US$90 Million Project Expected to Increase Cargo-Handling Capacity by A Third
By Simon West
Galveston Wharves in Texas has kicked off a major overhaul of its West Port Cargo Complex, a project that is expected to boost the port’s cargo-handling capacity by a third.
The US$90 million initiative, funded by port revenues and a US$36 million state grant, includes work to add some 30 acres of waterfront cargo laydown area for breakbulk and other cargoes and install a new 1,424-foot-long berth.
The project is slated for completion in 2026.
“Adding roughly 30 acres to the West Port Cargo Complex could allow the port to increase its cargo handling capacity by one third. It will allow the port to increase roll-on, roll-off and wind turbine cargo volumes, as well as seek new cargos such as containers,” Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, told Breakbulk.
“The project also brings a number of economic benefits to the region and state of Texas, including more than 425 construction jobs, US$23 million in wages and US$1.7 million in state and local taxes.”
Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston is one of the busiest ports in Texas, typically handling more than four million tons of cargo a year. Freight moving through the facility includes bulk liquids, bulk fertilizer, wind and general cargo, new cars and other RoRo items.
The port has also announced plans to spend US$151 million on a fourth cruise terminal.
Galveston Wharves is an exhibitor at Breakbulk Americas 2024.
