Port Engineers Leading Major Cruise, Cargo Projects

Port Engineers Leading Major Cruise, Cargo Projects

February 16, 2024

The Galveston Wharves has built a strong and growing engineering team to carry out millions of dollars in expansion projects and critical repairs detailed in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan. National Engineers Week, Feb. 18-24, is the perfect opportunity to spotlight the port’s Engineering Department and recognize the team for their dedication and hard work.  

Our Engineering Department has overseen major aspects of projects across the port, including the Cruise Terminal 25 renovation, the West Port Cargo Complex and construction of the interior roadway. Having an experienced team specially trained in maritime systems adds real value.

This year, they’ll be busier than ever with the $150 million construction project for the new Cruise Terminal 16 complex, the $50 million West Port Cargo Complex improvement and expansion project, additional phases of the port’s internal roadway, and reopening of the Harborside Drive skywalk.

Meet the Team

Port Chief Engineer Jeffrey Thomas oversees the planning, development and maintenance of the port’s assets with a full-time staff of 10. He has been with the port for 14 years.  

Benjamin Walcher is putting the finishing touches on Cruise Terminal 25 renovations and Pier 25 upgrades for the new Carnival Jubilee. He also led the port’s involvement in Cruise Terminal 10 construction and pier work.

Dominick Gaviria is overseeing projects at the West Port Cargo Complex and East End cruise terminal parking lots. He’s also overseeing construction crews working on the expanded Express Lot parking lot and Pier 12 parking lot.  

Branko Gligoric is responsible for managing and designing projects and supports the port’s planning and assets. Some of his projects include the new cruise terminal monument signage at the 23rd Street entrance, as well as architectural and structural design and layout of new parking areas.  

Dylan LeMire is wrapping up the Cruise Terminal 25 improvements project and beginning to support the technical needs of the Slip 38-39 closure and Pier 41 paving projects in the cargo complex. 

John Willis is the department’s asset coordinator. In addition to piloting the department’s drone as a licensed commercial drone pilot, he is also implementing ArcGIS software and supporting other ongoing projects.  

Diego Castro is working on Pier 10-12 repairs and utility relocations for the port’s fourth cruise terminal, as well as leading the Wharf Road extension from 20th Street to 23rd Street.

Krista Cardenas, a field engineer, works on Cruise Terminal 25 and the new electric vehicle charging stations being added at the port.

Ubong Edukere is project manager for the new cruise terminal project, which is currently in the design phase.

Tom Howard, a junior engineer with a mechanical engineering degree, is working on the new cruise terminal project and removal of unused rail lines at the port. 

Port Administrative Assistant Dorothy Dickens has been helping to keep the port’s Engineering and Operations departments organized and on track since 2019.  

Rodger Rees is Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.