Port of Galveston cruise terminal earns LEED Silver certification

The Port of Galveston says its Cruise Terminal 16 has earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking a new sustainability milestone for the port’s newest cruise facility.

The terminal opened in November 2025 and was built by converting about 85% of a former produce warehouse. According to reporting on the port’s announcement, the project also incorporated water-saving fixtures, environmentally responsible construction materials, a reduced parking footprint, reduced outdoor lighting impacts and water-efficient landscaping.

Port director and CEO Rodger Rees said the recognition adds to the port’s efforts to improve air quality, reduce waste and cut environmental impacts.

A second sustainability credential

The LEED result came alongside another environmental update from the port: a fifth consecutive Green Marine recertification. Green Marine is a maritime environmental certification program used by shipping and port operators.

Together, the two milestones reinforce the port’s environmental branding as it expands cruise capacity in Galveston.

Built for MSC and Norwegian

Cruise Terminal 16 serves MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. The port has positioned the terminal as part of a broader effort to grow cruise traffic while emphasizing sustainability features in new infrastructure.

The port’s older Terminal 10, which opened in 2022 for Royal Caribbean, has also been highlighted for green credentials, including LEED Gold and zero-energy, zero-carbon status with on-site solar power.

The Houston Chronicle reported in April that Terminal 16 had applied for LEED Silver certification. The latest announcement confirms that the certification has now been granted, closing that earlier gap and giving the project a formal third-party rating to match the port’s sustainability pitch.