How did the south challenge the blockade of its ports?

The South challenged the blockade of its ports during the Civil War primarily through the use of small, fast vessels known as blockade runners, which were designed to evade Union naval forces. These ships would slip past the blockades at night or in poor weather to deliver goods and supplies from foreign ports, particularly in the Caribbean and Europe. Additionally, the Confederacy sought to construct ironclad warships and utilized coastal defenses to strengthen their maritime capabilities against Union forces. Despite these efforts, the blockade significantly hampered Southern trade and access to resources.