Texas operates some of the busiest ports in the United States, with the Port of Houston ranking as the largest port by foreign waterborne tonnage in the nation. Marine and shipping businesses in Texas have access to federal maritime programs, port development grants, emissions reduction incentives, and workforce programs specific to the maritime industry.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) Programs
- Port Infrastructure Development Program: Federal grants for port improvements, modernization, and expansion at Texas Gulf Coast ports
- Marine Highway Program: Support for waterborne freight transportation as an alternative to highway congestion, including route designations and project funding
- Small Shipyard Grants: Capital improvements and maritime training at small shipyards
- Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program: Loan guarantees for vessel construction and modernization
Port Authority Programs
Major Texas port authorities operate economic development and business assistance programs:
- Port of Houston Authority: Infrastructure development, foreign trade zone operations, and business development programs
- Port of Corpus Christi: Industrial development, energy export infrastructure, and business recruitment
- Port of Beaumont: Military cargo operations and commercial shipping services
- Port of Brownsville: International trade facilitation and industrial development
- Port of Freeport: Petrochemical and cargo operations with available industrial land
Emissions Reduction for Marine Operations
- TCEQ SPRY grants: Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction grants for replacing or retrofitting equipment in port areas
- EPA DERA grants: Diesel emissions reduction for marine vessels and port equipment
- Shore power incentives: Programs supporting cold ironing — providing shore-based electrical power to ships at berth to reduce emissions
Foreign Trade Zones
Texas ports operate Foreign Trade Zones providing customs benefits for importers and exporters. Businesses can defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on goods processed in FTZs.
Maritime Workforce Programs
- Maritime training programs: Federally funded maritime training through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies
- WOTC: Tax credits for hiring qualifying individuals into maritime positions
- Skills Development Fund: Training grants for maritime industry workforce development
Jones Act and Coastal Shipping
The Jones Act requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed vessels. This creates a protected market for U.S. shipping companies operating between Texas ports and other U.S. ports.
Bottom Line
Texas marine and shipping businesses operate in one of the most active port environments in the world. Federal maritime grants, port authority development programs, emissions reduction incentives, and FTZ benefits create multiple pathways for government support.
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