maintain a 54-foot (16,5-meter) berth depth to complement the 52-foot (16-meter) harbour depth.

SC Ports is investing nearly US$3 billion to modernize infrastructure, increase cargo capacity, and develop rail systems to expedite goods to market.

OOCL Iris is part of the company’s Transpacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, strengthening connections between Asia and the US East Coast. With Asia representing 50% of SC Ports’ volume, the port offers 11 weekly services to and from the continent.

As the last US East Coast port in the service rotation, Charleston’s deep harbour allows fully loaded vessels to depart without tidal restrictions, providing advantages for exporters.

“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 customer’s supply chains,” stated Melvin. “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.”

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