Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 29, APM Terminals and the Alabama Port Authority have agreed to advance a $131 million expansion at the Port of Mobile, adding a new 1,300-foot container berth to accommodate increasing trade volumes through the Gulf of Mexico gateway.

The “Phase V” project will increase berth capacity by 50%, enabling the APM Terminals Mobile facility to handle up to three ultra-large containerships simultaneously. Funding will come from federal appropriations to the Port Authority and private capital from APM Terminals, the port operating arm of Maersk.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2028. Upon opening, the terminal’s annual berth capacity will rise to 1.4 million TEU, supported by seven ship-to-shore cranes. This expansion follows the recent $366 million deepening of Mobile Harbour to 50 feet, now the deepest container port in the US Gulf, and complements over $200 million in other port upgrades, including expanded yard space and new rail connections.

Under the agreement, APM Terminals and the Alabama Port Authority have extended the terminal operating concession by 20 years, now running through 2058, with options for two additional 10-year renewals.

Brian Harold, managing director of APM Terminals Mobile, said: “The new berth is a strategic next step to stay ahead of growth. As cargo volumes rise, we’re committed to scaling further in full partnership with the Port Authority and our customers.”

The new berth will be located at the southern end of the existing terminal, adjacent to 25 acres of land reserved for potential future development in container handling, logistics, or storage.

The expansion is expected to strengthen the Port of Mobile’s position as a key logistics hub in the Gulf of Mexico, improving efficiency, accommodating larger vessels, and supporting the growth of trade in the region.

With enhanced infrastructure and extended concession terms, the project provides long-term operational stability while ensuring the port can meet rising demand from global shipping networks. The combination of deeper waters, expanded berths, and modern equipment is set to enhance the terminal’s competitiveness and capacity to handle the next generation of ultra-large container ships.

This development aligns with broader industry trends in port modernization, reflecting the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting trade growth, improving logistics efficiency, and facilitating economic activity along key maritime corridors.

Once operational, the upgraded terminal will offer increased throughput, advanced handling capabilities, and additional space for future expansion, reinforcing Mobile’s role as a major gateway for U.S. imports and exports while providing scalable capacity for ongoing trade growth.