The Maritime Association
of the Port of Charleston

The Maritime Association of The Port of Charleston (MAPCHA) has been actively promoting the interests of the Port of Charleston since 1926. Today, it continues to contribute to the growth and success of the port. Once limited to companies engaged in or providing services to the maritime trade, membership is now open to a much broader base of port supporters.

The waterfront community has a number of highly regarded professional and trade organizations. MAPCHA, however, is an umbrella association, welcoming participation of other organizations and working for the improvement of the port as a whole. We deal with issues both broad and specific in nature.




John F. Hassell III
President

J. Corwin Pharr VP and Director of Government Relations

Frank Kostos Membership Director

Mission Statement

• To advance, encourage, promote, increase and protect the interests of the Port of Charleston, especially with respect to shipping and commerce, both foreign and domestic;
  
  
• To encourage the location of new port-using industry in the State of South Carolina;
  
  
• To acquire, compile, disseminate, and preserve useful information;
  
  
• To advertise and otherwise promote the advantages of the Port of Charleston;
  
  
• To generate revenue for the Association from programs, services and other sources;
  
  
• To provide and maintain offices and staff for accomplishing the purposes of the Association and for encouraging closer social relations among members and for stimulating interest and activity in matters pertaining to port operations, industrial relations, economic development, marketing, political affairs, public relations and all other matters related to the progress and prosperity of the Port of Charleston
  
  
• To do any and all things deemed necessary to accomplish any of the foregoing purposes.