South Carolina Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace has pledged to focus on strengthening the port's cargo base and prioritizing opportunities for immediate growth, rather than long-cycle infrastructure. The Port of Charleston has seen strong economic development wins, with ocean carriers showing confidence in its capabilities within the Southeast market. However, Mallace acknowledged that challenges persist, including a freight recession and volatility in the port market. Despite this, he is optimistic about the port's potential to engineer above-market growth and deliver non-traditional growth initiatives.