SC Ports not expected to resume operations Monday after software issue impacts server

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Ports Authority said it does not anticipate being fully functional Monday after delaying opening operations for hours.

Opening operations were initially expected to be delayed until 10:00 a.m., but that expectation was pushed to noon, then 2:00 p.m., before providing the latest announcement.

Neither cargo pickup nor drop-off could occur during the downtime.

The cause appeared to be a software issue that impacted a server, according to SC Ports leaders. “As we progress to operations fully resuming, we do not anticipate systems being fully functional for the remainder of today at all SC Ports marine terminals and inland ports,” officials said in an update Monday afternoon.

“SC Ports is working to resume operations as quickly as possible. We are reintroducing systems as they become available,” officials said.

Trucks were seen waiting to enter the Wando Welch terminal along I-526 during the morning hours on Monday but did not appear to be backing up traffic on the interstate. Still, the SC Ports warned that traffic delays were possible near its access roads.

It’s unclear what type of software issue the SC Ports experienced, but leaders said it did not appear to be a cybersecurity issue.

Governor Henry McMaster’s office tells News 2 they are in close contact with the SC Ports and monitoring the situation.