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.
Explore the Port
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.
Mobile Ship Channel to temporarily close for USS Enterprise tow
MOBILE, Ala. — Commercial vessels should plan for a temporary closure of the Mobile Bar Channel and Mobile River Channel during the inbound tow of the former USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The tow is currently expected to begin at 6 a.m. CST Friday, Nov. 13, weather permitting.
The Alabama Port Authority Harbormaster’s office will continue to coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and other stakeholders to evaluate weather and port conditions ahead of the planned tow. Any schedule changes will be posted on this page and shared by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile.
Channel restrictions during the tow
The full channel from Mobile Lighted Buoy 1 to the Cochrane Bridge is expected to close to commercial traffic for the duration of the tow, which could take several hours. All vessels must obtain Coast Guard authorization to enter or remain in the channel safety zone while it is in effect.
Moving Naval Protection Zone
A 500-yard Naval Protection Zone will follow the Enterprise from the time it enters the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port Mobile zone until it is safely moored at the Modern American Recycling Services (M.A.R.S.) facility. Vessels within 500 yards must travel at the minimum speed needed to maintain a safe course. Entry within 100 yards requires authorization from the Coast Guard or an official patrol.
Once the Enterprise is moored at the M.A.R.S. facility at 701 S. Royal St., a fixed safety zone will take effect around the berth. The zone lies outside the Mobile River federal channel, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers anticipates no impact to commercial vessel traffic from the fixed zone during dismantling.
Monitoring and contacts
Commercial mariners and recreational boaters should monitor VHF Channel 16 for Coast Guard instructions during the tow. Mariners may also use Channel 16 to request authorization to enter a restricted area. Recreational boaters should expect law enforcement patrols along the tow route and follow directions from on-water officers.
For questions, call the Sector Mobile Command Center at (251) 266-5888. For details on the safety zones, including the boundaries of the fixed zone, see U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District Navigation Bulletins 26-143 and 26-144 on the Mobile District’s Navigation Notices page.
Media contact:
Jason Johnson, Alabama Port Authority
Director of Communications
jason.johnson@alports.com; (334) 701-9145
In the News: National trade press spotlights Alabama’s growing logistics network
JOC and AJOT features highlight Mobile America Express and the Montgomery Inland Rail Port
Mobile, Ala. — Two of the freight industry’s leading publications are turning their attention to Alabama. Recent coverage in the Journal of Commerce (JOC) and the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) highlights the Alabama Port Authority’s work to connect the Port of Mobile with markets across the Southeast and beyond.
At the center of that coverage is Mobile America Express (MAX), the Alabama Port Authority’s integrated logistics service platform. MAX links global ocean trade with key inland markets through a coordinated network of ocean, rail, highway, inland waterway, and air connections.
JOC: More options, greater security
In a JOC interview titled “Providing More Options and Greater Security,” Maggie Oliver, Chief Development Officer for the Alabama Port Authority, discussed how MAX helps shippers rethink traditional freight routes with more flexibility, efficiency, and supply chain security. The interview framed the Port of Mobile as more than an alternative gateway and showed how APA serves as a true logistics partner for businesses navigating an increasingly complex transportation landscape.
AJOT: Inland ports, different blueprints
In its recent feature, “North American Inland Ports Pursuing Efficiency with Different Blueprints,” AJOT examined how inland logistics infrastructure is evolving across North America and highlighted APA’s Montgomery Inland Rail Port, set to open in spring 2027. Located 175 miles north of Mobile, the facility will extend the Port of Mobile’s container gateway into Central Alabama and along the I-85 corridor, bringing intermodal service closer to the region’s growing base of manufacturers, importers, and exporters.
Together, the stories reflect a broader shift in how shippers evaluate port gateways. Deepwater access matters, but businesses increasingly want dependable connections beyond the waterfront: more routing options, less congestion and greater predictability from origin to destination. Alabama is built to deliver exactly that.
The Port of Mobile offers a 50-foot ship channel, direct connections to five Class I railroads, extensive inland waterway access and easy access to Interstates 10 and 65. Paired with APA’s investments in terminal capacity, inland rail and supporting logistics assets, those strengths form a connected network that reaches the Southeast, the Midwest and beyond.
“In today’s market, shippers are looking for more than a place to move cargo on and off a vessel. They need logistics partners who understand their business, anticipate challenges and can help identify the most effective way to move freight from origin to destination. That’s what MAX is designed to deliver,” said Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. “Alabama has tremendous transportation assets, and MAX brings those advantages together in a way that helps businesses see the full potential of that network.”
Learn more about Mobile America Express at max.alports.com.
Alabama Port Authority marks one year of 50-foot ship channel
Deeper channel, increased cargo and rail volume drive record year at the Port of Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. — Just over one year after the Mobile Ship Channel reached its authorized depth of 50 feet, the Alabama Port Authority (APA) has closed the strongest revenue year in its history.
Since the channel opened to its full depth on October 3, 2025, 168 vessels have transited it with a recorded draft greater than 45 feet, and more are being added every day. For APA customers, each of those sailings means more cargo moved per trip, without the depth restrictions the old channel required.
That increased efficiency showed up in the Port Authority’s results. The organization closed fiscal year 2026 with revenue of approximately $245 million, up more than 20% over the previous fiscal year. Increased customer demand, higher bulk cargo volumes, strong rail activity, and the added capacity of a deeper ship channel all contributed.
“We saw the value of having a deeper channel immediately, and we are continuing to see its impact on the cargo our customers are now able to move,” Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO Doug Otto said. “It’s helping shippers make better use of their transportation dollars, and it’s allowed a greater volume of cargo to move through the Port of Mobile.”
The $425 million Mobile Harbor Modernization Project was a state-federal partnership between the Alabama Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deepen and widen the ship channel for larger, modern cargo vessels. Dredging began in 2020. In addition to the greater depth, the project widened a portion of the ship channel to allow two-way vessel traffic.
Congress authorized the project in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act, and support from former U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and Alabama’s congressional delegation made the project’s full implementation possible. Together, they helped secure more than $270 million in federal funding that was needed to carry out the work.
The State of Alabama invested $150 million to cover its share of the channel expansion and fund additional dredging at three of the Port Authority’s berths to reach the new 50-foot depth. Those investments were funded through the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act, which was championed by Gov. Kay Ivey and received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature.
The project is part of more than $2 billion in capital investments the Port Authority is making to strengthen its capabilities and capacity at the Port of Mobile and beyond. These include a major expansion of the container terminal, the development of inland rail facilities, and significant investments in terminals and rail infrastructure at the Port of Mobile.
“We are already seeing the return on investments driven by a commitment from our state and federal partners,” Otto said. “With a historic level of capital investment underway, the channel expansion was a critical first piece of the infrastructure investments that are positioning the Port of Mobile and the State of Alabama for continued growth in the years ahead.”
About the Alabama Port Authority
The Alabama Port Authority drives economic growth and global trade for the State of Alabama through the Port of Mobile and a growing network of inland multimodal transportation assets.
Strategically located along the central Gulf Coast, the Port of Mobile is one of the nation’s fastest-growing seaports, connecting Alabama businesses and inland markets to international trade lanes. To learn more, visit alports.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
Media Contact: Jason Johnson, Director of Communications, Alabama Port Authority
251-441-7120 (o); 334-701-9145 (c) | jason.johnson@ALPorts.com