Big Galveston Cargo Changes Coming

By Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO

Big cargo changes are coming as the Galveston Wharves continues to execute its 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, designed to maximize revenues and jobs at the 840-acre Texas port.

This summer the port is kicking off major cargo infrastructure improvements, welcoming more wind turbine imports, saying goodbye to a fresh fruit importer, and bringing down a decommissioned grain elevator.

West Port Cargo Expansion

On July 24, the port and its port partners celebrated the kickoff of more than $90 million in phased cargo expansion and improvement work in the West Port Cargo Complex. Along with demolition of a near-century-old grain elevator, we'll add about 30 acres of waterfront cargo laydown area to handle more cargo and generate more jobs.

Funding to expand and restore decaying infrastructure comes from a $36 million state grant and port cash reserves, largely generated from our growing cruise business. This project will create more good-paying jobs for union workers, stevedores and others who work on the waterfront.

It includes filling two slips and building a 1,426-foot-long berth from Pier 38/39 to Pier 40/41. We expect to celebrate completion in 2026. Future phases will include much-needed paving in the cargo laydown area and other improvements.

To emphasize the importance of this milestone, I'd like to quote Vic Pierson, Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees chairman: "This is the first time in decades that the port has made an investment of this size in our docks. It demonstrates our commitment to a diversified revenue stream and to jobs growth by executing our 20-Year Strategic Master Plan."

Bring on Wind

The Port of Galveston is also reaping the rewards of expanding its foreign-trade zone (FTZ) area with the import of hundreds of wind turbine pieces.

The port authorized additional cargo acreage for its FTZ in late 2023 to accommodate its growing wind turbine import business. The port can now designate an additional 23 acres between piers 34 and 41 within its West Port Cargo Complex to stimulate new business.

Since April, the port has imported approximately 528 blades and tower pieces, with several hundred scheduled in the coming months. This is another major jobs generator for skilled union workers, stevedores and truck drivers.

Fresh Fruit Operation Moves

The port is saying goodbye to long-time tenant Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. In 2019 Del Monte announced plans to relocate to a larger facility in Freeport, 30 miles south of Galveston.

In February, the port announced plans to convert the cargo facility into a $151 million cruise terminal complex through an agreement with MSC Cruises. Construction has begun and will be completed before the MSC Seascape arrives at her new homeport in November 2025.

Marking 200 Years

All these big changes come as the port prepares for its 200^th anniversary next year.

The port has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Generations of Galvestonians have worked on the waterfront to provide for their families. We're investing in port infrastructure to ensure jobs for future generations and to continue to be a major economic engine for the region and state.

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