The Port of Galveston is Texas’ only cruise home port and has been growing rapidly in recent years, serving more than one million passengers annually and multiple major cruise lines. With this growth came the need for more space and new amenities. Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal #16 was constructed specifically for MSC Cruises and will be the new home port for the MSC Seascape. This terminal will be the fourth cruise terminal in Galveston.
Project Overview
An existing cargo warehouse at Pier 16 is being remodeled and converted into the new Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal #16. The remodel and additions were designed to ensure smooth boarding and disembarkation from the MSC cruise ships. The $151 million terminal project and $55 million parking garage addition will feature state-of-the-art systems and modern designs. The terminal will cover 165,000 square feet, with many of the areas being large, open spaces. Our team fabricated 400 tons of structural steel for the new terminal.
Terminal Construction: Benefits of Steel
Structural Integrity
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an integral component of any modern design. Steel allows for open floor plans without the need for excessive support columns. The strength of structural steel also provides added stability against heavy wind loads and the stresses of a busy port environment.
Weather Resistance
Since Terminal 16 is in a coastal area, it will be exposed to saltwater, heavy winds, storms, and high humidity. Structural steel is corrosion and weather-resistant, so it can last for decades without significant deterioration, even in harsh coastal environments. Protective coatings and galvanization further enhance the steel’s ability to withstand the elements. This durability helps reduce long-term maintenance costs and ensures the terminal remains safe and operational for years to come.
Customization
Because the old cargo warehouse is being remodeled to become Terminal 16, the steel components had to be designed and fabricated to fit perfectly with the existing infrastructure. A seamless fit required precise measurements and custom-fabricated steel pieces. Because steel is flexible and highly customizable, it allowed the architects to have creative freedom with the design.
Building in an Active Port & Safety
Construction of Terminal 16 took place near operating ports and cruise terminals. Steel deliveries and erection were carefully scheduled to avoid disruptions and ensure safety. This required safety and infrastructure planning. Our team worked closely with the general contractor, Hensel Phelps, and the erector, Flex Erect, to ensure the project stayed safe and on schedule.
Check out other projects our team has worked on here. To learn more about steel fabrication and our services, contact us through our website here.
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