Business View Magazine
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most of Galveston Island. It was the deadliest natural di-
saster ever to strike the United States. Although the Port’s
facilities were rebuilt, its status as the busiest port on the
Gulf of Mexico was soon overtaken by the Port of Hous-
ton, which was further inland and had a greater ability
to expand without restriction due to geographic features.
In 1940, by a vote of the citizens of Galveston, the private
interests controlling the Galveston Wharf Company sold
their holdings to the city of Galveston and the Port be-
came known as the Galveston Wharves. Today, the Port
of Galveston is Texas’ gateway for cruise sailings and
international trade. Its facilities cover 850 acres, with
300 acres on the southern, City of Galveston side of the
channel and another 550 acres on Pelican Island, 285
of which are undeveloped. The Port has 39 piers and
113 businesses that operate out of it. It is home to five
major shipping lines: American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier,
Del Monte, Höegh Autoliners, “K” Line America, Inc., and
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics; and three cruise lines:
Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines.
The Port handles export grain, dry and liquid bulk prod-
ucts including fertilizer, wind turbine components, high &
heavy cargoes, project cargoes, vehicles and other roll-
on/roll-off cargoes, household goods, refrigerated fruit
and produce, liner board, military cargo, and livestock.
In addition, the Port hosts a robust ship and rig repair
business including a shipyard to service the offshore oil
AT A GLANCE
WHO:
The Port of Galveston
WHAT:
A maritime port on the Gulf of Mexico
WHERE:
Galveston, Texas
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