OOCL Iris Becomes Largest Containership To Call At Port Of Charleston

The Port of Charleston has welcomed its largest-ever containership, the OOCL Iris, setting a new record with its 16,868 TEU capacity.

The vessel arrived at the Wando Welch Terminal on February 18, 2025, surpassing the previous record set by CMA CGM Marco Polo in May 2021, which had a 16,022 TEU capacity.

The port boasts the deepest harbour on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, enabling vessels to dock at any time, regardless of tides.

Additionally, SC Ports is nearing completion of a critical toe wall infrastructure project at Wando Welch Terminal. Once finished, this will allow the berth to maintain a 54-foot depth, enhancing the port’s ability to accommodate mega-ships.

Officials say that SC Ports’ expansion efforts include nearly $3 billion in investments to modernise port infrastructure, increase cargo capacity, and develop rail systems. These improvements aim to streamline logistics and enhance global trade connections.

The OOCL Iris, delivered in December 2024, is part of a new class of 10 NeoPanamax containerships introduced by the Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL).

The vessel built at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co. (NACKS) shipyard, is a next generation of efficient and environmentally friendly containerships.

#SCPorts proudly welcomed the OOCL Iris to the Wando Welch Terminal Tuesday, setting a new record for the largest vessel to call the Port of Charleston, at 16,828 TEUs.

📸: @mpeacock28 pic.twitter.com/aew3hldVyS

— South Carolina Ports (@SCPorts) February 18, 2025

OOCL officials stated that the OOCL Iris and its sister ships, including OOCL Bauhinia and OOCL Sunflower, incorporate advanced energy efficiency systems.

These ships feature real-time fuel monitoring, speed optimisation tools, and trim adjustment technology to improve operational efficiency.

The OOCL Iris has also earned Smart Ship, Enviro-friendly (ENVIRO), and Sustainable (SUSTAIN-1) notations from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Despite being smaller in length than CMA CGM Marco Polo (1,299 feet vs. 1,204 feet), the OOCL Iris can carry 5% more cargo due to advanced loading and stacking capabilities.

The ship has a design draft of 47.6 feet (14.5 meters), allowing it to take full advantage of the port’s deep water access.

The OOCL Iris is operating on OOCL’s Trans-Pacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, which connects Asia with the U.S. East Coast.

The Port of Charleston offers 11 weekly services to and from Asia, making it a key hub for imports and exports.

Charleston is the final U.S. port on the vessel’s route, meaning exporters can fully load cargo without tidal restrictions before the ship departs.

Officials say that Charleston’s deep harbour, expanded turning basins, modern ship-to-shore cranes, and efficient terminals provide a major advantage for ocean carriers and cargo owners.

The OOCL Iris passed under Charleston’s Arthur Ravenal Jr. Bridge (Route 17), which has a 186-foot clearance.

Reference: scspa

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