Port of Charleston poised for near-term expansion following record infrastructure investments
CHARLESTON, S.C. – OCT. 28, 2025 – South Carolina Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace presented an ambitious vision for immediate growth during his inaugural State of the Port address, outlining a strategic plan to strengthen the Port’s cargo base and accelerate economic development across the state.
Speaking to an audience of more than 1,100 customers, partners, and stakeholders, Mallace emphasized that South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) is shifting momentum from major infrastructure investments to initiatives designed to drive near-term growth and revenue generation.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to have world-class terminals, the deepest harbor on the East Coast, and ample capacity for the foreseeable future,” said Mallace. “With these pieces in place, we have the latitude to focus on immediate growth and position South Carolina as a leader in global trade.”
South Carolina’s Economy and Workforce Fuel Growth
South Carolina’s workforce is expanding four times faster than any other coastal Southeastern state, creating fertile ground for new business investment. Over the past year, companies have announced $8.19 billion in new and expanded operations statewide. Of that total, SC Ports customers contributed $786 million in capital investment, creating more than 1,200 new jobs and bringing increased cargo volume to inland and marine terminals.
“Despite a slowdown in global corporate decision-making, the South Carolina team achieved strong economic development wins,” Mallace noted.
SC Ports continues to capture market share in key global trade lanes. The Port of Charleston now handles 29 weekly services, including expanded first-in calls from Asia and Europe and six weekly services connecting to India — one of the fastest-growing trade regions. The port has also outpaced other South Atlantic ports in Northeast Asia–U.S. trade, growing 9% since 2020, while peer ports saw a 2% decline.
Navigating Challenges, Capitalizing on Opportunity
While acknowledging ongoing industry challenges such as fluctuating spot rates and tempered container volumes, Mallace expressed optimism about SC Ports’ ability to outperform the market.
“We are not satisfied with 3% year-over-year growth in containers,” he said. “There is work to be done, but also tremendous opportunity. SC Ports was the fastest-growing U.S. container port for nearly a decade — and we can do it again. Momentum change requires bold initiatives, and that is exactly what we intend to deliver.”
With South Carolina and the broader Southeast projected to experience the nation’s largest population growth by 2050, SC Ports has invested heavily in long-cycle infrastructure to meet demand. The Port of Charleston’s 52-foot harbor — the deepest on the East Coast — and upgraded rail connectivity position the port to handle up to 10 million TEUs in the years ahead.
Strategic Priorities for Immediate Growth
Mallace unveiled a multi-year strategy focused on leveraging SC Ports’ assets and partnerships to accelerate near-term growth. Key priorities include:
Utilizing port-owned real estate to attract and support new business projects.
- Partnering with developers and shippers on revenue-generating infrastructure.
- Offering creative logistics solutions and white-glove service for shippers and BCOs.
- Enhancing supply chain visibility, cost efficiency, and cargo handling flexibility.
“We are here to help our customers solve their challenges — whether that’s reducing costs, improving cargo visibility, or managing inventory,” Mallace said. “Bring us your hardest supply chains and most demanding freight. SC Ports will take a consultative approach to deliver solutions.”
Collaboration as a Catalyst
Mallace closed his remarks by empasizing collaboration as the foundation for sustained growth.
“Economic opportunity is created through the business that the people in this room do together,” he said. “The Port exists to be a force for good — to serve the many stakeholders and families who depend on us to deliver growth for South Carolina.”
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the eighth-largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. The organization proactively invests ahead of demand to ensure reliable service, efficient operations, and unmatched cargo capacity. Port operations support one in nine jobs statewide, underscoring SC Ports’ role as a vital economic engine for South Carolina. Learn more at scspa.com.
Media Contacts:
Liz Crumley
Director, Corporate Communications
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8121
lcrumley@scspa.com
Laura Clifton
Manager, Public Relations
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
lclifton@scspa.com
