Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal—Wharf Extension Design Considering Phase 1 Lessons Learned

Phase 1 of the South Carolina Ports Authority’s (SCPA) Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal (HLT) included construction of a new, concrete pile-supported marginal wharf measuring 1,400 ft (427 m) in total length, supporting five 100-ft (30 m) gauge electrified ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and accommodating 20,000 TEU container vessels. The next phase of the terminal includes an additional 1,600 ft (488 m) of wharf, which will support additional STS cranes. This paper highlights realized successes and select challenges encountered, and the corresponding lessons learned during phase 1 wharf construction that directly informed the design of the next phase. Ultimately, insights gained during phase 1 construction added value to the design of the wharf extension. This paper presents practical design, operational, and construction considerations for engineering professionals, container terminal owners, and operators and marine contractors alike.