UPDATE: May 21, 2024: The South Carolina Ports Authority has resumed operations at its marine terminals and Inland Port Greer after a pause stemming from software issues, according to a 2:30 p.m. EST update from the port. Both gate and yard operations are open and the port is extending gate times until 7 p.m. at Wando and North Charleston terminals to support shippers and carriers. The update did not mention the status of Inland Port Dillon and the port did not immediately respond to a request for clarification from Supply Chain Dive.
A halt on South Carolina Ports Authority's marine and inland terminal operations stretched into Tuesday after a vendor software issue impacted a server, according to multiple updates from the port.
The port first notified stakeholders Sunday evening that there would be a delay in opening its operations the following day. But after multiple updates, the port said Monday afternoon that it didn't "anticipate systems being fully functional for the remainder of today at all SC Ports marine terminals and inland ports."
No cargo pick up or drop off was available for the remainder of the day Monday as the port worked to regain functionality in its systems.
Operations remained closed as of 10 a.m. EST Tuesday as work to bring all systems back online continued, the port said in an update. The port will be providing hourly updates as it works to resume operations. Once operations resume, it also plans to offer extended gate hours to help with cargo flow, with available times to be communicated soon.
The East Coast port said it was working closely with its vendor to resume operations and stated that the issue does not appear to be cybersecurity related. The port did not respond to Supply Chain Dive at the time of publication about the impact the pause is expected to have on cargo activity.
Shippers seeking reliable port alternatives leaned on South Carolina during times of congestion in 2021 and West Coast port labor negotiations in 2023, which led to multiple diversions.
The port processed its highest monthly cargo volumes ever at its Inland Port Dillon in April by handling 4,730 rail moves, a 26% year-over-year increase, according to a press release.
