The ongoing expansion work at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston South Carolina represents a monumental investment in the future of United States port infrastructure and maritime supply chain capacity. Strategically positioned along the East Coast, this multiyear mega project aims to dramatically increase port capacity, strengthen global cargo movement, and foster long-term economic resilience. When fully built across its 286 acre (about the total floor space of the Pentagon) footprint, the terminal will boast a 52' (ft) channel depth and three deepwater berths capable of handling massive 19,000 TEU container vessels. The Phase Two expansion currently underway focuses heavily on extending the wharf by 1,600 LF to create space for five additional ship-to-shore cranes, a critical upgrade that will elevate annual throughput to two and a half million TEUs and attract premier transatlantic shipping routes. 

The South Carolina Ports Authority and its engineering partners selected a highly specialized marine construction contractor equipped to navigate the complex subsurface conditions of this historic coastal site. The chosen contractor stands out as a premier heavy civil builder with extensive experience in deepwater port infrastructure, high load structural engineering, and complex waterfront sequencing. Given that the terminal sits on former Navy Base land, the contractor must manage strict unexploded ordnance (UXO) mitigation protocols that are highly regulated safety procedures used on construction sites where weapons like bombs, shells, or landmines might be buried in the ground; including protective shielding for heavy cranes during underground operations. Their proven track record of delivering high-capacity transit hubs and their deep understanding of the unique Lowcountry geology made them the ideal choice to spearhead this critical expansion while keeping existing harbor operations moving smoothly. 

To conquer the challenging soil conditions and massive structural demands of the wharf extension, crews deployed a variety of ICE® impact hammers alongside an ICE® 44E vibratory hammer to drive the heavy prestressed concrete foundation piles. These large, deep foundation elements require immense driving energy to penetrate the dense coastal strata and secure long-term stability for future crane loads. The vibratory hammer efficiently preconditions the ground and sets the heavy concrete lines, while the robust impact hammers deliver the final, high-energy blows required to seat the piles firmly to target depths. Outfitted with specialized Hydrauli-Flex hoses to maintain optimal fluid power delivery under extreme pressure, this heavy-duty machinery allows the foundation team to safely navigate the dense subsurface layers and maintain a rigorous production schedule in a high-stakes marine environment. 

Global logistics providers and local coastal communities alike will benefit from the vastly improved traffic flow and increased supply chain speed unlocked by this state-of-the-art terminal upgrade. International Construction Equipment (ICE®) proudly celebrates the exceptional contracting team for trusting their high energy driving machinery to anchor these vital maritime shipping platforms. The precise execution and engineering expertise demonstrated throughout this project ensure that Charleston will remain a top tier gateway for international commerce, providing American businesses with a stronger, more resilient connection to the global marketplace for decades to come. 

Learn more about the ICE® 44E and the full line of ICE® Impact Hammers 

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Media Contact-                 
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA              
Vice President            
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc              
The Hose Company            
Office - 704-821-8200           
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com