The Port of Galveston Authority announced that its 106 million USD investment in the West Port Cargo Complex represents the largest coastal berth infrastructure upgrade in decades. This initiative follows the port's launch of its fourth cruise terminal in late 2025. Annually, the port handles over 3 million tons of general and bulk cargo, including ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) goods and wind turbine components.

Berth 38/39 (pictured) will be filled to expand the cargo staging area at the Port of Galveston's West Port Cargo Complex. Photo: *Port of Galveston*

The ongoing project seeks to expand cargo operational areas and extend berths, a move designed to bolster regional economic growth. At berths 38/39, construction crews have already erected a barrier to enclose an old waterway. This area will be filled with dredged material in 2026, creating additional cargo staging space and forming a new berth.

In parallel, the project to close the waterway and expand berths at areas 40/41 is slated for completion by mid-2026. Once finished, these improvements will create a continuous berth line 437 m long, capable of accommodating vessels with a 14 m draft (the depth of a ship's hull submerged in water, measured from the waterline to the lowest point of the ship's bottom) from the second half of 2026.

In the onshore logistics area, the port has renovated approximately 2 ha at berth 41 to address deteriorating concrete. Furthermore, an inactive grain tower was dismantled to free up additional land. This cleared area is expected to be leveled and ready for cargo operations within one year.

Construction has been implemented in phases since 2024, utilizing state grant funding combined with the port's own budget. A significant portion of this funding is derived from cruise tourism revenue.

Port of Galveston leadership stated that these projects are crucial for diversifying revenue streams and developing the cargo segment to its full potential, complementing its rapidly growing cruise tourism operations.

Ngoc Minh (according to Baird Maritime)