Posted on June 6, 2025
Project 11 plays a defining role in the future of Houston’s port. As this ambitious expansion moves full steam ahead, the region is seeing real progress, supporting efficient cargo movement, enhanced safety, and long-term economic benefits that ripple far beyond our docks.
Led by Port Houston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Project 11 is deepening and widening the Channel to accommodate larger vessels, improve safety and transit efficiency, and help future-proof one of the country’s most important trade corridors. Approximately 70% of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11, has been completed in terms of miles dredged, with Segments 1A, 1B and 2, officially accepted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Segment 1C (Bayport Ship Channel to Barbours Cut) is on track for completion this summer.
Behind the scenes, skilled teams of engineers, dredge operators, planners, surveyors and more are executing every segment with precision, coordination, and a clear commitment to move this project to the finish line. By fast-tracking parallel segments and securing early funding, the project continues to progress efficiently, saving both time and resources.
Progress along the Houston Ship Channel has already created substantial benefits. Daylight restrictions have been reduced by up to two hours in each direction between the Galveston Entrance and Bayport Ship Channel, improving vessel movement along the waterway. That means fewer delays, less idle time, and smoother operations across the board.
With the combined 25 miles of the Houston Ship Channel and Bayport Ship Channel expansion now complete, the Bayport Container Terminal can accommodate larger vessels with a capacity of 15,000 – 17,000 TEUs, aligning with the Panama Canal and marking a significant leap in our operational capacity. This positions Port Houston as the port of choice for even more international trade.
Port Houston is also setting the bar high when it comes to sustainable solutions. Project 11 has utilized three types of dredges in its operations, including the nation’s most environmentally friendly, 32-inch cutter suction dredge with Tier 4 engines.
Over time, vessel emissions from day-to-day channel operations are also expected to decrease by 3% to 7% as a result of larger ships accessing a deeper channel with fewer transits. And what about all the material removed from the Channel? Dredged material is being used to restore marshland, build bird islands, and restore oyster reefs, all of which contribute to improved biodiversity, water quality, and coastal resilience in the region. These efforts reflect a strategic approach that balances operational improvements with environmental commitments.
As of April 2025, Project 11 is approximately 87% funded. The final phases are in the hands of the USACE, and construction will continue in stages, each one bringing us closer to a wider, deeper channel that supports safe navigation and economic vitality.
At its core, Project 11 is about progress. It’s about giving users of the channel a better and safer waterway, preparing for tomorrow’s ships, and investing in the infrastructure that keeps Houston competitive. The work continues but the benefits are already here.
Learn more about Project 11 at https://www.expandthehoustonshipchannel.com/
