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US East Coast port welcomes biggest container ship in its history

Posted on February 20, 2025 |

The Port of Charleston welcomed its largest-ever container vessel, OOCL Iris, on Tuesday, setting a new record.

The 16,828-TEU OOCL Iris, stretching over 1,200 feet, arrived at Wando Welch Terminal, surpassing the 16,022-TEU CMA CGM Marco Polo, which held the record since May 2021.

Charleston has the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, while Norfolk, Virginia, is expanding its depth to 54 feet to meet federal requirements.

SC Ports is finalizing a yearlong project at Wando Welch Terminal to ensure a 54-foot berth depth, aligning with the OOCL Iris' arrival.

Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering built the OOCL Iris, the second in a series of ten 16,000-plus TEU ships ordered by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) and officially named in December 2024.

The vessel joins OOCL’s Trans-Pacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, connecting Asia with major U.S. ports, including New York, Savannah, and Charleston.

Asia contributes to 50% of SC Ports’ trade, with 11 weekly shipping services linking Charleston to the region.

Charleston is the final U.S. East Coast port on the OOCL Iris' route before it departs for the next destination.