The Port is one of 46 projects in the United States to receive this designation as part of the application process awarded by then Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. Project designation allows for ports to seek federal grant funding and receive preferential support for new services, or the expansion of existing Marine Highway services that offer public benefits and long-term sustainability.
Marine Highway Projects are chosen for their importance to local economies, travel times, and public safety. Container on barge is a method of freight transport where goods are moved in containers, which are stacked on a barge and towed to a destination on an inland waterway.
With this Project Designation, The Port will be able to seek grant funding to establish and eventually expand a container on barge service line for the lifetime of the project. Allowing the service line to grow as the Port does.
This service will also allow the Port of Harlingen to expand not only local services, but also the reach of marine highway services along Marine Highways M, M and M corridors and connecting terminals. Utilizing container on barge is estimated to not only mitigate highway traffic by moving commodities via barge versus truck, but also move them more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly manner. According to the National Waterways Foundation, one Barge Tow is equivalent to rail cars, or six locomotives, or 1, large semi-tractor trailers.
In terms of energy efficiency, the number of tons that can be carried per gallon of fuel by truck is 59 miles, by rail is miles and by barge is miles. Container on barge service is one of many milestones The Port of Harlingen is working to accomplish as part of their Master and Strategic Plan.
