After 15 years of planning, Port Houston has finalized its part of the ambitious $1.2 billion expansion project to deepen and widen the ship channel. Initiated in 2010 in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the construction phase began in 2022. On Monday, Port Houston officials reported the successful completion of the dredging and widening operations from Bolivar Roads to Morgan Point in Galveston Bay. This accomplishment marks a significant step in enhancing the efficiency and safety of one of the busiest waterways in the United States.
The channel’s widening from 530 to 700 feet is strategically important given the increasing size of vessels in terms of length, beam, and tonnage. The modification not only improves navigation but is also considered economically strategic for future maritime demands.
In a statement, Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo praised the collaborative effort of the Port Houston team, along with federal, local, and industry partners, for recognizing and supporting this vital national gateway. He emphasized the channel’s critical role in sustaining and expanding international commerce.
As the country’s largest port by waterborne tonnage, reaching 309.5 million tonnes, Houston’s 52-mile ship channel plays a crucial role in supporting over 200 private facilities and eight public terminals. These operations span sectors including petrochemicals, heavy machinery, consumer goods, and energy, collectively supporting 3.37 million jobs and generating $906 billion annually, as per a 2022 third-party study cited by the Houston Port Authority.
Project 11’s completion promises to enhance the economic and operational efficiencies of the region, with Port Authority representatives noting immediate improvements. One notable benefit is that daylight restricted vessels now have an additional two and a half hours to transit daily, facilitating more flexible scheduling and improved two-way vessel movement along the waterway.
The portion of the project handled by the USACE is expected to conclude in 2029, further solidifying the channel’s robust capacity and utility.