Nearly 100 people packed into the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center on May 9 as the Port of Port Arthur dedicated its $67 million Berth 6 expansion, which marks a milestone in the port’s ongoing expansion efforts, providing additional space to accommodate larger ships and increased business development.
The recently completed project is a major enhancement to the port’s infrastructure. The investment expands the port’s capabilities to handle more vessels and cargo, boosting growth and economic development in the region.
The Berth 6 Project adds 1,000 linear feet of deep draft dock, 3,000 feet of on-dock rail track and several acres of stabilized backland laydown space.
Also, the expansion accommodates conventional breakbulk cargo growth, support of military cargo and increased liquid energy exports.
The project was designed by Collins Engineers Inc, a nationwide engineering firm with offices in downtown Port Arthur. Construction was awarded to Orion Construction, LP.
Larry Kelly, CEO and executive director of the port, said it is a very important project for the community.
“About $67 million of our investment and one really key important part of this, is that while we utilized port retained funds, we utilized bond debt the Port had secured back in 2014,” said Kelly.
In 2018, the port received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) under the U.S. Maritime Administration MARAD grant program Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD).
Kelly said the investment has longterm potential as docks have a tendency to stick around “a long time.”
“This is new infrastructure and it will lead us in addressing our needs for the military,” said Kelly, who recognized service members from the 842nd Transportation Battalion from Corpus Christi. “Our state serves the military, probably greater than any other state in the nation
The port director affirming that “work does not have to be easy, it does not happen overnight,” said the berth was the acululation of dedication.
“This is a good example of this, putting the docks to work, but it takes time, it takes planning, it takes leadership, and it takes vision ‚Äî a vision of the (port) commissioners that we have here,” Kelly added.
U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, of the Congressional District 14, was the guest speaker for the dedication. According to Kelly, Weber has more ports in his district than any other member of Congress.
“It’s a great day to be here in Southeast Texas,” Weber said. “But it’s a great day in Port Arthur. It’s just not concrete and steel, this is progress, this is the energy dominance.”
The congressman noted he has a picture of President Donald Trump holding up a sign that says, “Energy dominance starts in Southeast Texas.”
“It strengthens our supply chain and supports our energy sector — two things that are not just critical to Texas, but to the entire country. We have three LNG plants in District 14 and more on the way,” Weber said.
Weber said our nation’s allies need to buy energy from the U.S.
“Your vision, your persistence and your commitment to excellence brought us to this very moment. You can count on me,” said Weber, providing for investments in our ports, our infrastructure and our people, and especially southeast Texas. “When Southeast Texas wins, Texas wins. When Texas wins, America wins. There’s a lot at stake here, people.”
According to the port, the Berth 6 expansion enhances the nation’s competitiveness in the global economy. Supporting the construction, port leaders have identified global market demand for increased infrastructure needs.
“This is an important infrastructure investment in our community. The project helps us remain competitive and expands our ability to support local job creation and future economic development. Our port serves the nation and the world from Port Arthur. We have regular cargo movement to and from the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia,” said John Comeaux, president of the Port of Port Arthur Board of Commissioners.
The project area was also fully incorporated into the port — Foreign Trade Zone, FTZ 116. The project is an extension of the existing wharf system and will complement the planned and Congressionally-approved federal deepening of the Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW).
Because of the weather, the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception was held inside the International Seafarers’ Center.
— Dannie Oliveaux
