Port Of Galveston Completes $106 Million West Port Cargo Complex Expansion

The Port of Galveston has completed a $106 million expansion of its West Port Cargo Complex, adding almost 30 acres to the previously 60-acre facility and a new 1,410-foot berth at Pier 39-40 capable of handling larger ships.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking completion took place October 15, attended by port officials, state lawmakers, maritime industry representatives and local leaders.

The project, begun in 2024, was funded with port operating revenues and a $36 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Work included enclosing two outdated slips, filling one slip, building the new dock, repaving cargo handling areas and demolishing a decommissioned grain elevator. A future phase will fill the second slip to add another 6 acres.

The new berth opened for business July 2, when the 656-foot Wallenius Wilhelmsen roll-on/roll-off carrier MS Toledo offloaded hundreds of pieces of heavy construction equipment from Brazil and the Far East. Union workers then loaded heavy construction and farm equipment destined for Brazil and Australia.

“This is the first time in decades that the port has made a significant investment in its cargo business,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “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.”

Rees credited the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees, the Texas Legislature and TxDOT for supporting the project, and he said revenues from the port’s growing cruise business helped pay for the cargo improvements.

The port specializes in breakbulk cargo, including roll-on/roll-off cargo and wind turbine components. In 2025, cargo operations generated 248,984 skilled labor hours, equivalent to about 120 full-time jobs, Rees said.

“Cargo also diversifies our business,” Rees said, noting that cargo operations continued during the COVID-19 pandemic while cruises were shut down.

Long-term plans call for adding another 40 acres for cargo operations as cruise parking shifts from surface lots to parking garages.

“For 201 years, cargo has been part of Galveston’s identity,” Rees said. He added that the port is investing in that legacy while building a stronger, more diversified future for the port and the community.