The ports of Charleston and Georgetown in South Carolina, USA stand to gain more than US$12m in additional funding for deepening studies and channel maintenance, following action in the US House of Representatives.

South Carolina ports in line for US$12m deepening funding

With a depth of 47 feet at mean low water in the entrance channel and 45 ft inside the harbour there is the opportunity to go even deeper, opening the port to all classes of the world’s most modern vessels. At present the Port of Charleston already has the region’s deepest channels to accommodate post-Panamax ships.

After final approval by the House and Senate and the passage of the Energy & Water Appropriations bill, Charleston Harbour will also receive US$1.8m for the disposal of dredged material disposal and an additional US$10.7m for maintenance dredging work. Another US$1m will go towards maintenance dredging in Georgetown’s 27-foot channel.

“There are several new cargo accounts eyeing Georgetown, and adequate draft will help close those deals and bring these new projects, jobs and investment to our state. We are committed to enhancing Georgetown’s position and are aggressively pursuing new business for the port,” said David Posek, chairman of the South Carolina State Ports Authority.