December 15, 2025
As we look back on 2025, I believe this must be one of the biggest years in our 200-year history in terms of infrastructure spending, economic benefits and community engagement.
A New Era of Cargo Growth
We’re pumping more than $250 million into port infrastructure to expand our cargo and cruise businesses and to improve internal roadways for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
We made major progress this year on our $106 million phased project to expand and improve our West Port Cargo Complex for general and breakbulk cargos, including roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) and giant wind turbine pieces. We also demolished a decommissioned grain facility to add acreage for cargo handling.
When completed, the work between piers 30 and 41 will add approximately 31 acres to the existing cargo area.
We’re on the cusp of a new era of cargo growth. For the first time in decades, the Galveston Wharves and its partners can develop our cargo business to its full potential, generating hundreds of jobs and tremendous economic growth for the region. This opens the door to new commodities never handled before by port.
Another Cruise Milestone
On the cruise side, we opened our fourth terminal at Pier 16 in November. The $156 million cruise complex includes the port’s first onsite parking garage, an internal roadway to help alleviate traffic on Harborside Drive, and custom-built passenger boarding bridges. Initially, the state-of-the-art terminal will be home to MSC and Norwegian cruise ships, with other cruise lines showing interest.
This terminal, along with more world-class ships sailing from Galveston, contributes to new cruise records for the port. We expect to host almost 2 million cruise passengers, or 4 million embarkations and debarkations, on almost 450 sailings throughout the Caribbean next year. This year, we’re only a couple of hundred thousand passengers short of 2 million passengers.
Port Growth Fuels Local Economy
As the port grows to meet increased demand, the port continues to fuel major economic growth. For example, the new cruise terminal will create 1,085 jobs and have an economic
impact of $138 million annually, including personal income, business revenue, and state and local taxes.
The city of Galveston benefits directly with passenger fees and port payments for cruise parking. Through November, the port has paid the city $2.8 million for 2025. These funds go directly into the city’s general fund.
A Celebration to Remember
The port marked its bicentennial with several public events. As we planned the bicentennial, our goals were to engage with our community and port partners and to spotlight the city and port regionally and nationally.
I believe we accomplished that through our Maritime Day commemoration, Party on the Pier and 200th anniversary gala. And thanks to the generosity of our 35 sponsors, we accomplished our third and most important goal – to establish a scholarship endowment for maritime students at Texas A&M Galveston with bicentennial net proceeds. Look for further announcements regarding other educational assistance as we finalize the bicentennial proceeds.
As we close the books on a successful 2025, we’re looking forward to another great year of shared successes for the port and our port partners in 2026. From everyone at the Galveston Wharves, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and happy new year.
By Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO
