The Alabama Port Authority announced last Friday that the Mobile Ship Channel has officially been deepened to 50 feet, representing a significant milestone for both Mobile and Alabama’s economic development. This new depth could really change things for the port and its operations.
On October 2nd, the port collaborated with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Mobile Bar Pilot to assess the conditions of the Mobile Ship Channel. They unanimously agreed that the channel is now suitable for vessels with drafts up to 50 feet. It’s impressive how quickly things moved along, really.
Shortly after receiving the certification, the Sakazaki Riki docked at the McDuffy Cole terminal. This vessel became the first to navigate the newly deepened channel, carrying a load with a draft of 48.4 feet. As of 12:15 PM last Thursday, it officially completed its passage through the enhanced channel.
Doug Otto, the interim director and CEO of the Alabama Ports Authority, remarked, “This milestone illustrates the immediate value of the project. As soon as the Corps gave the green light, customers were eager to take advantage of the added depth. This is significant—reduced shipping costs and more efficient trading will really bolster Alabama’s economy.”
The $366 million Mobile Harbor Modernization Project, which involved both state and federal collaboration, positions Mobile as the deepest container port in the US Gulf. This should enable the processing of Super Post Panamax ships, something APM Terminal Mobile is quite hopeful about. They anticipate that ocean liners will soon start utilizing these deeper channels to enhance customer efficiency.
Zeke Smith, Chairman of the Alabama Port Authority, highlighted the essential support from former Senator Richard Shelby and Governor Kay Ivy throughout this process. “Their efforts fostered a partnership that was crucial for completing this transformative project,” he said. It’s really fascinating how teamwork can lead to such significant progress.
The deepening and expansion of the ship channel resulted from both federal and state initiatives. Starting in 2014, Shelby secured federal funding for the US Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a general reassessment report. This groundwork ultimately led to the project’s authorization in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act, backed by Shelby. Then in 2019, Governor Ivy spearheaded an initiative to streamline Alabama’s reconstruction laws and set up a 25% cost-share funding framework.
Governor Ivy expressed pride, stating, “From day one, we’ve called Mobile Ports Alabama’s gateway to the world. The Alabama Reconstruction Act has positioned our state to engage with federal partners and push forward this vital project. We’re now witnessing the fruits of that vision.”
Senator Shelby added, “I’m personally proud of this day for Alabama. Securing comprehensive federal funding for the deepening of Mobile ship channels was one of my top priorities. This investment in our economy is a real win. We’ve solidified Mobile’s status as a pivotal hub for global trade, ensuring that Alabama businesses can thrive in the years ahead.”
While the channel is now fully operational at 50 feet, there’s still work to be done on expanding the rotating basin near the container terminal. This next phase aims to restore the Dauphin Island coastline, intertwining both economic and environmental benefits, although it might take a bit of time to finish completely.
The Alabama Port Authority plans to hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event in the coming weeks to celebrate the completion of the Mobile Harbor Modernization Project.
