At the Port of Mobile, our goal is to be a strong link and partner in your supply chain. With 18 diverse cargo handling facilities, the capabilities and reliability of the Port of Mobile are unmatched. The port offers direct access to 45-foot-deep water, nine railroads, and additional connectivity via air, truck, and barge. The port has invested over $1.4 billion in the last 20 years to modernize and grow its facilities to support your needs.
ABOUT
ESTABLISHED IN 1928
Global companies love our extensive capabilities, modernized equipment and connected location.
Not to mention our good manners, friendly faces and helpful people.
INVESTED Since 2002
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JOBS
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STATE & LOCAL TAX REVENUE GENERATED
HISTORY
Alabama’s only seaport, the Port of Mobile can trace its role in global trade back to the early European explorers who sought to exploit the region’s natural resources for their native countries. That pattern of trade persisted through colonial times and ultimately helped build the commercial backbone of the United States.
In 1922, the Alabama State Legislature authorized the construction of the Alabama state docks on 500 acres north of Mobile’s waterfront. The docks were officially opened in 1928 and served to increase the region’s commercial shipping capacity.
During World War II, U.S. ports experienced unparalleled growth. The Port of Mobile was no exception. Workers from throughout the state sought out employment through the port, with the total number of people employed during the war rising to nearly 90,000.
The 21st century delivered regional investments in manufacturing, agribusiness and mining. Alabama’s public seaport terminals in Mobile serviced that growth, leading the Port of Mobile to become one of the most prominent seaports in the United States.
History of the Port
To address the needs of 21st-century shippers, the State of Alabama and its partners have invested more than $1.3 billion in modernization programs for the port’s terminals, ship channel, and rail infrastructure.
2000-2020
2000
Alabama State Port Authority established.
January 2001
The port announced the CG Railway rail ferry service between Mobile and Mexico.
June 2003
First refrigerated cargo terminal opened.
December 2004
McDuffie Coal Terminal expansion.
January 2001 - July 2005
The Port embarks on a container intermodal investment program to meet shipper demand for containerized cargo services.
July 2007
International Shipholding establishes the new CG Railway terminal and headquarters in Mobile.
July 2008
Port’s grain elevator modernizes, bringing total annual throughput capacity to 3.3 million bushels.
November 2008
The Alabama Port Authority and APM Terminals open APM’s new container terminal.
2010
Port opened Pinto Island Terminal to handle steel.
June 2010
Port opens Arlington Park and conveys the public waterfront asset to the City of Mobile.
October 2010
Officials christen the port’s new post-Panamax turning basin at the Port of Mobile.
October 2011
Port announced $360 million in capital investment over the next five years to improve infrastructure through land acquisition, new rail and intermodal and cargo.
June 2012
First post-Panamax container ship calls the Port of Mobile.
January 2015
A new $36 million steel coil handling facility opened at the Port of Mobile in a joint venture with Alabama Steel Terminals, LLC.
June 2015
Alabama Port Authority and APM Terminal expand the container terminal. The following year, ocean carriage services were expanded into Asia and Europe, and the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) opened with CN service into Memphis, Chicago and Canada.
July 2017
APM Terminals adds two new super post-Panamax ship-to-shore container cranes to service larger container ships calling the port.
June 2018
Port earned Green Marine certification.
September 2018
Port announced MTC Logistics, Inc.’s $58 million cold storage facility to support the refrigerated poultry industry.
September 2019
Port entered into agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a new turning basin and to deepen and widen the Mobile ship channel to service super post-Panamax ships.
March 2020
Port of Mobile welcomed the MARAN COURAGE, the largest bulk carrier ever to transit the port.
May 2021
Construction begins to deepen and widen the Port of Mobile’s harbor and channel to -50 feet by Q1 2025.