Ports in the United States will receive USD 774 million in federal funding following an announcement by the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).
The investment will be distributed across 37 port infrastructure projects through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
According to MARAD, the selected projects are located in coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports and aim to support capacity expansion, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience across the US port network.
The programme includes a range of infrastructure works. These comprise the expansion of rail tunnels to increase throughput, upgrades to screening technology linked to national security, the construction of adaptable two‑tier docks designed to support all‑weather operations, and the development of a new cargo terminal.
These port improvements will have generational impacts and enhance the nation’s short and long-term economic competitiveness
MARAD Administrator
Some ports have reportedly started improvement projects with a highly anticipated impact.
According to a report by the Journal of Commerce, the third-busiest marine terminal at the Port of New York and New Jersey unveiled USD 100 million in new container‑handling equipment and related facilities.
The announcement made last week marked the first phase of a broader investment plan focused on terminal and rail infrastructure.
As part of this initial phase, the terminal opened a new maintenance shop designed to serve larger straddle carriers. The terminal also took delivery of the first 15 new straddle carriers, with additional units scheduled for delivery by early 2027.
Further plans include the addition of an on‑dock rail yard at the eastern end of the terminal.
The facility is intended to allow containers to transfer more easily to railcars, replacing the current process that relies on yard hostlers moving containers across a flyover bridge to a nearby rail yard.
