Governor Shapiro Announces $837 Million Investment in PhilaPort to Support Largest Expansion in Port’s History, Creating New Jobs, Expanding Global Trade, and Growing Pennsylvania’s Economy

The Shapiro Administration is investing $371.5 million, which will spur at least an additional $200 million in private-sector investment and $266 million in federal support, helping create more than 6,000 new jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians and generating $45 million in state and local taxes.

After consistently being ranked as the most productive post in the country, this investment will enable PhilaPort to expand container capacity by 122 percent and expand auto capacity by 18 percent across the port’s facilities with this investment.

Governor Shapiro has remained committed to ensuring PhilaPort’s continued success, understanding its important role both on the Philadelphia waterfront and as a global center for trade.

Philadelphia, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll visited the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) with industry, labor, and elected leaders to announce a $371.5 million investment of capital funding from the Commonwealth in the Port — which will unlock $466 million in additional investment from the private sector and through federal grants to support the largest expansion in PhilaPort’s history.

Since taking office, the Governor has been committed to ensuring PhilaPort’s continued success, understanding its important role both on the Philadelphia waterfront and as a global center for trade. These investments will help create more than 6,000 new jobs and generate $45 million in state and local taxes as PhilaPort expands container capacity by 122 percent and auto capacity by 18 percent across the port’s facilities.

“PhilaPort has a long and storied history that spans back over 300 years to the very founding of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “It was here where goods produced in Philadelphia embarked for destinations around the globe, and today, the port remains a major player in global trade and a critical piece of our economy. My Administration is making a historic investment in PhilaPort to support the largest expansion in its history, allowing the port to significantly expand its capacity and create more than 6,000 jobs. This is a game changer for PhilaPort and it builds on our work to grow the economy and create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians.”

For three straight years, PhilaPort was named the most productive container port in the country and in 2025, the port supported more than 8,000 jobs and contributed nearly $1.2 billion in economic output throughout Pennsylvania. To expand their operations, the port will use capital funding from the Shapiro Administration, which includes $31 million to support dredging at Southport Berth I; $145 million for reclamation work at Southport Berth II and the North Wharf; $109.4 million for land acquisition; and $58.1 million to support crane and equipment acquisition.

“PhilaPort is critical to Pennsylvania’s transportation network, connecting global trade to local communities, strengthening supply chains and supporting economic growth,” said PennDOT Secretary Carroll. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, PennDOT is proud of our partnership with PhilaPort, and proud to support its mission to keep our economy moving.”

With today’s investment, over $200 million in private-sector investment and $266 million from the federal government will become available to support PhilaPort’s growth plan valued at more than $837 million.

“The combination of public and private investment being directed to South Philly is a promising sign for economic development across our region and demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our industrial future and our workforce,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, PA’s 5th Congressional District. “It’s clear this part of the city is experiencing a renaissance as all levels of government — public, private, manufacturing, and of course the very strong union base — work tirelessly to ensure continued success for our region. I’m so grateful to have a role in continuing to invest in our future.”

“As the workshop of the world, today’s announcement is a huge deal for the City of Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We hear people talk a whole lot about making the city safer, and you will always hear me affirm that if you want to put people on a path to self-sufficiency, if you want to address the affordability crisis in the city, you give men and women from all walks of life the ability to earn a living wage, health care, and retirement security. We are beyond grateful for this investment and the jobs it will bring.”

As part of the project, PhilaPort will use capital funding to leverage two US Department of Transportation federal grants and construct a new 2,000 linear foot berth for the first time in 50 years at Southport Marine Terminal. The new berth will accompany the purchase of the 152-acre Mustin Yard parcel to create significant expansion opportunities for auto and container cargo.

“Governor Shapiro’s continued investment in PhilaPort will help us expand operations, attract new business, and increase market share — while creating thousands of family sustaining jobs over the long haul,” said Rich Lazer, CEO & Executive Director, PhilaPort. “With this historical investment in our infrastructure, combined with our skilled union workforce, and room to expand, our future has never been brighter.”

The investment will also allow PhilaPort to acquire and develop additional properties in the Southern Port District to enhance container capacity and support future growth and access initiatives.

“The Governor’s investments will help PhilaPort implement our Destination 2040 Strategic Plan — with strong capital investments for new port infrastructure,” said Mike Pearson, Board Chair, PhilaPort. “Today, Governor Shapiro is making that happen.”

“As the world’s largest ocean carrier of finished vehicles, we needed to match with best-in-class terminal capacity, and most importantly, we needed to match the customer demand,” said Scott Cornell, CEO, GLOVIS America. “Today’s announcement shows what we believe PhilaPort can become, and what we can achieve together as we build it into a premier ocean terminal. This is a significant milestone, and the trust, honest conversation, close communication, and steady commitment to moving forward together have made this even more remarkable.”

“This is a job multiplier that will go on for the better part of a decade and the machines, roadways, and buildings that will be assembled will last for generations,” said Leo Holt, President, Holt Logistics. “And it isn’t magic, it’s people coming together to get the job done — quickly, efficiently, safely, and ready to go for the next generation.”

In addition to developing the Southport berth, PhilaPort will invest in improvements at the Tioga Marine Terminal berth to better handle liquid bulk barges and breakbulk vessels, and support cargo handling capabilities.

“The unions in this town don’t fight against each other, we fight for each other,” said Bill Hamilton, Eastern Region Vice President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “This important investment is going to bring thousands of jobs across the area and it’s a dream come true for some people without a college degree.”

“As someone who has worked on this waterfront, I know firsthand what these investments mean to the men and women who make their living here,” said Dan Duffy, Member, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1291. “This waterfront has supported generations of Philadelphia families and this investment and continued support will help make sure it continues to provide those same opportunities to our children and grandchildren. We’re proud of what we do and we’re ready for what’s next.”

Shapiro Administration’s Work to Strengthen Trade in Philadelphia

Over the last ten years, the Commonwealth has invested more than $600 million in PhilaPort’s growth:

• In April 2026, Governor Shapiro helped welcome Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise ship, the Norwegian Jewel, to Philadelphia, celebrating NCL becoming the first cruise line to set sail from Philadelphia in 15 years.
• In January 2026, PhilaPort began construction to ease traffic congestion and improve the intersection outside of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, using approximately $10 million in funding provided by PennDOT.
• In May 2025, PennDOT extended the Pennsylvania Intermodal Cargo Growth Incentive Program to July 2027. In total, the Shapiro Administration has awarded $1.3 million in incentive funds to cargo carriers, resulting in 1.8 million units of cargo passing through Pennsylvania ports.
• Over the last two years, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services has also provided $11 million to support the port’s annual maintenance dredging to preserve safe navigation depths and protect maritime infrastructure.

“I want to thank Governor Shapiro for recognizing the importance of investing in PhilaPort and the workers and businesses that depend on it,” said Senator Tina Tartaglione, PA’s 2nd Senate District. “This investment will help support good-paying jobs, create opportunities for local businesses and strengthen our regional economy. By maintaining and expanding critical infrastructure, we are investing in the future of our port and the communities it serves.”

“This investment in PhilaPort will strengthen the infrastructure we depend on today while creating room for the growth we need tomorrow,” said Representative Ed Neilson, Majority Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, PA’s 174th District. “Maintaining our facilities, expanding capacity, and building two of the first new berths in more than 50 years will help keep Pennsylvania competitive, support good-paying jobs, and move more goods through our port. I thank Governor Shapiro for his partnership and commitment to this vital part of our transportation network and economy.”

Alongside the Shapiro Administration’s investments, the Governor has worked to understand the needs of the port and its workers. In May 2025, Governor Shapiro visited PhilaPort to hear directly from port leaders, businesses, and workers about how federal tariffs that the Trump Administration implemented were injecting chaos and uncertainty into their work while raising costs for consumers across the Commonwealth.

Despite these tariffs harming the Commonwealth — costing Pennsylvanians an additional $11 billion since 2025 — today’s $837 million investment will expand PhilaPort’s capacity, support global trade, and boost our economy.

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