A detailed rendering of the terminal complex was unveiled during an event at Pier 16. Credit: MSC Cruises USA.

Construction has commenced on the expansion of the Port of Galveston, US, which will see an existing cargo warehouse transformed into the port’s fourth cruise terminal.  

The Port of Galveston, situated at the gateway to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, has been operational since 1825.  

Just 45 minutes from the open sea, the 840-acre port features infrastructure and assets to support the burgeoning cruise, cargo, and commercial sectors. 

The latest $151m development at Pier 16 will feature a 165,000ft² terminal and a $55m parking garage.  

The terminal is set to become the new home for MSC Seascape upon its opening in November 2025. 

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Galveston Wharves marked the beginning of construction with a ceremony at Pier 16, attended by executives from MSC Cruises, the Cruise Lines International Association, and more. 

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A detailed rendering of the terminal complex with the MSC Seascape at its side was unveiled during the event.  

Galveston Wharves port director and CEO Rodger Rees said: “We have so much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This beautiful new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, an exciting new cruise choice for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners. 

“We also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas-sized welcome to MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line. Having a cruise line of this stature homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the US and global cruise markets.” 

The new facility is anticipated to elevate the port’s passenger numbers to more than two million per year starting in 2026. 

The addition of the fourth cruise terminal is projected to create an extra 925 jobs and generate $177m in annual local business revenue.