During early October 2025, the Alabama Port Authority 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.
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.”
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 Re-evaluation Report. 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.
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.
