Port of Galveston: Terminal 16 Achieves LEED Silver Certification

Cruise Terminal 16 at the Port of Galveston has been recognized for meeting high standards of environmentally sustainable design, construction, and operations with Silver certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Opened in 2025, the site was designed prioritizing environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Its features include energy-efficient building systems, water-saving fixtures, environmentally friendly building materials, a smaller parking footprint, less exterior lighting impact, and landscaping that optimizes water use.

By transforming two decades-old warehouses into a state-of-the-art 15,300 square meter terminal, the project reused approximately 85% of existing structural elements, significantly reducing material consumption and other environmental impacts associated with new construction.

Galveston Wharves Director and CEO, Rodger Rees, stated that "we are especially proud of this award because it marks another milestone in our progress as a Green Marine certified port to improve air quality, reduce waste, and take other measures to reduce environmental impact in the port area."

Rees recalled that this is the port's second cruise terminal to obtain LEED certification. Cruise Terminal 10, home to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, holds LEED Gold certification, as well as LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Carbon certifications.

The LEED rating system is the most widely used sustainable building certification program in the world. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce energy and water consumption, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor environmental quality, and promote sustainable construction practices.

"Thanks to the collaboration with our long-standing partners, the architectural firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners and the construction company Hensel Phelps, the port delivered a beautiful, environmentally sustainable cruise complex, on time and within budget," Rees declared.

"Furthermore, it allowed us to welcome two of the world's leading international cruise lines: MSC and Norwegian, offering our market of 46 million people two more excellent options for a cruise vacation. It meets the needs of the cruise industry for future growth and the port's mission to be a major economic driver for business growth and job creation," the executive added.