Southern Mississippi Port Authority

The Port of Gulfport, managed by the Mississippi State Port Authority, is one of the most significant economic engines in southern Mississippi and the third busiest container port on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1902, it has cemented its role as an essential center for bulk, break-bulk, and containerized cargo, encompassing over 200 acres of operational space with nearly 6,000 feet of berthing and handling over two million tons of cargo annually. Gulfport is notably the nation’s second-largest importer of green fruit and has a longstanding role in food logistics, especially for bananas and pineapples. Following significant restoration after Hurricane Katrina, the Port has diversified its activities, now serving as a U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Seaport to support military logistics. Investments have expanded refrigerated and containerized operations, and partnerships—such as with the University of Southern Mississippi—underscore its importance to regional workforce development and technology innovation. Its strategic location, just 16 miles from international shipping lanes and five nautical miles from the Intracoastal Waterway, further enhances its significance as a premier U.S. Gulf gateway.