Port of Galveston Highlights Cargo Growth and Expansion Plans
Photo courtesy of Port of Galveston
The Port of Galveston is highlighting its cargo operations as it works to expand business, strengthen employment opportunities and diversify the port’s regional economic role.
Although the port is widely known for cruise operations, cargo has supported Galveston’s community and workforce for more than 200 years. The port has operated as a cruise port for 27 years while continuing to develop relationships with global cargo companies, including Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
Galveston representatives are scheduled to connect with maritime professionals at Breakbulk Americas in Houston on Sept. 22-23. The international conference is expected to bring hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of cargo and maritime professionals from across North and South America.
In November, Galveston cargo operations will also be presented at the World Ports Conference in London, where Port of Galveston Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees will speak.
The port specializes in breakbulk cargo, which is not transported in standard shipping containers. This includes roll-on/roll-off cargo, wind turbine components and other large or specialized freight requiring different handling and transportation methods.
The port reported that its cargo operations generated 248,984 skilled labor hours in 2025, equivalent to about 120 full-time jobs. Combined with cruise operations, the port generated 584,425 labor hours.
Cargo also helped maintain the port’s workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cruise operations were suspended for an extended period while cargo and lay ship operations continued.
The Port of Galveston recently completed a $106 million cargo expansion project, funded through port operating revenue and a $36 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. The project added nearly 30 acres for cargo handling and a new berth for larger ships.
Long-term plans call for adding another 40 acres for cargo operations as more cruise parking moves from surface lots to parking garages.