Two massive Spanish-engineered passenger bridges have arrived at the Port of Galveston, marking one of the last major steps before the island’s $156 million fourth cruise terminal opens next month.
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The Port of Galveston got two huge passenger bridges made in Spain. They are one of the last parts needed before the city's new $156 million cruise terminal opens in November.
The cargo freighter Palmgracht delivered these bridges, which the port unloaded this week. They will go to the new terminal's concourse, where they will connect thousands of cruise passengers straight to the ships leaving. The port reports that each bridge measures 125 feet in length, 42 feet in width, and 58 feet in height, weighing approximately 458,000 pounds, a weight that surpasses that of a blue whale or a vessel.
It took ADELTE, an engineering firm in Barcelona that focuses on high-tech transportation systems, $7.79 million to build the bridge set. That $6.12 million was taxed, which led to tariffs of about $918,000. This amount was because of the 15% import duty that Trump put in place for things made in Europe, according to The Galveston County Daily News.
The cutting-edge structures can instantly change to fit the access points of a ship based on changes in the tide and the ship itself. Their installation means that Terminal 16, a 165,000-square-foot project that was turned from a Del Monte cargo warehouse after the company moved its operations to Freeport in 2024, is almost finished.
A new seven-story parking garage with more than 1,600 spaces will serve the new two-story terminal. The new terminal has lifts, escalators, and stairs. The 25.5-acre complex around Terminal 16 will get 700 surface parking spots, a public plaza, and better wharf infrastructure so that cruise ships with up to 5,500 passengers can dock.
MSC Cruises will be the first homeport tenant for Terminal 16, and the MSC Seascape will leave Galveston on its first trip on November 9. Another company that will use the building is Norwegian Cruise Line, which started sailing from Galveston in 2021. Before the big opening, a port official informed Chron that the work is proceeding as planned.
The opening of the terminal aligns with the 200th anniversary celebrations for the Port of Galveston. There will be free live music, fireworks, a drone show, and prizes at the port's "Party on the Pier" at Pier 21 this Friday. Carnival Cruise Line is paying for a fancy dinner to happen at the Galveston Island Convention Center the next night.
The port will release Port of Galveston: 200 Years of Commerce, a 140-page commemorative book made with the Galveston Historical Foundation, to mark the event. The book "tells a tale of pirates, naval battles, riches, resilience, and rebirth," according to the port's website. It has more than 200 rare photos. The first performance will be on October 29 at the famous Ashton Villa on Broadway.
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