The Port of Gulfport

What The Port of Gulfport does

The Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport (legal name), operating as the Port of Gulfport, is a state-owned enterprise agency of the State of Mississippi established in 1902 and operating continuously through major disruptions including Hurricane Camille (1969) and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Port operates a 300-acre deep-water facility with nearly 6,000 feet of berthing across 10 vessel berths, 110 acres of open storage, and 400,000 square feet of covered warehouse space, complemented by a 116-acre inland port facility six miles north. Core infrastructure includes three ship-to-shore gantry cranes (with a new 1,500-ton, 300-foot crane arriving in 2025), specialized roll-on/roll-off ramp, 1,400 refrigerated container plugs, and 15 bulk silos — supporting containerized, refrigerated, bulk, breakbulk, and RoRo cargo for tenants including Dole, Chiquita, Crowley, Chemours, McDermott, Ocean Aero, and Topship (an Edison Chouest affiliate). The Port is the third-largest container port on the Gulf of Mexico, ranks among the top 20 U.S. container ports, and is the nation's second-largest importer of green fruit.

The Port generates revenue through four primary streams: transaction-based wharfage tariffs (e.g., $1.50-$2.05 per short ton by cargo type, $8.50 per empty container, $0.45 per cotton bale), usage-based crane rental ($450-$600 per hour plus start-up/shut-down fees), recurring warehouse and storage leases (400,000 sq ft covered plus 110 acres open), and managed terminal operating agreements (notably with Ports America under a 2023 agreement encompassing a $43M private investment). Distribution is direct enterprise sales, supplemented by channel partners including Ports America and SSA Marine for terminal operations and ILA #1303 for longshore labor. GTM is enterprise field sales led by Business Development Consultant Andrew J. Haines, targeting importers, exporters, shipping lines, and logistics providers.

Strategically positioned 16 miles from international shipping lanes and 5 nautical miles from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the Port reaches 75% of the U.S. market within 24 hours via I-10 and on-dock Class I rail through KCS/CPKC. It holds Foreign Trade Zone #92 designation (covering the entire port plus off-port sites in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties), a Strategic Seaport designation (November 2015) with rail connection to Camp Shelby, and Green Marine environmental certification. The Port is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners (three gubernatorial appointees, one Harrison County, one City of Gulfport) and led by Executive Director & CEO Jon Nass.

Name

The Port of Gulfport

Legal name

The Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport

Website

https://shipmspa.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1902

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport operates a 300-acre deep-water Gulf of Mexico port handling containerized, refrigerated, bulk, breakbulk, and RoRo cargo for global shippers and tenants like Dole, Chiquita, Crowley, and Chemours, with on-dock Class I rail and Foreign Trade Zone #92.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Port and Terminal Services

NAICS

Port and Harbor Operations (488310), Marine Cargo Handling (48832), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Port and Harbor Operations (48831)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Maritime & Port Authorities (Public Ports, Harbors, Ferries Terminals) (BPAIALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Feeder & Short-Sea Container Terminals (TLAHAAAC), Marine Terminals & Cargo Handling Infrastructure (RoRo, Bulk, Container) (IMAFAJAF), Ferry Terminal, Port & Passenger Handling Services (THAEAGAJ)

Keywords

• Maritime port operations
• Cargo handling services
• Shipping logistics
• Container terminal services
• Foreign trade zone

Headquarters

HQ city

Gulfport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Wharfage Charges: Fees assessed against all breakbulk, bulk, containerized, freezer and chiller cargo for utilization of Port Authority wharfs, warehouses, sheds, and open storage areas. Rates vary by cargo type (e.g., Refrigerated Cargo: $1.85 per short ton; Containerized Cargo: $2.05 per short ton; Bulk Cargo: $1.50-$1.60 per short ton).
2. Crane Rental: ZPMC Wharf Gantry Crane at $600 per hour (electricity and maintenance furnished by Port Authority); Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane at $450 per hour. Includes startup fee of $200 per crane and shutdown fee of $200 per crane.
3. Warehouse and Storage Rental: Rental of covered warehouse space (400,000 sq ft total) and open storage space (110 acres). Tenants include Dole, Chiquita, Crowley, Chemours, Ocean Aero.
4. Berth Rental and Terminal Operations: Revenue from terminal operating agreements with stevedores and terminal operators such as Ports America. Includes a $43 million investment from Ports America into development of vacant terminal.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Port of Gulfport is a state-owned deep-water seaport that provides cargo handling, terminal operations, warehousing, and intermodal connectivity for importers, exporters, shipping lines, and government/defense customers. It offers wharfage, crane rental, warehouse and storage leasing, Foreign Trade Zone #92 services, and on-dock Class I rail across containerized, refrigerated, bulk, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off cargo. The Port also operates an inland port facility, a cruise terminal, the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, and Strategic Seaport defense logistics capabilities.

Product overview

The Port of Gulfport is a state-owned maritime port facility operated by the Mississippi State Port Authority. The port operates as a single unified facility offering multiple cargo handling services including containerized cargo, refrigerated cargo (the nation's second-largest green fruit importer), bulk cargo, breakbulk cargo, and roll-on/roll-off operations. Core infrastructure includes a 300-acre deep-water port with 10 berths and gantry cranes, a 116-acre inland port facility, and on-dock Class I rail service. The port also offers Foreign Trade Zone #92 designation, cruise terminal services through American Cruise Lines partnership, and strategic seaport capabilities for defense operations. Additional services include ship-to-shore crane rental, the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise for Blue Economy research, and environmental sustainability programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 2 million+ tons cargo and 200,000+ TEUs handled annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, supporting and growth.

• Ports AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Operating agreement signed in 2023 with the nation's largest stevedoring company, including a $43 million investment into development of a currently vacant terminal. Ports America contributes $9.5 million in private funding to the $24.5M PIDP infrastructure project. Handles terminal operations and cargo handling for various tenants.
• Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS)/CPKCcoreTechnology or IntegrationClass I rail service provider with on-dock rail capability and high-speed, double-stack train service. Provides direct rail connectivity for container and cargo distribution across the U.S.
• University of Southern MississippicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise (nearly 62,000 sq ft facility) to advance Mississippi's Blue Economy. University utilizes Small Craft Harbor facility for research. Joint development of maritime technology environment.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded $1.85 million Clean Ports Planning Grant for Roadmap to Emissions Reduction and Resiliency. Partnership on workforce development concerns. EPA Clean Ports Program planning grant awarded fall 2024.
• WSP GlobalsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContracted professional services firm assisting MSPA with Community Engagement and Workforce Development efforts. Experts available to assist with community outreach, listening sessions, and workforce planning.
• U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChannel deepening project (36 to 46 feet, $548 million) recommended for inclusion in Water Resources Development Act. Chief's Report signed recommending project for congressional authorization. 75% federal / 25% state-local cost share.
• Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContributing $2.6 million through Strategic Multi-Modal Investment Fund grant for rail expansion and connectivity improvements between East and West piers.
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded $15.7 million Port Infrastructure Development Program grant in February 2020 for Port of Gulfport Access Project construction. Additional $11.25 million PIDP grant awarded May 2026 for rail infrastructure and terminal improvements.
• Department of Defense Office of Economic AdjustmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner18-month grant working with Mississippi Defense Initiative to develop strategic plans for defense economies, focusing on blue economy, aerospace, and national security sectors.
• Gulf Regional Planning CommissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative; awarded $275,000 grant for safety and access study focusing on pedestrian and cyclist safety near Port facilities.
• American Cruise LinesgrowthStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunching Gulf Coast cruise itinerary from Pensacola, FL to New Orleans, LA with overnight stop in Gulfport. American Symphony vessel (180 guests) begins service March 2026, bringing tourism and exposure to Mississippi Gulf Coast.
• Texas A&M Transportation InstitutesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContracted to complete baseline emissions report in 2024, providing valuable information on current carbon footprint and groundwork for emissions reduction monitoring.
• Mississippi Development AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency key in Port restoration project following Hurricane Katrina. Coordinates state investment and strategic planning for port development and economic growth.
• Green MarinesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-party audited environmental certification program focused on environmental stewardship. Port continues to advance certification and improve environmental performance.
• Topship LLC (Edison Chouest Offshore)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEdison Choust Offshore affiliate leasing the 116-acre Inland Port Facility for additional laydown area, rail access, and barge connections.
• Ocean AerogrowthChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaritime technology company tenant at East Pier Terminal (Shed 53), developing uncrewed maritime systems and blue economy technologies.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Port of Virginia: The Port of Virginia operates deep-water container terminals on the U.S. East Coast with on-dock rail; a broader incumbent that competes for Southeast and inland U.S. container volumes alongside Gulf ports like Gulfport.
• Georgia Ports Authority / Port of Savannah: Georgia Ports Authority operates the Port of Savannah, the largest single-terminal container facility in North America; a broader incumbent U.S. container port that competes for the same inland U.S. container volumes served by Gulf ports via rail and intermodal connections.
• South Carolina Ports Authority / Port of Charleston: SC Ports operates the Port of Charleston, a major East Coast container gateway with on-dock rail; a broader incumbent that competes for U.S. container volumes and Southeast hinterland cargo that the Port of Gulfport also targets.
• Port of Long Beach: The Port of Long Beach is one of the largest U.S. container ports and a broad incumbent in the same maritime infrastructure category; while on the West Coast, it provides a comparable public-port operating model for container, bulk, and cruise traffic at scale.

Others

• Crowley Maritime Corporation: Crowley is a major U.S. maritime logistics and stevedoring company that is both a tenant of the Port of Gulfport (handling containerized cargo at West Pier) and a broader maritime services peer — operating competing terminals and logistics services across the Gulf and Caribbean.

Regional players

• Port of Beaumont: The Port of Beaumont is a Gulf Coast public port specializing in bulk, liquid, and breakbulk cargo (including military and petroleum) — a regional Gulf peer comparable in cargo mix and government-port structure, though focused on energy commodities rather than containers.

Direct peers

• Port of New Orleans: The Port of New Orleans is a deep-water public port on the Gulf handling containerized, breakbulk, and cruise traffic with on-dock Class I rail — a directly comparable Gulf peer competing for Central American, refrigerated, and breakbulk cargo.
• Port Tampa Bay: Port Tampa Bay is a Florida Gulf Coast public port authority handling containers, bulk, cruise, and petroleum — a directly comparable regional Gulf peer for cargo mix, cruise partnerships, and bulk handling operations.
• Port Houston: Port Houston Authority is the largest container port on the U.S. Gulf Coast and a directly comparable public port authority operating container, breakbulk, and bulk terminals — competing for the same shipping-line calls and Gulf hinterland cargo as the Port of Gulfport.
• Alabama State Port Authority / Port of Mobile: Alabama's state port authority operates the Port of Mobile, a Gulf Coast public port handling containers, bulk, and breakbulk cargo with on-dock rail — the most direct geographic and operational peer to the Port of Gulfport on the central Gulf.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/portofgulfport
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCUXUr8-UTSAYdjkVRVUpqtg
• Facebookfacebook.com/PortofGulfport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-port-of-gulfport
• Instagraminstagram.com/portofgulfport

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Port of Gulfport