Hundreds of people stood on the shoreline snapping pictures as the massive CMA CGM MARCO POLO sailed into Charleston today, setting the record as the largest ship to ever call the U.S. East Coast and the Port of Charleston.

South Carolina Ports welcomed the record-breaking CMA CGM MARCO POLO to Wando Welch Terminal. The vessel measures 1,300 feet long and has the capacity to carry 16,022 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent container units).

Governor Henry McMaster celebrated the arrival of the largest container ship to ever call on the East Coast, signifying a big moment for South Carolina and SC Ports. (Photo/SCPA/English Purcell)

When compared to iconic markers in the Lowcountry, the ship equals 1.5 USS Yorktowns and seven 787-8 Boeing-made Dreamliner jets.

Four ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height above the wharf deck are deployed on the CMA CGM MARCO POLO, ensuring the swift movement of more than 2,200 containers filled with goods.

“The S.C. Ports Authority has made South Carolina proud by transforming Charleston into a world-class port that attracts world-class investment and can now accommodate the largest container ships in the world,” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said. “We welcome the CMA CGM MARCO POLO and look forward to breaking even more records as our infrastructure continues to improve and our economy continues to grow.”

SC Ports has invested $2 billion in port infrastructure in recent years to handle bigger ships and more cargo for customers.

Work is ongoing to enhance Wando Welch Terminal, including densifying the terminal, strengthening the berths and investing in new equipment. Wando Welch Terminal will have 15 ship-to-shore cranes with 155 feet of lift height above the wharf deck ready to work container ships later this year.

The opening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in March marked the first container terminal to open in the U.S. since 2009. The Leatherman Terminal adds much-needed port capacity and another berth to the U.S. East Coast port market.

Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District is working to deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet; the project is progressing well and is fully funded by state and federal dollars.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project achieved a significant milestone this month by reaching 52 feet in the Wando River in front of Wando Welch Terminal. When the project is fully completed in 2022, Charleston will have the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet, capable of seamlessly handling fully loaded mega container ships at any time, any tide.

These significant projects are occurring while the maritime community and motor carriers provide efficient, fluid operations for customers.

“SC Ports has invested in big-ship infrastructure and terminal capacity to handle the boom in retail goods and ensure a fluid supply chain for customers. The arrival of the 16,022-TEU CMA CGM MARCO POLO highlights the importance of our big-ship strategy,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “This is a big moment for South Carolina. Our whole maritime community is extremely proud of our ability to handle this ship and of the confidence CMA CGM has placed in SC Ports. Congratulations to our partner CMA CGM on this impressive deployment. We are all proud to share in this milestone.”

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO is docked at SC Ports’ Wando Welch Terminal. (Photo/SCPA/English Purcell)

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO is operated by the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics. Ed Aldridge, president of CMA CGM America and APL North America, came to SC Ports to celebrate the arrival of the record-breaking vessel in Charleston.

The Port of Charleston is the last U.S. port of call for the CMA CGM MARCO POLO before it heads overseas after its historic journey.

“The big-ship records we have set this week and the resulting increase in capacity are tangible proof of CMA CGM’s willingness to do whatever it takes to serve our customers,” Aldridge said. “Of course, this would not be possible without the support of our port partners. SC Ports’ recent infrastructure enhancements and the deepening of the Charleston Harbor are the type of investments that enable us to deliver the solutions that keep America moving.”

The deployment of the CMA CGM MARCO POLO signifies the company’s commitment to creating agile and flexible solutions to meet the needs of its U.S. customer base as many ports are handling unprecedented cargo volumes from a boom in e-commerce and retail.

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO is part of CMA CGM’s Columbus JAX service, traveling between South Asia and the U.S. East Coast. The vessel arrives less than one year after the record-breaking 15,072-TEU CMA CGM BRAZIL, which called on SC Ports last September.

“It gives our maritime community great pride to welcome the CMA CGM MARCO POLO to Charleston,” SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “The arrival of this record-breaking vessel highlights the importance of our infrastructure projects, which require great foresight and significant investment to deliver the capacity and capabilities our customers require. Our efforts ensure South Carolina remains a top 10 U.S. container port, in support of South Carolina’s economy.”

Charleston celebrated the historic arrival of the CMA CGM MARCO POLO. (Photo/SCPA/English Purcell)