Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Galveston Cargo Berth Wraps $106M expansion

[ July 3, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The Port of Galveston has officially opened its new cargo berth at the West Port Cargo Complex, marking the completion of a US$106 million expansion designed to accommodate growing roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro), breakbulk and project cargo volumes.

The new 1,410-foot berth at Pier 39-40 welcomed its first commercial vessel July 2 when Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Toledo discharged hundreds of pieces of heavy construction equipment from Brazil and the Far East before loading agricultural and construction equipment destined for Brazil and Australia.

The berth is the centerpiece of a cargo modernization program launched in 2024 that also included enclosing two obsolete slips, filling one slip, rehabilitating cargo handling areas and demolishing a decommissioned grain elevator. The improvements expand the West Port Cargo Complex by nearly 30 acres, with an additional six-acre expansion planned in a future phase.

“This is the first time in decades that the port has made a significant investment in its cargo business,” said Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves. “Driven by cargo tenant demand, the expansion paves the way for major cargo growth to generate hundreds of new jobs and tremendous economic growth for the region.”

The project was financed through port operating revenues together with a US$36 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Maritime Division.

“This US$36 million state investment added capacity and will help the Port of Galveston operate more efficiently as demand continues to grow,” said TxDOT Maritime Division Director Geir-Eilif Kalhagen. “When the state partners with seaports on projects like this, we’re not just improving infrastructure, but strengthening the supply chain, supporting job growth and ensuring Texas remains competitive nationally and globally.”

The opening comes as cargo activity continues to increase at Galveston. Through April, overall cargo tonnage was up 13 percent year over year, with dry bulk volumes rising 42 percent and roll-on/roll-off cargo increasing 52 percent. Cargo ship calls also increased to 73 through April compared with 70 during the same period in 2025.

The expanded terminal strengthens Galveston’s position as a growing Gulf Coast gateway for heavy equipment, project cargo and ro-ro traffic, while providing additional capacity for future cargo opportunities.

Tags: Port of Galveston, Wallenius Wilhelmsen