Ports

Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston, located just 18 miles from Hitchcock, is strategically positioned at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel. Established in 1825, it has grown into a major maritime and commercial hub.

The port has a significant economic impact on the region, supporting:

• 13,892 jobs
• 1.86 million cruise passengers annually
• $2.3 billion in economic activity

Its cruise terminal is the fourth busiest in the United States and the only major cruise home port in Texas.

Facilities and Operations

The Port of Galveston offers efficient access to open water, located just 9.3 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, or approximately 30 minutes sailing time. The Galveston Ship Channel maintains a minimum authorized depth of 45 feet and is 1,200 feet wide at its narrowest point, accommodating a wide range of vessels.

Major shipping lines serving the port include:

• American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC)
• Del Monte
• Höegh Autoliners
• K Line
• Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Cargo and Intermodal Capabilities

The Port of Galveston is one of the busiest cargo ports in Texas, handling more than 4 million tons of cargo annually. Key cargo types include:

• Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo)
• Dry bulk
• Export grain
• Refrigerated goods (including fruit)
• Liquid bulk
• General and project cargo

These capabilities support diverse industries and strengthen the region’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure.

Port of Texas City

Located just 11 miles from Hitchcock, the Port of Texas City is the 8th largest port in the United States and the third largest in Texas. The port handles more than 78 million tons of cargo annually, supporting a wide range of industrial and commercial activities.

Owned by Union Pacific and BNSF Railway and operated by the Texas City Terminal Railway Company, the port is strategically situated along the southwestern shore of Galveston Bay, in close proximity to major industrial facilities.

Each year, the port accommodates:

• 1,000+ deep-draft vessels
• 4,150 inland barges

With direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, transit time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The port complex includes:

• 35 vessel berths
• 2 barge fleeting areas

With more than a century of operation, the port offers strong intermodal connectivity, including on-site rail service linking directly to two Class I railroads: Union Pacific and BNSF Railway.

Port Freeport

Port Freeport, located 39 miles from Hitchcock in Brazoria County, is a major deep-water port established in 1925. It plays a critical role in national and international trade, ranking:

• #6 in chemicals
• #26 in container traffic among U.S. ports

The port handles more than 37 million tons of cargo annually and continues to expand, with a focus on:

• Automotive imports and exports
• Containerized cargo
• Steel and industrial materials

Port Freeport maintains key partnerships with major companies, including Volkswagen Group of America.

The port currently has a depth of 46 feet, with authorized expansion to 51-56 feet, positioning it to be come one of the deepest ports on the Gulg Coast.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW)

The City of Hitchcock includes approximately 12 miles of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) within its boundaries. The GIWW is a vital inland navigation route that runs approximately 1,300 miles from St. Marks, Florida, to Brownsville, Texas.

Designed primarily for barge transportation, the waterway maintains a 12-foot controlling depth, supporting efficient movement of goods along the Gulf Coast.

In addition to its commercial importance, the GIWW also provides:

• Recreational boating opportunities
• Direct access to West Galveston Bay
• Enhanced waterfront accessibility for residents and visitors

Port Houston

Port Houston operates eight public terminals along the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel, including:

• The region’s largest breakbulk facility
• Two of the nation’s most efficient container terminals

For over a century, Port Houston has served as a cornerstone of regional, national, and international trade, ensuring the efficient movement of goods across global markets.

Channel depths range from 36 to 46.5 feet, allowing the port to accommodate a wide variety of cargo vessels and maintain its role as a leading logistics hub.