Software issue disrupts operations for a day at Port of Charleston; reopening set Tuesday (2024)

The S.C. State Ports Authority took the unusual step of shutting down its cargo operations for the day on May 20 after a software malfunction disrupted work at the Port of Charleston's waterfront.

As of early Monday night, the maritime agency said it expected to fully resume operations at its normal 5 a.m. start time on May 21.

The SPA didn't provide any further insight into what caused the shutdown other than to say a vendor software issue affected a server. It also said the problem was not related to any cybersecurity issues.

The SPA did not have an estimate for the cost of the shutdown.The port's cargo terminals typically handle between 6,000 and 8,000 gate transactions per day.

The problem affected marine terminals in the Charleston area and inland cargo sites in Greer and Dillon. While operations are expected to resume Tuesday, the SPA said, "this is a fluid situation, and we will communicate any changes."

The issue was first identified Saturday night, and the SPA announced Sunday that operations would be delayed. After extending the delay twice on Monday, the agency announced at about 1 p.m. that its terminals wouldn't open until May 21.

It's one of the few times that the port has halted operations for a day other than for weather.

"SC Ports is working diligently to reintroduce systems," the agency said, adding that it will announce extended gate hours soon to help move cargo through its terminals.

Truckers were not allowed to pick up or drop off cargo containers at the terminals Monday.

It isn't clear specifically what software or vendor were involved. The SPA said it "is working closely with its vendor to swiftly resume operations."

A SPA spokeswoman said the agency was able to continue working vessels that had already docked when the issue was identified.

Three ships were scheduled to dock at Wando Welch in Mount Pleasant on Monday— ONE Wren, Maersk Innoshima and Long Beach Express. They were moored at the terminal, according towww.vesseltracker.com.

The next two ships — Alula Express and Gerda Maersk —are scheduled to arrive May 22. They were both anchored off the coast Monday, according to the vessel tracker website.

Only one ship — BSG Bahamas —was scheduled to dock at the North Charleston Terminal on Monday night. Two others — Maersk Visby and OOL Brussels— are scheduled to arrive Tuesday. Both were on their way to South Carolina of Monday afternoon, according to the website.

No ships are scheduled to dock at Columbus Street Terminal, which is primarily used to export vehicles, until Tuesday night.

The software issue did not affect embarkation or departure of the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship Sunday from Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston.

The S.C. Department of Transportation issued a traffic advisory early Monday for drivers traveling near the port's terminals, warning of delays.

A traffic camera at the Interstate 526 Long Point Road exit showed tractor-trailers headed to the Wando Welch backing up nearly to the interstate shortly after noon. The backup had cleared by 1:45 p.m. as truckers learned the terminal would be closed for the rest of the day.

A SPA spokeswoman said the agency had been communicating with motor carriers about the delays via its website, email messages and on-site support.