South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has secured nearly 160,000 containers of new business as part of its strategy to restore growth and strengthen its competitive position. The port authority is also expanding its focus on retail, manufacturing and refrigerated cargo.
SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace outlined the progress during his second State of the Port address on 27 October. He highlighted a 20% reduction in expenses, new commercial commitments and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
The additional business covers retail, consumer goods, manufacturing and export commodities. According to SC Ports, the new volumes will gradually enter its operations through 2027.
The port authority attributed these gains to stronger sales efforts, more competitive rates and improved customer service. Its cost-cutting programme has also helped bring pricing back in line with competing ports.
“We are a highly productive port, with ample capacity, a customer-focused mindset and the market fundamentals to thrive,” said Micah Mallace, President and CEO of SC Ports.
“We are perfectly positioned to achieve above-market growth, and we are now starting to see that momentum generate.”
Recent commercial developments include a new transloading facility near the port for a global retailer. National retail brands and major importers have also committed additional cargo to Charleston, selecting the port as a gateway for shipments into the southeastern United States.
SC Ports is also strengthening its position in advanced manufacturing. Inland Port Greer has attracted more business from companies seeking access to rail connections. In October, the facility received its first container associated with Isuzu’s new commercial truck plant in Greenville County.
Industrial property activity around Charleston has also improved. According to Cushman & Wakefield, approximately 5 million square feet of industrial space had been leased in the market so far in 2026. SC Ports expects several major leases to support additional cargo volumes.
SC Ports is advancing several infrastructure projects to support future growth and improve connections with inland markets.
Work has started on expanding the rail-served North Charleston Terminal. The project is expected to create additional cargo opportunities in the short term while increasing container-handling capacity over time.
Meanwhile, the port authority continues working toward the resumption of operations at Leatherman Terminal. It is also progressing plans to bring the Navy Base Intermodal Facility into service.
Mallace emphasized the importance of rail connectivity for customers moving goods between inland manufacturing and distribution centers and the Port of Charleston.
Alongside these investments, SC Ports plans to attract more retail distribution centers and refrigerated cargo operations. The strategy aims to complement its established manufacturing business and create a more diversified cargo base.
According to Mallace, a broader mix of cargo will improve the port’s resilience and support growth across South Carolina.
However, the port authority acknowledged that overall cargo volumes remain below previous levels. Mallace noted that port development follows long investment cycles, meaning the benefits of recently secured business will emerge gradually.
“The business being awarded today will pay dividends for years to come,” Mallace said. “Momentum begets momentum, and we have started to generate ours.”
