The president of MSC's US operations says a lack of new port projects could hinder future cargo growth, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

Fabio Santucci called for better use of existing terminal space and more greenfield development to support long-term import growth, which he said is vital in a consumer-driven economy.

Speaking at the South Carolina International Trade Conference, Mr Santucci said ports like Charleston must invest in densification and operational efficiency, as few new terminals are being developed.

MSC is building terminals in New Orleans and Baltimore and, through its Terminal Investment Limited, could become the world's largest terminal operator if its US$23 billion acquisition of Hutchison Port Holdings is finalised.

While US ports managed import surges earlier this year, Mr Santucci said landside inefficiencies still cause costly vessel delays. He stressed the need for improved performance to avoid anchorage bottlenecks.

MSC's volume through Charleston rose 15 per cent this year, far outpacing the port's overall 0.5 per cent growth in laden imports between January and August, according to PIERS data.

Mr Santucci said industrial and population growth in the US Southeast, particularly Charleston, positions the region for continued expansion. MSC recently opened an expanded campus in the city.

SC Port Authority chief Micah Mallace said Charleston has sufficient terminal capacity and will focus on short-term projects to support future growth. The Leatherman terminal, opened in 2021, was the first new US terminal since 2009.