Alabama Port Authority Celebrates Completion of Mobile Harbor Modernization Project with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
MOBILE, Ala. – October 13, 2025 – The Alabama Port Authority today celebrated the completion of the Mobile Harbor Modernization Project, marking the achievement of a 50-foot channel depth that officially makes the Port of Mobile the deepest container terminal in the Gulf of America.
The event, held at APM Terminals Mobile, drew hundreds of customers and stakeholders, bringing together federal, state, and local leaders who helped make the project possible.
“This project is a game changer for Alabama, which is why I made it a key component of our Rebuild Alabama plan,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “A deeper channel means stronger trade, more jobs, and a brighter future for our state. What’s more is this achievement reflects a model partnership: the federal authorization and funding, a strong, $150 million state match through the Rebuild Alabama Act, and private-sector investments from AP Moller Maersk are all proof that when Alabama aligns vision with execution, we deliver results.”
Since the 50 ft depth was achieved on October 3, 2025, the Port has seen all coal vessels take advantage of the additional depth. APM Terminals Mobile, which routinely handles 9,000-10,000 TEU vessels, anticipates calls from ships carrying 12,000-16,000 TEUs, with the option to handle even larger vessels as needed.
“With a 50-foot channel, the Port of Mobile now stands as the deepest container port in the Gulf of America,” said Alabama Port Authority Interim Director & CEO, Doug Otto. “This investment isn’t just about depth—it’s about efficiency. The project’s enhancements allow for two-way vessel traffic and create nearly three miles of passing lane, improving safety, reducing transit times, allowing for more cargo, and delivering faster turnarounds for our customers. These capabilities strengthen the Port’s competitive position and make a compelling business case for shippers choosing Alabama as their gateway for global trade.”
Multiple elected officials participated in the event and shared the following reactions.
Governor Kay Ivey
Complete event remarks here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville
This project to deepen the ship channel is a massive win for the state of Alabama, and we are proud to have the deepest container port in the Gulf of America. With a 50-foot channel, larger vessels carrying more cargo can call Mobile—growing the Port’s economic impact across our state and our country.
Senator Katie Britt
Today is a momentous occasion for Mobile, for Alabama, and for our nation. For many years and in several capacities, I have been honored to support the Port of Mobile’s success and help grow our vital state-federal partnership. I have also been a consistent advocate for balancing both the Port’s role as a vital channel for commerce in our state and the need to conserve our natural resources and protect Alabama the Beautiful through beneficial use dredging. The Port serves all 67 counties—connecting Alabama to the nation and the world—and now stands as the deepest container port in the Gulf of America. Together, we are growing good-paying jobs, opening new channels for commerce, and ensuring that ‘Made in Alabama’ goods can reach markets across the globe.
Former Senator Richard Shelby
Driving growth at Alabama’s Port has always been key to Alabama’s economic future. When I visited the Port of Singapore years ago, I saw how a relatively small geographic area leveraged its port system to drive incredible economic success, and I knew then that Alabama had the very same potential. The results so far are evidence of more success to come. From getting the authorization for the channel project to securing $438 million for the Port before I left office, this project has been years in the making, and I could not be prouder to see it completed for the people and the future of Alabama.
Congressman Shomari Figures (AL-02)
This project is a major win for Mobile and the entire state of Alabama. With the Port of Mobile now the deepest in the Gulf, we are creating more jobs, investments, and opportunities for communities across the Gulf Coast. I am proud to support infrastructure that delivers for people and moves Alabama forward.
Congressman Barry Moore
This is a proud day for Alabama and a historic milestone for the Gulf Coast. The completion of the Mobile Harbor Modernization Project is the result of years of hard work, vision, and investment in our state’s future. By achieving a 50-foot channel depth, the Port of Mobile is now the deepest container terminal in the Gulf of America. That’s not just a statistic – it’s a game-changer for trade, commerce, and jobs right here in Alabama. With this expansion, larger vessels can now come directly into Mobile, boosting the Port’s competitiveness on the global stage and opening new opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses.
Congressman Dale Strong
From the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley, we are one team, one economy, and one great state. This investment in the Port of Mobile strengthens Alabama’s position on the global stage— ensuring that whether it’s defense, manufacturing, or logistics, the world continues to do business with and through Alabama.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile
This is a transformational milestone for the City of Mobile and the entire state of Alabama. The Port is essential to our local economy — it’s the foundation of what makes Mobile an unrivaled logistics hub, and it supports industries far beyond the waterfront. I want to commend the leadership of the Alabama Port Authority, Gov. Kay Ivey, former Senator Richard Shelby, and everyone else who bought into the vision of what the Port of Mobile could become. We’re already seeing the results today, and the best is still ahead of us.
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission District 1
This is a proud day for Mobile County and the entire Gulf Coast region. The deepening of the Mobile Ship Channel to 50 feet isn’t just about bigger ships, it’s about bigger opportunities for our local workforce, businesses, and communities. This project strengthens our position in the global supply chain and ensures long-term economic growth right here at home. We’re grateful to all who helped bring this vision to life.
The $366 million Mobile Harbor Modernization Project represents a state–federal partnership between the Alabama Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The effort deepened and widened the Mobile Ship Channel to improve navigational efficiency, accommodate larger vessels, and strengthen Alabama’s position as a global trade gateway.
The project began in 2014 with the Corps’ General Reevaluation Report, funded through Senator Shelby’s leadership. It was authorized by Congress in the 2018 Water Resources and Development Act and advanced after Governor Kay Ivey signed the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act, which provided the state’s 25 percent cost-share. Dredging began in 2020 and was completed to full depth in 2025. Work continues on the turning basin near the container terminal, where dredged material is being beneficially used for shoreline restoration at Dauphin Island.
Complete remarks from Governor Ivey and b-roll of the Port are available here for media use. Event photography is available here.
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 of America. 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.
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Learn more at www.ALPorts.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact: Maggie Oliver, VP, Communications & Federal Affairs, Alabama Port Authority | 251-441-8130 (o); 251-272-9597 (c) | Maggie.Oliver@ALPorts.com
