2 July 2024 (Lloyd's List) - CONGESTION in the US port of Charleston has come down significantly since a queue of vessels began building up in May.

There were two boxships anchored off southeast gateway as of Tuesday at 1000 hrs local time, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data. In contrast, there were more than a dozen ships at Charleston anchorage for extended periods in May and June.

The build-up was the result of ongoing infrastructure work — construction of a toe wall at Wando Welch Terminal that began in March — combined with a server issue that forced terminal gates to shut for several days at the end of May.

The South Carolina Ports Authority said in a statement on Monday that “creative solutions” like providing carriers with flexibility on which terminal to call and “virtual queue times” helped alleviate the congestion.

The port will also suspend construction at Wando Welch starting July 3 through to July 14, which will allow all three of the terminal’s berths to reopen, and for faster handling of incoming ships.

It expects to work vessels as they arrive by mid-July but anticipated wait times to increase to an average of 48 hours when construction at Wando Welch resumes in August.

“Our SC Ports team and maritime partners are working together to ensure fluidity for our customers amid this critical infrastructure project,” SC Ports president and chief executive Barbara Melvin said in the statement.

“Our ability to provide creative solutions when challenges arise, along with the incredible support we receive from our customers, makes all the difference in navigating short-term supply chain challenges.”