December 1, 2025
Each November, I look forward to my Thanksgiving column because it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the year, our accomplishments and the people who helped us get here. I’m especially grateful because it was a very special year for the port. We celebrated 200 years of commerce, established a maritime scholarship endowment, and opened our fourth cruise terminal.
We could not have achieved these major milestones without strong partnerships, a talented port staff and the support of our Wharves Board of Trustees, the Galveston community, and local, state and national leaders.
200 Years of Commerce
Our bicentennial celebration far exceeded our expectations thanks to the generous support of our three dozen sponsors. Their contributions funded all our activities, including the gala, Party on the Pier, commemorative history book, sponsor golf tournament and history video.
At the end of the year, we had a balance of more than $300,000 to establish an endowment to fund maritime scholarships at Texas A&M University – Galveston. This is a legacy that our sponsors can be truly proud of.
Major Cruise Growth
Just three weeks after our big bicentennial weekend in October, we celebrated the opening of our fourth cruise terminal with a ribbon cutting and arrival of the MSC Seascape. This $156 million capital project was fueled by cruise industry demand. Current cruise partners are bringing more ships to Galveston, and more cruise lines want to sail from Galveston.
This growth is important because, as a self-sustaining city entity with no taxing authority or city funding, we rely on operating revenues, bonds and grants to maintain and expand our assets to grow our business and fuel regional economic growth.
Our cruise business generates more than 60 percent of port revenues. As cruise revenues increase, we leverage operating reserves to fund major capital projects and other improvements throughout the port.
Major Projects Moving Forward
Speaking of capital projects, we’re making major progress on two projects funded in part with grants from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). A $36 million state grant jumpstarted more than $100 million in cargo infrastructure work at our West Port Cargo Complex.
We’re also nearing completion on the port’s internal roadway, designed to help divert some port traffic off the city’s busy Harborside Drive.
Grateful for Partnerships and People
As I mentioned earlier, we couldn’t succeed without strong partnerships and community support. I’m grateful for all the people who believe in the port and help us deliver our mission, including the following:
Last but certainly not least is the port staff. This dedicated, hard-working group makes the port successful and a great place to work. From my family to yours – wishing everyone a happy holiday season.
Rodger Rees is Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.
