Your questions and comments are welcomed. We hope you will communicate with us and participate in the public meetings. Contact us to get updates and submit comments.
Some of the more frequently asked questions are listed below.
Planning Process and Background:
Who is responsible for creating the plan?
What is the timeline for the project?
What is the financial plan?
Didn’t the SCSPA Commission a Master Plan several years ago?
Is there demand for more cruise business in Charleston?
What other cruise cities are similar to Charleston?
How many terminals will there be?
How big will the ships be?
How many ships will be coming to Charleston?
How long will ships stay in Charleston?
What types of passengers will be coming to Charleston?
How can the public participate in the process?
Concept Plan:
Where will the cruise terminal be located?
What does the concept plan include?
Does the concept plan include public access?
How will traffic be addressed?
How have you considered the context of Union Pier related to other plans?
Does the concept plan include additional parking?
Economic Impact:
What is the economic impact of the cruise industry in the Tri-County area?
Who benefits from the cruise industry?
Are cruise lines meeting those regulations?
Have cruise lines been fined for their environmental practices in the past?
What do cruise ships do with the garbage they generate?
What do cruise ships do with the blackwater and graywater that they generate?
How do cruise ships manage ballast water?
What is being done to reduce air emissions associated with cruise ships and the tug boats they use?
What about shoreside power, or plugging in, the cruise ships while they’re at dock?
What is being done about the emissions from buses idling in the area of the cruise terminal?
What else is the Ports Authority doing to reduce port-related air emissions?
Planning Process and Background:
Who is responsible for creating the Union Pier Cruise Terminal Plan?
The SCSPA has the prime responsibility in this process. However, the SCSPA is working very closely with the City of Charleston throughout the process. The team of professional planners that was selected to develop the plan itself is led by Cooper, Robertson & Partners , one of the nation’s leading planning and design firms with extensive experience in Charleston and with prominent waterfronts throughout the world. Public input is also encouraged throughout the process. (top of page)
What’s the timeline for the project?
Our goal is to have a Union Pier Cruise Terminal Plan completed sometime in March 2010. That plan would then be brought before the City of Charleston Planning Commission, with the goal to have the plan adopted by Charleston City Council. The SCSPA would then seek appropriate development partners. All of this could take a few years. There will be the opportunity for public involvement at every step throughout the process. (top of page)
What is the financial plan for the cruise facility and the surrounding area?
We must create a financially viable plan. This means a plan that not only makes sense economically, but is also realistic and responsive to market conditions, preserves Charleston’s character, and provides the Port with a reasonable return on its investment. This plan is currently being developed. (top of page)
Didn’t the SCSPA commission a Master Plan for this property several years ago?
A Master Plan for the property was developed and approved in 1996. Not only have many physical and market conditions changed since then, but also the facility must be updated to comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (post-9/11 requirements). Accordingly, the SCSPA requested proposals from a number of leading planning firms during the summer of 2009 and selected Cooper, Robertson & Partners in early September. (top of page)
Is there a demand for more cruise ship business in Charleston?
Charleston is a very attractive destination for cruise ships from all over the world. In order to meet this demand, we need to modernize and update our one-berth cruise facility. This will allow us to meet security requirements and cruise ship customer expectations. (top of page)
What other cruise cities are comparative to the plans for Charleston?
Baltimore and Norfolk both have one-berth embark/debark facilities. However, Charleston is unique. Even though these cities may be similar, planning must reflect Charleston’s distinctive characteristics and attributes. (top of page)
How many terminals will there be?
There will be only one terminal capable of handling one embarking/debarking ship at a time. It is possible that under extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather conditions, a ship in distress, etc.), a second ship could be berthed there. (top of page)
The improved cruise terminal is being sized to serve the same size of ships that currently visit Charleston. (top of page)
How many ships will be coming to Charleston each year?
The number of ships will vary based on business conditions but a single vessel terminal would likely have a maximum capacity of one ship every 3-4 days. In the past, the most ship calls in one year was 51. This number depends on a numerous variables including ship deployments, market conditions and port rotations. (top of page)
How long do cruise ships stay in Charleston?
Ships typically stay 8 to 12 hours per call whether embark/debark (leaving from Charleston) or port of call (a stop on the cruise). Cruise vessels will typically arrive in the morning and depart late afternoon. (top of page)
What types of passengers/visitors will be coming through our city for cruises?
Much like our local tourism industry, Charleston enjoys a great diversity in the target demographics of its cruise business. From the highest-end ships afloat, to family-oriented cruises, to value trips, to expeditionary visits, cruise ships visiting Charleston cover many demographics. International visitors and domestic cruisers from 41 states have arrived or sailed on cruises in Charleston Harbor.
Nearly half are first-time visitors to Charleston and demonstrate a high likelihood to visit again and recommend the City as a vacation destination to family and friends. (top of page)
How can the public participate in the process?
Public participation is encouraged and welcomed. Email us in our Feedback section, and you’ll receive notification of public meetings and other news. Also, you can email questions and comments at any time by going to Feedback. (top of page)
Concept Plan:
Where will the cruise terminal be located?
After extensive study and community input, the planning team has recommended locating the new cruise terminal at the northern portion of the Union Pier property. This location will best mitigate traffic, and there is an existing structure that can very appropriately be converted to an attractive cruise terminal, reflecting the character of historic Charleston. (top of page)
What does the concept plan include?
The concept plan has several distinct components.
First, it restores the historic granite wharf that once led to the Custom House and the foot of Market Street. That area would once again be tied appropriately to the historic Market Street axis and provide substantial public space that will attract residents and visitors alike.
Second, the concept plan also would also restore a green, natural shoreline approximately twice the length of the Waterfront Park and would create a beautiful setting and vistas that no one has seen in more than 40 years.
Finally, the concept plan provides the opportunity to create additional uses of the property that may be some combination of residential, commercial and public use. (top of page)
Does the concept plan include public access?
Yes. The concept plan includes the restoration of a green, natural shoreline approximately twice the length of the Waterfront Park. Additionally, the area at the foot of Market Street, an area currently active only when cruise ships are in town (less than 70 days a year), will become vibrant and accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy 365 days a year. (top of page)
How will traffic be addressed?
The Port is currently addressing traffic and tourism management associated with the cruise business, including handling the majority of cruise traffic within the grounds of the cruise terminal.
The concept plan also addresses traffic in a number of ways, which include moving the cruise terminal to the north end of the Union Pier property and routing traffic away from East Bay Street north of Society Street. (top of page)
How have you considered the context of Union Pier related to other plans?
The plan for Union Pier needs to be contextual with the rest of the Charleston peninsula. Our planning team has worked very closely with the City of Charleston, and has studied traffic patterns and flow as well as other plans for the downtown Charleston area. (top of page)
Does the concept plan include additional parking?
The cruise terminal area includes surface parking specifically for cruise passengers. Other areas of the property could be used for additional parking, which will be determined as planning continues. (top of page)
Economic Impact:
What is the economic impact of the cruise industry in the Tri-County area?
A study done by College of Charleston professors Dr. John Crotts and Dr. Frank Hefner estimates the total economic output at more than $37 million for the Tri-County area. This estimate includes approximately 407 jobs to the area that contribute $16.2 million in salaries and wages and $3.5 million in state sales and income taxes. More detailed results of the study can be viewed here. (top of page)
Who benefits from the cruise industry?
A wide range of businesses as well as individuals benefit from the cruise industry. Restaurants and hotels see positive impacts from the cruise business; however, the greatest spending occurs in transportation services, such as the ground shuttle and the port industry. Retail stores and wholesale trade, such as a ship’s spending for food and other supplies, are other top sectors. (top of page)
What environmental regulations exist for the cruise industry?
The environmental standards that apply to the cruise line industry are primarily international environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). All ships operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, regardless of where they are flagged, and must comply with all U. S. environmental laws. (top of page)
Are cruise lines meeting those regulations?
MMost cruise lines go above and beyond the regulations. They have collectively and voluntarily set strict environmental standards and practices that exceed even U.S. and international laws through their international trade organization, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). All major cruise lines calling the Port of Charleston are members of this organization. In addition, over the past five years, cruise lines have spent an average of $2 million per ship on new environmental technologies and retrofits. (top of page)
Have cruise lines been fined for their environmental practices in the past?
There have been violations of environmental laws involving cruise lines in the past. These incidents served as an important wake-up call, causing the industry to redouble its efforts to improve its environmental performance. These incidents also demonstrate that the international cruise industry is strictly accountable to U.S. environmental enforcement agencies and subject to severe penalties if violations do occur. (top of page)
What do cruise ships do with the garbage they generate?
n order to minimize the amount of waste generated, cruise lines have aggressively implemented waste management programs that actually reduce the creation of waste. In the last 10 years alone, cruise ships have cut waste and garbage almost in half, despite a growth in cruise capacity averaging 7.6% annually. In addition, according to the EPA, the U.S. population recycles an average of 28% of its waste per year. The average recycle rate for cruise ship waste is 60% - significantly higher than that of most local communities. This further reduces the amount of waste that requires disposal.
Garbage generated on board cruise ships is governed by The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex V and its provisions are implemented in the U.S. by the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987. Through regular shipboard inspections, U.S. Coast Guard inspectors ensure that proper waste management technology and procedures are in place.
Trash generated aboard a cruise ship that is not recycled is typically incinerated on-board, with a small amount being brought ashore for disposal. The disposal of plastics anywhere at sea is prohibited by international regulations and the disposal of anything within three miles of the coast (even a local boater’s boiled peanut shells) is prohibited by federal law. (top of page)
What do cruise ships do with the blackwater and graywater that they generate?
According to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act, blackwater, the wastewater from toilets, urinals, and medical sinks, must be treated by an approved Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) that is certified, approved and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard, or held until at least three (3) miles offshore. This is another instance where CLIA members have adopted a tougher standard. CLIA members have agreed that all blackwater will be processed through an MSD, certified in accordance with U.S. or international regulations prior to discharge. They have further agreed that the treated wastewater will only be discharged when the ship is more than four (4) miles from shore.
In addition, many of the member lines have pioneered the development of, and many ships are equipped with, advanced wastewater treatment technology that treats wastewater beyond the capability of most land-based wastewater treatment facilities.
Graywater is the wastewater from the sinks, showers, galleys, laundry, and cleaning activities aboard a ship. The EPA does not limit or prohibit these discharges at all. Despite this, however, CLIA members have proactively adopted a standard of prohibiting these discharges within four (4) miles of shore. (top of page)
How do cruise ships manage ballast water?
Cruise ships only take on ballast water for the safety of the ship, providing balance to the vessel as it gets lighter, typically from the fuel used during a voyage. Therefore, the volume of ballast water on cruise ships is very small. Also, very little if any refueling is typically done in Charleston, further minimizing the need for discharging ballast water. Open ocean exchange of ballast water, and required reporting, is one means to reduce the risks of invasive species introduction. In addition, both the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard are seeking to establish new regulations on ballast water exchange and discharge. The international shipping industry is also researching and experimenting with other technologies to deal with ballast water treatment into the future. (top of page)
What is being done to reduce air emissions associated with cruise ships and the tug boats they use?
Cruise ships actually don’t require tug boats. Cruise ships are equipped with a number of thrusters designed for propulsion and navigation of the ship, allowing self-docking and eliminating the need for tug boats under normal circumstances.
To address emissions from the cruise ships themselves, in October 2008 the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) agreed to revise and strengthen the emission standards in Annex VI and reduce the amount of sulfur in ship’s fuel. The revised law will enter force in July 2010. The current global limit on sulfur in marine fuels is 4.5 per cent. Under the revised Annex this limit will fall in two stages to 3.5 per cent in 2012, and finally to 0.5 per cent in 2020 subject to a review in 2018. (top of page)
What about shoreside power, or plugging in, the cruise ships while they’re at dock?
Given the current technology, costs and trade-offs, shorepower does not seem to offer an attractive environmental benefit at this time. However, we will continue to monitor the technology in the future as it improves and develops.
The electric load required to support a cruise ship while at dock is significant. This electricity has to come from the grid, so the emissions from the associated power plant and available capacity have to be considered.
While two cruise terminals on the West Coast have installed shore side plug-in capabilities for ships, shoreside power is a very new and very costly technology. It can cost up to $10 million to retrofit a berth and $1-2 million for each ship. (top of page)
What is being done about the emissions from buses idling in the area of the cruise terminal?
The Ports Authority has initiated a voluntary anti-idling campaign to reduce vehicle emissions associated with all of its terminals. This will be expanded to include new initiatives related to buses and the cruise terminal. (top of page)
What else is the Ports Authority doing to reduce port-related air emissions?
As part of the MOA to reduce air emissions, the Ports Authority also agreed to evaluate the use of cleaner fuels. The Ports Authority, of its own accord, has switched to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) three years ahead of federal mandate. Seven port tenants have also made the switch to ULSD. The Ports Authority also worked with on-site partners, including the Charleston Harbor Pilots and South Carolina Public Railways, to switch to ULSD. This move to cleaner fuel will cut air emissions levels from affected equipment by 10 percent, years ahead of the federal mandate.
The Ports Authority also put together two multi-faceted projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions, leveraging extensive public/private partnerships to apply for grant funding from the EPA. The projects totaling more than $5 million involve the retrofit and repower of a number of diesel engines associated with port operation, including cargo handling equipment, trucks, tug boats, and a dredge. (top of page)
