Mobile Ship Channel deepened to 50 feet, unlocking new trade potential

The Alabama Port Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the completion of the Mobile Harbor Modernization Project — a multi-year effort that deepens the Mobile Ship Channel to 50 feet, making it the deepest container port on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The event brought together state and federal leaders, including U.S. Senators, members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from the State of Alabama. APM Terminals leadership also attended the ceremony, which featured an open-water ribbon cutting aboard the Corps’ research vessel Damrell and a dockside celebration at the APM Terminals Mobile facility.

While the channel deepening was delivered by public partners, APM Terminals Mobile is proud to support its success as the port’s dedicated container terminal operator.

With the new depth in place, the terminal can now easily handle ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) of 12,000–16,000 TEUs — and potentially larger in future. These ships benefit from the 50-foot channel, a three-mile passing lane, and no air-draft restrictions, enabling faster turnarounds, safer maneuvering, and two-way traffic.

For customers, this unlocks greater scale, fewer transits, and lower emissions per container. The expanded capacity also allows for more predictable schedules and direct calls — strengthening Mobile’s role as a strategic gateway for U.S. importers and exporters.

The project supports long-term environmental goals. Fewer, fuller ships reduce fuel consumption and emissions — helping make global trade more sustainable and efficient.

Looking ahead, APM Terminals Mobile is working with the Alabama Port Authority as it plans a potential third berth at the south end of the container terminal. Construction on a 1,300-foot berth could begin as early as 2026, with completion targeted for 24 months after groundbreaking. The area includes 25 adjacent acres that could be used in various ways to support terminal or port needs.

As volumes grow, APM Terminals Mobile remains committed to safe, efficient operations — and to working with government and industry partners to enable trade that benefits customers, communities, and the economy.