The Port of Galveston is continuing to build on its momentum from a banner year in 2018. Excellent early financial results show that the Port continues its upward trajectory in terms of revenue, passengers, and local economic impact. With this continued success, an incredible opportunity exists for Galveston. Prosperity brings on additional responsibilities, thus the reason why the Port has partnered with Bermello Ajamil & Partners (BA) to develop a Strategic Master Plan.

With projects from Los Angeles to New York from Dubai to Singapore, BA is an award-winning architectural, engineering and planning firm and is recognized globally for its expertise in cargo, cruise, and port planning as well as designing and engineering port infrastructure to integrate within the community. This expertise will enable the Port to establish a sustainable plan for future growth. BA’s unique understanding of port business will result in cargo, cruise facilities and compatible commercial development that delivers innovative solutions to our now thriving seaport and its town. Their global record of accomplishment is unrivaled, and we are fortunate that our management was able to bring that relationship to the table for the Port of Galveston. BA was selected by Royal Caribbean to design their Galveston cruise terminal, which is estimated to open in 2022.

Recognizing that the Port’s future affects everyone in some way, Wharves Board Trustees, Port staff, and BA teamed up earlier this year with an initial series of public and stakeholder meetings. That first round of meetings confirmed the broad support for the Port with over 200 attendees. Comments from the public subsequent to the first round of meetings indicated to Port staff that the Port is on the right track. The second round of public meetings will add an additional opportunity for the community to help drive the future of the Port.

Article XXII of the City Charter gives the Wharves Board management control of the City’s Port assets, a responsibility not taken lightly by the Wharves Board or the Port staff. The results from this Strategic Master Plan will enable the Port to continue its goal of increasing the value of the City’s maritime assets. We now have the proper tools needed.

The Port is committed to following a transparent, comprehensive and inclusive planning process. The Port will continue to meet over the next months, with various stakeholders, agency leaders, community organizations, and environmental groups, to increase awareness and solicit feedback for the Strategic Master Plan. In June, the Port will have a second series of public meetings in which it will report the results of the public’s important feedback and to discuss the integration of these new ideas. The ultimate goal of the comprehensive Strategic Master Plan is to continue expanding the Port’s maritime business responsibly, which, in turn, will generate more jobs thus allowing Port staff to extend the trend of increased economic impact to the regional and local economy.

We encourage everyone to hop on board as we steer the Port of Galveston toward a more successful and sustainable future. For a list of scheduled community outreach activities as well as updates on information gathered through surveys and comment cards, visit the Port of Galveston websiteportofgalveston.com/masterplan