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Port of North Charleston

USNTS🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port of North Charleston

This port is a significant cargo handling facility located in South Carolina, USA. It specializes in containerized cargo and handles a variety of vessel types. The port operates with compulsory pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
North Charleston is a city in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, North Charleston had a population of 114,852, making it the third-most populous city in the state, and the 248th-most populous city in the United States. North Charleston is a principal city within the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 849,417 in 2023.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
13ft
Tidal Range
2ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
S
Repair Code
A

History

Established
1972

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USNTS
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-5

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
US-SC
Latitude
32.7833°
Longitude
-79.9167°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
8500 →
Wikidata
Q847538 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.northcharleston.org →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of North Charleston?+
The approach to North Charleston is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is St. Philip'S Church Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Fort Sumter Range Rear (1.3 NM SE), Charleston (4 NM ESE), Morris Island (5.5 NM SSE), Georgetown County Lighthouse (30.8 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of North Charleston?+
The Port of North Charleston is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of North Charleston?+
You can track vessels near North Charleston (USNTS) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USNTS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of North Charleston?+
The Port of North Charleston operates in the UTC-5 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.