America's
Gulf Gateway
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Powering Global Trade Through a Unified
U.S. Logistics Gateway
The Alabama Port Authority delivers one of the most direct global access points in the United States—anchored by the deepwater Port of Mobile and extended through a fully integrated network of inland river terminals, rail hubs, and the high-velocity MAX (Mobile America Express) service line. As the statewide logistics steward, we provide the strategy, infrastructure, and connectivity that accelerate trade flows, strengthen supply chains, and move cargo seamlessly from port to inland markets across the nation.
We empower every port and terminal in our system—coastal, inland, and intermodal—to operate with agility while aligning to a shared mission: expanding economic opportunity through world-class, multimodal logistics. When you work with the Alabama Port Authority, you’re not just accessing a port—you’re tapping into a coordinated, scalable, globally connected logistics ecosystem built for competitive advantage.
Mobile America Express
Born at the Port of Mobile and built for the Heart of America, MAX is the Alabama Port Authority’s high-efficiency freight corridor—connecting global trade to inland markets with speed, reliability, and scale. Powered by deepwater access, Class I rail, interstate highways, local air freight, and inland terminals, MAX delivers seamless logistics from port to production line.
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Facilities
The Port of Mobile offers state-of-the-art terminals, deepwater berths, and modern infrastructure supporting global trade across diverse cargo sectors.
Solutions
Seamless connectivity through rail, interstate, and inland waterway networks ensures efficient, multimodal cargo movement from ship to shore to store.
About
As a vital Gulf gateway, the Alabama Port Authority connects inland markets across middle America to international commerce and opportunity.
Powering Alabama's Economy
One Shipment at a Time
From 2019 to 2024, marine cargo activity at Alabama Port Authority’s public and private terminals generated over $415.8 billion in total U.S. economic value delivered to our state. This extraordinary impact fuels Alabama’s economy—driving job creation, state revenue, and sustained growth for communities across the region.
Alabama Port Authority Launches New Initiative, Logo to Grow State’s Economy
New platform and logo reinforces Port’s role as a statewide economic driver and Alabama’s strategic position in the global supply chain.
MOBILE, Ala. — The Alabama Port Authority today announced a strategic brand evolution and the launch of a new service platform, Mobile America Express (MAX) — initiatives designed to strengthen the Port’s role as a catalyst for economic development statewide and promote Alabama’s strategic position in the global supply chain.
As Alabama’s only deep-water seaport and the gateway to a growing network of inland logistics assets, the Alabama Port Authority supports industries, communities, and jobs statewide. From farmers in the Black Belt to manufacturers in North Alabama and distribution centers in Central Alabama, the Port connects local businesses to national and international markets. The new MAX initiative and logo will serve to emphasize not just the Port’s strengths, but Alabama’s advantages in logistics, developable properties, and workforce capabilities.
“Our responsibility is not limited to the waterfront in Mobile,” said Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. “We are Alabama’s port — serving all 67 counties — and our infrastructure supports economic opportunity in every corner of our state. This new focus highlights our strongest assets – the deepest port in the Gulf, unparalleled connectivity through rail, highways, and inland waterways, and a workforce that can surpass businesses’ needs today and in the future.”
The evolution includes a refreshed visual identity, a unified brand architecture that clarifies the relationship between the Alabama Port Authority and the Port of Mobile, and a fully redesigned website that better supports customers, partners, and communities statewide.
At the center of the rollout is a new service line called the Mobile America Express, or MAX, that organizes the Port’s multimodal capabilities into a single, coordinated platform. MAX connects deep-water access in Mobile with rail, inland waterways, highways, airports and intermodal facilities extending into the state and beyond.
MAX is not simply about moving cargo — it is about expanding opportunity and equipping partners statewide to sell the infrastructure assets that Alabama has to offer.
Through five Class I rail connections, the inland waterway system, air connections, and the convergence of Interstates 10 and 65, Alabama’s port system provides businesses across the state with competitive access to global markets. That connectivity strengthens rural exports, supports advanced manufacturing, attracts distribution investment, and reinforces Alabama’s position as a logistics leader in the Southeast.
“Economic development today depends on infrastructure,” Otto said. “That infrastructure is our greatest strength. When Alabama businesses have reliable access to global markets, communities grow, jobs expand, and our state becomes more competitive.”
The Alabama Port Authority continues to invest in terminal expansions, intermodal facilities, and inland connectivity, ensuring the state remains positioned for long-term growth in global commerce.
“Through this brand evolution and the launch of MAX, the message is clear: Alabama’s port belongs to the entire state and its benefits reach far beyond the Gulf Coast,” Otto said.
The Port & Montgomery Chamber Survey Construction Progress at Intermodal Facility
Less than one year after groundbreaking, facility remains on track for early 2027 opening
MONTGOMERY, Ala. January 29, 2026 — Today, leaders from the Alabama Port Authority and Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce toured the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF), highlighting major construction progress less than one year after groundbreaking.
“The Montgomery ICTF is a critical investment in Alabama’s supply chain infrastructure,” said Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO, Doug Otto. “Seeing the progress firsthand reinforces the importance of this facility in strengthening statewide freight mobility and supporting long-term economic growth.”
This $100 million terminal — funded largely through federal appropriations secured by former Senator Richard Shelby — will include three miles of CSXT siding track, three operational process tracks, and two Kone rubber tire gantry (RTG) cranes to move containers from rail to trucks. Each RTG crane will span two process tracks, a truck lane, and a four-container-wide operational stacking area. Once operational, the Montgomery ICTF will provide seamless rail and truck access for containerized cargo, offering Alabama businesses an efficient inland connection to global markets through the Port of Mobile.
The visit marks a key milestone in the development of the 272-acre inland intermodal facility, which is designed to expand Mobile freight connectivity to central Alabama. The initial development includes 120 acres of operational yard, supporting an estimated annual throughput capacity of 60,000 lifts, with a vision for both future operational expansion and real estate development for logistics partners.
“We have already seen major investment in Montgomery and the River Region as a result of the Inland Port,”said Anna Buckalew, President and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber. “Touring the ICTF as it prepares for full operations in 2027 gives us an even more vivid view of the opportunities on the horizon. We are grateful for the Alabama Port Authority’s leadership, CSX, and the state, federal, and local partners who leaned into this project with their full support every step of the way. More and more, you will see Montgomery and the Capital City Region connecting to assets around our state, to drive growth throughout Alabama and right here at home.”
More than $4 billion of private investments have been announced within five miles of the terminal since the project’s initial public announcement in 2022. With access to two interstate highways and ample warehouse space, the logistics hub is positioned for continued expansion.
Following the groundbreaking last February, construction has progressed steadily. Site grading and subsurface utility installations are complete, and work is underway on a new rail siding and CSX mainline bridge to support the facility’s rail operations. Construction remains on schedule, with the Montgomery ICTF expected to be operational in early 2027.
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LINKS FOR MEDIA USE:
Tour Photos (Jan. 29, 2026) and Site Renderings
*Tour Photos courtesy of the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
Groundbreaking Press Release and Elected Official Quotes (Feb. 27, 2025)
Konecranes Contract Announcement (Sept. 25, 2025)
About the Alabama Port Authority
The Alabama Port Authority serves all 67 counties in the State of Alabama and oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile, which is now the deepest container port in the Gulf. In addition to the interstate system, the Port Authority’s container, general cargo, and bulk facilities have immediate access to five Class I railroads, four short-line railroads, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways. For more information, visit ALports.com
Contact: Maggie Oliver, Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority | 251-441-8130 (o); 251-272-9597 (c) | Maggie.Oliver@ALPorts.com
Port CEO Announces Executive Leadership Team
Leadership structure reflects a coordinated approach to growth, investment, and statewide economic development
MOBILE, Ala. January 28, 2026 —Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO Doug Otto today announced his executive leadership team, assembled to support the next phase of the Port’s growth and to strengthen its role in driving statewide economic development.
“As the Port grows in scale and responsibility, it’s essential that we have a leadership structure that is aligned, forward-looking, and built to deliver,” said Otto. “This team has the experience, authority, and perspective needed to strengthen our operations, execute major investments, and position Alabama competitively for future growth.”
The executive leadership team includes the Port’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Engineering Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as the newly created positions of Chief Development Officer and Chief Policy Officer. Together, the team is focused on a unified growth strategy to enhance core operations, invest in infrastructure and capacity, and collaborate with public and private partners to promote long-term economic development across Alabama. This integrated approach ensures that execution, growth, and governance stay closely aligned as the Port continues to expand its role as a critical driver of the State’s economy.
“Doug has assembled a strong team that reflects the Port’s strategic direction and provides the organizational structure and leadership depth needed to guide its next phase of growth,” said Zeke Smith, Chairman of the Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors. “The Board looks forward to supporting Doug and his team as they continue delivering results for the State of Alabama.”
Alex King, Chief Operating Officer, will oversee the Port’s operational strategy with a focus on fostering growth within existing business lines, especially at the Port’s McDuffie Coal, Pinto Steel, and General Cargo terminals. King will supervise efforts to increase customer volumes, boost terminal productivity, and advance the Port’s general cargo and McDuffie Coal Terminal modernization initiatives, both of which aim to expand capacity and improve service. These terminals are vital for supporting Alabama’s traditional industries, including forest products, steel, and other key commodities that sustain the state’s manufacturing and export sectors. With extensive experience in terminal operations and breakbulk cargo, King will play a key role in ensuring the Port continues to deliver reliable, efficient service while implementing targeted infrastructure enhancements that support both short-term performance and long-term growth.
As Chief Development Officer, Maggie Oliver will lead the Port Authority’s marketing, communications, and economic development strategy, marking a clear shift in how the Port promotes new business growth. In this role, Oliver will prioritize advancing a statewide development strategy to increase Port cargo volume by collaborating with economic development partners to attract new industries, influence supply chain location decisions, and align long-term investments with Alabama’s infrastructure and industrial strengths. This strategy will enable the Port to create new demand, positioning Alabama as a competitive hub for distribution, manufacturing, and logistics activities that boost container volume through the Port.
In addition to operations and development, Otto’s vision for growth is based on strong governance, careful planning, and disciplined execution. These principles will support the organization as it pursues complex investments, collaborates with public partners, and creates long-term value for Alabama.
As Chief Policy Officer, Catherine Reaves will lead policy, government affairs, and board governance while managing executive priorities across the organization. In this role, Reaves will serve as a vital link between the executive leadership team, the Port Authority Board of Directors, and external stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and organizational consistency. She will also oversee legal coordination and advocacy efforts, supporting effective governance, regulatory compliance, and disciplined execution of the Authority’s mission and strategic goals as the Port’s scope and public responsibilities expand.
Jason Krick, Chief Engineering Officer, will oversee the Port Authority’s capital planning, engineering, and infrastructure delivery programs. In this role, Krick is responsible for advancing major modernization and expansion initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and align with the Port’s growth strategy and operational goals. He provides oversight across complex, multi-year capital investments, turning long-term plans into increased capacity to support increased cargo volumes, boosted performance, and the Port’s competitive advantages.
Chris Ransom has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2023, leading the Port Authority’s financial strategy, long-term forecasting, and capital planning. In this role, Ransom aligns financial resources with the Port’s growth priorities—ensuring that operations expansion, infrastructure investments, and economic development initiatives are supported by disciplined budgeting, sustainable funding methods, and rigorous financial analysis. His financial leadership supports the executive team’s ability to implement strategy, turning long-term vision into practical, financially sound plans that allow the organization to invest confidently and responsibly as it grows. Ransom is also serving as interim COO until King assumes his position on March 1.
Together, the executive leadership team provides a unified structure to steer the Alabama Port Authority through its next growth phase—aligning operations, development, policy, engineering, and finance to deliver lasting value for the State of Alabama.
“We’ve built an executive leadership team that supports both the business we have and the opportunities we’re building,” said Otto. “By enhancing operational performance and taking a more intentional, statewide approach to generating new demand, this team will provide the Port with the structure and capacity necessary for sustained, long-term growth for Alabama.”
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LINKS FOR MEDIA USE
King, Krick – Chief Operating, Engineering Officer Announcement
Maggie Oliver Bio and Headshot
Catherine Reaves Bio and Headshot
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Learn more at www.ALPorts.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact: Maggie Oliver, Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority | 251-441-8130 (o); 251-272-9597 (c) | Maggie.Oliver@ALPorts.com