The Port of Galveston in Texas has completed its US$106 million West Port Cargo Complex expansion.
The project added almost 30 acres (12 hectares) to the previously 60-acre (24-hectare) cargo facility. It also provided a 1,410-foot (430-metre) berth at Pier 39-40 capable of accommodating larger ships.
The berth has been in commercial service since July 2. On that date, Wallenius Wilhelmsen's 656-foot (200-metre) pure car and truck carrier Toledo became the first vessel to use it.
Construction began in 2024. The works involved enclosing two outdated slips, filling one of them, constructing the new dock, resurfacing cargo handling areas, and demolishing a decommissioned grain elevator.
A future phase will fill the second slip, adding another six acres (two hectares).
The expansion was funded through a US$36 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation and the port's own operating revenues.
The port's updated 20-year strategic master plan was adopted in February. It identifies opportunities to raise annual cargo to more than five million tons within five to 10 years by doubling acreage at the complex and adding rail.
Over the longer term, plans include adding 40 acres (16 hectares) for cargo space as cruise parking moves from surface lots into garages.
