APM Terminals and APA to Build New Berth at Mobile Container Terminal
The Alabama Port Authority (APA) has partnered with APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, to construct a new 1,300-foot container berth at the Mobile terminal. This project, with an investment of $131 million, will increase berth capacity by 50%.
Once completed, the expanded terminal will accommodate three ultra-large container vessels simultaneously, enhancing its operational capacity.
"This expansion is about more than infrastructure — it’s about cementing Mobile’s position as the Gulf’s premier container gateway," said APA’s interim chief executive Doug Otto.
Terminal Capacity and Equipment
- The annual berth capacity at APM Terminals Mobile is projected to reach 1.4 million TEU.
- The terminal will be equipped with seven ship-to-shore cranes after the new berth is completed.
Port Upgrades and Enhancements
- APA has recently completed a $366 million project to deepen the port of Mobile to 50 feet, making it the deepest container port in the US Gulf.
- An additional $200 million investment is underway, which includes expanding the container yard by 33 acres, upgrading rail capacity, and constructing a new rail flyover bridge for direct on-dock rail access.
Concession Agreement
Alongside building the new berth, APM Terminals and APA agreed to extend APM’s concession to operate the terminal by 20 years, with two options to extend for an additional 10 years each.
The new berth will be positioned at the southern end of the existing container terminal.
Summary
This investment will significantly boost Mobile's container handling capacity and strengthen its role as a key gateway in the Gulf region.