Exciting Development Coming to Charleston’s Port!

Construction work at Charleston's port illustrating the $88 million expansion project.

Exciting Development Coming to Charleston’s Port!

Charleston, SC – Big news for the Lowcountry! The South Carolina State Ports Authority has just announced that they awarded a whopping $88 million contract to Orion Marine, and it’s all about expanding the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal. This extension project is sure to bring a lot of work and activity to our area, not to mention a boost for the local economy!

What’s in Store?

The project entails the construction of 1,600 linear feet of concrete pile-supported wharf, which will extend northward from the existing terminal at the Port of Charleston. What does that mean for us? Well, this transformation will support larger vessels and enhance the overall capacity of the port, which is fantastic news for our bustling maritime trade.

Orion Marine will be taking the lead on this project and handling all construction work themselves. They’re planning to install precast, prestressed concrete piles, along with precast caps, deck slabs, and stay-in-place concrete tubes. That’s a whole lot of concrete going into this upgrade!

Environmental Considerations

But it’s not just about the new infrastructure. Orion will also be working on the more environmentally friendly side of things. The scope of the project includes removing dredged material to make way for those larger vessels we mentioned earlier. And they won’t stop there; they will be placing bedding and armor stone for shoreline stabilization. This a great way to ensure that our coastal environment stays protected while the port expands.

When Will It Happen?

So when is all this exciting work going to kick off? According to Orion, construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2025. That’s just around the corner! And once it starts, they’re anticipating the project to take about 20 months to complete. Charleston is poised for some serious changes, and the future looks bright!

A Boost for the Local Economy

This project doesn’t just represent new infrastructure; it also stands to create many jobs for our local workers. As construction crews start to hit the ground running, we can expect a variety of job opportunities related to the marine and construction industries. It’s a win-win situation! Charleston will not only benefit from enhanced shipping capabilities but also from job creation—an important factor for our community.

Final Thoughts

This news comes at an exciting time for Charleston, and it’s clear that the initiatives taken by the South Carolina State Ports Authority are paving the way for our port to become a major player in global shipping. With Orion Marine stepping in to manage this expansion, there’s a lot of optimism surrounding the future of the Port of Charleston!

As the details unfold and construction begins, let’s remain engaged and enthusiastic about how this will elevate our beloved city and improve the maritime operations that are so crucial to our economy. Here’s to new horizons and opportunities coming our way!