Charleston's Port is a catalyst for economic success in South Carolina. Maritime commerce here generates 260,800 jobs statewide, accounting for almost 11-percent of all South Carolina jobs (2.4 million jobs). Our port pumps more than $45 billion a year into the region's economy from salaries, materials purchased, fuel sales, manufacturing jobs support, building trades and logistics. And while 24 states utilize our port to reach international markets, some 45-percent of port tonnage and a full one-third of containers are related to South Carolina businesses and manufacturing.

Charleston's Port is also a national and global leader for port efficiency and operations. Our port ranks among the busiest in cargo volume along the southeast and gulf coasts, serving some 150 nations. Maintaining a competitive edge is key to our port's future. Charleston terminals are closer to the open sea than many ports and a short shipping lane, combined with one of the world's most efficient longshore operations, means ships spend minimal time in port. A harbor deepening project is currently underway to take mean tide depths past 45-feet to 52-feet to accommodate newer, larger container ships with deeper drafts. Ongoing dredge maintenance is essential for our port to remain competitive and relevant in today's economy.