MOBILE, Ala. — The Port of Mobile is now the deepest port on the Gulf Coast following the completion of a major harbor deepening project that expanded the Mobile Ship Channel from 45 feet to 50 feet. State and federal officials gathered on the waterfront in Mobile on Monday for a dedication ceremony marking the milestone.
Governor Kay Ivey, who supported state funding for the project through the Rebuild Alabama Act, delivered remarks by recorded video during the event.
“Deepening the Port of Mobile to 50 feet is a game changer. It means more ships, more trade and more good-paying jobs right here in Alabama,” Ivey said.
The project was completed through a partnership between the Alabama State Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The effort received multiple rounds of federal support and was championed for more than two decades by former U.S. Senator Richard Shelby.
“Years ago in Singapore, I saw what a world-class port could do for a nation’s economy,” Shelby said. “I believed we could build that future here in Alabama, and today we are seeing it happen.”
Members of Alabama’s current congressional delegation said the deeper harbor will help expand trade, manufacturing and exports in every region of the state. Senator Katie Britt said the project was about more than shipping capacity.
“This is about competing on a global stage. Alabama is now a major gateway for American commerce,” Britt said.
Senator Tommy Tuberville said the five-foot increase in channel depth will have a major economic impact.
“Going from 45 to 50 feet may not sound like much, but it changes everything. It means bigger ships and more cargo coming through Alabama,” Tuberville said.
Congressman Shomari Figures said the completion of the project is a significant long-term investment in Alabama’s future.
“This port represents economic opportunity for every generation of Alabamians,” Figures said. “When Alabama competes globally, our families, our workers and our communities benefit.”
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said the success of the port has a direct effect on economic development across the state.
“This port connects Alabama to the world. It is driving investment, it is driving jobs and its best days are still ahead,” Stimpson said.
With the deepening complete, the Port of Mobile can now accommodate larger Post-Panamax and Neo-Panamax vessels that transport most of the world’s shipping containers. Port officials said the upgrade allows Mobile to compete more effectively with major Gulf Coast ports in Houston, New Orleans and Tampa.
The harbor deepening project cost approximately 366 million dollars. Port officials said future plans include expanding container terminal capacity, increasing rail access and improving logistics infrastructure to move cargo more efficiently throughout Alabama.
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