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Port of Galveston

USGLS🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port of Galveston

Located on Galveston Bay, this historic port serves as a gateway for Texas. It handles a variety of cargo, including containerized goods and bulk commodities. The port accommodates cruise ships and is equipped with tugs and a drydock.

Background
The Port of Galveston is the port of the city of Galveston, Texas, United States. It was established by a proclamation issued by the Congress of Mexico on October 17, 1825, while the land known today as Texas was still part of Mexico. The Port of Galveston is the oldest port in the Gulf of Mexico west of New Orleans.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
11ft
Elevation
7m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
Small
Repair Code
A

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
9150 →
GeoNames ID
4692865 →
Wikidata
Q7231142 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.portofgalveston.com →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USGLS
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-6
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
US-TX
Area
Gulf of Mexico
Body of Water
Galveston Bay
Latitude
29.3100°
Longitude
-94.7993°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Galveston?+
The approach to Galveston is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Lower Galveston Bay Outer Range Rear Lighthouse at 1.3 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Galveston South Jetty (1.5 NM SSW), Galveston Inlet Inner Range (1.8 NM N), Houston Ship Channel Outbound Range Rear Light (2.3 NM ENE), Galveston Inlet Range (3.1 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Galveston on?+
The Port of Galveston is situated on the Gulf of Mexico in US. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Galveston?+
You can track vessels near Galveston (USGLS) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USGLS on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Galveston?+
The Port of Galveston operates in the UTC-6 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.