Shipping Containers for Sale in Mobile, AL

Mobile, Alabama, is entering a “Golden Age” fueled by booming port expansion, major job growth and quality-of-life investments.

The port city of Mobile, Alabama, has been an international destination for business and trade since its founding in 1702. Now with a population of more than 208,000, the coastal city is entering what local leadership call “The Golden Age of Mobile.” Golden, not only because it’s the second fastest-growing port in the continental U.S. but also because of the major investments in quality of life that are making the Mobile area shine as a prosperous place to work and play. Here’s a look at the new developments in Mobile.

“There’s never been a bigger boom time in Mobile for economic growth,” says Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Our GDP surpassed $23 billion in 2023 and is growing faster than the state and the national average.” The cause of this unprecedented growth? Mobile’s dedication to investing more time, money and community collaboration into growing industries like commercial aviation, shipbuilding, steel production and international shipping.

Within the next few years, Mobile will be the fourth-largest producer of commercial aircraft in the world with the deepest container terminal in the Gulf.

Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne says, “Since January 2022, 6,000 new, high-paying jobs have been created in the area” due to the success of these industries, and more are slated to come with the ongoing expansion of the Port of Mobile. Phase 1 of this initiative is “to widen the ports so the deepest ships in the world can dock here,” says Byrne, and it’s expected to be complete later this year. These improvements will “make the Port of Mobile the port of choice for container shipping.”

As Mobile’s growth and development provide more high-paying job opportunities, local leaders want to ensure its hard-working people have places to play hard as well. As an outdoorsman, Mayor Stimpson has always been enthralled with the ecological diversity of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta and Mobile Bay. Nestled at the confluence of five rivers and Mobile Bay, Mobile offers unrivaled access and opportunities on the water. “Fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, swimming, it’s all here. The only outdoor activity you can’t do in Mobile is mountain climbing,” Stimpson says.

Expanding access to Mobile’s natural beauty is at the heart of some of the major developments happening across the community. The city is currently in the design phase for a breathtaking, 100-acre waterfront park located at the site of the former Brookley Air Force Base. Known as “Brookley by the Bay,” this project has already preserved hundreds of acres of natural coastline and will bring a plethora of outdoor recreational activities to the shores of Mobile Bay once it’s fully built out.

If you’re looking for some indoor fun, one of the most exciting ongoing projects in the Port City is the construction of the new Mobile Arena. This state-of-the-art entertainment venue will bring world-class entertainment to the city’s downtown center and has been designed to host major concerts and events, professional sports, ice hockey and the Mardi Gras balls that are central to longstanding carnival traditions.

Mobile County is actively shaping a brighter future through significant investments in quality-of-life enhancements.

Recent successes include the reopening of the beautifully renovated Bayfront Park and Chickasabogue Park as well as the expanded Escatawpa Hollow Park & Campground. In 2025, Cedar Point Pier will reopen after construction to make the park more resilient and accessible. A new boat launch at Cedar Point begins construction this year. The county is also expanding water access through more launch points, with Memories Fish Camp boat launch and handicap-accessible kayak launch.

This dedication extends beyond traditional parks to encompass sports facilities that benefit both residents and visitors. Mobile County Sportsplex is growing, comprising an aquatic center that’s under construction, a soccer complex expansion to seven fields and accompanying amenities. Looking ahead, a proposed public-private partnership at the Sportsplex envisions a new water park, additional park land and more sports facilities. West Mobile County Park’s sports facilities are expanding as well.

These developments underscore the vital role of sports in building community and boosting tourism. According to County Commission President Merceria Ludgood, “Mobile County is on the move. With upgraded facilities like Bayfront Park, Chickasabogue Park and the growing Sportsplex, we’re creating spaces that bring people together and improve everyday life for our residents.”

These ongoing projects reflect a dynamic approach to enhancing the overall well-being and identity of Mobile County.

Underpinning all these exciting developments are major investments in Mobile’s transportation infrastructure. A new passenger terminal at the Mobile International Airport, just minutes from downtown Mobile, is slated to open in 2026, providing more connections to and from the Port City. The state of Alabama will soon break ground on the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Once completed, the bridge will be “the second tallest in the U.S. over a navigable waterway,” says Byrne, excited that travelers passing through won’t miss the breathtaking waterfront scenery.

With so much new development and a surge in population, as people flock to be a part of Mobile’s success, some might be concerned the city will lose its charm. But local leaders aren’t worried.

“The culture is charming. When people move here, they absorb into the culture and blend into it,” Byrne says.

“We’re staying true to who we are, protecting our natural beauty, honoring our history and preserving the unique character that makes Mobile County feel like home,” Ludgood says.

Stimpson is also confident that the warm and welcoming spirit the city is known for won’t fade with innovation but only grow stronger. After all, Mobile has always welcomed newcomers. And as he says, “It is only through uniting everyone at the table that we can move in a common direction toward success.”

From cutting-edge shipbuilding to world-class aircraft production, Mobile is emerging as a powerhouse for maritime and aviation innovation.

From the depths of the Gulf to the skies above it, cutting-edge advancements are reshaping Mobile’s economic landscape.

“Mobile’s economy is experiencing rapid growth across multiple industry sectors, consistently punching above our weight when it comes to helping global brands grow and expand here,” says David Rodgers, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Chamber.

The 60-mile Alabama Gulf Coast chemical corridor, MAST, is a hub for world-class chemical companies. Coupled with the steady growth Mobile has seen in steel and specialty pipe production, this robust manufacturing sector provides a strong foundation that complements the expanding aerospace and maritime industries.

“Global brands like Airbus and Austal are putting Mobile on the map for international companies seeking to locate and expand,” Rodgers says.

Infrastructure advantages further solidify Mobile’s position as a prime destination for businesses.

Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, home to the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, is an unmatched aviation hub, Rodgers says. It adjoins the deepwater Port of Mobile while offering direct rail access via CSX, on-site barge access, proximity to Interstate 10 and oversized runways capable of handling the world’s largest aircraft.

“Simply put, it has every infrastructure asset an aviation company could dream of for their operation,” Rodgers says.

Industry giant Austal USA is using revolutionary shipbuilding techniques to pioneer next-generation naval and commercial vessels. Austal’s Mobile shipyard employs state-of-the-art robotic welding, 3D modeling and modular construction techniques – ensuring faster production without sacrificing precision.

Austal USA secured a $450 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat, supporting U.S. Navy submarine production. This investment funds a new module fabrication facility. Combined with a recent $250 million assembly bay project, Austal USA’s Mobile expansion totals more than $700 million and will create 2,000 new jobs in the community.

“The U.S. Navy continues to invest in companies like Austal, reinforcing Mobile’s reputation as a premier shipbuilding hub,” Rodgers says. “Our maritime workforce consistently delivers high-quality ships on time and on budget. The presence of these global giants has also sparked advancements in emerging technologies, including autonomy and additive manufacturing, paving the way for the future of both the aviation and maritime industries.”

Similarly, the Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility is a testament to the city’s growing aviation sector. Here, state-of-the-art manufacturing lines produce A320 and A220 Family aircraft. The site’s second assembly line for A320 Family aircraft will enter service in 2025, showcasing the intricate connection between robotics and skilled labor.

Airbus celebrates 10 years of commercial aircraft manufacturing in Mobile in 2025. The company’s success over the last decade stands as a testament to the stakeholders who embraced the city becoming a global aviation hub and Alabama’s strong commitment to workforce development.

“As we work to meet the growing demand for commercial aircraft, Airbus in Alabama will continue to thrive because of the highly skilled Alabamians who make up our workforce, the strength of the families supporting them, and the Team Mobile and Team Alabama spirit leading our region into a golden era of industrial growth,” says Daryl Taylor, senior vice president of commercial aircraft operations for Airbus Americas.

The Mobile Airport Authority, Mobile International Airport (BFM) and Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley play key roles in facilitating the growth of aviation.

“The relocation of commercial passenger service from Mobile Regional to Mobile International (Brookley Downtown) Airport will continue to fuel economic growth within the Mobile MSA, the region and Alabama,” says Andy Wilson, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority. “As Mobile experiences growing opportunities, the Mobile Airport Authority is committed to supporting the increased demand for air travel.”

Mobile International Airport is undertaking a major expansion, with a new passenger terminal under construction and set to open in 2026. When complete, all commercial air service will move from Mobile Regional Airport to this new facility, offering passengers the latest in transportation, amenities and convenience.

The terminal, designed for expansion and to accommodate future demand, is conveniently located just five minutes from downtown Mobile.

“We’re also building a 1,250-space parking garage and making significant investments in roadways and airfield improvements,” Wilson says. “These upgrades will improve access and efficiency for passengers, airlines and airport partners, and position Mobile to compete for new service and new economic opportunities.”

Mobile Regional Airport will continue its other operations after the transition, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s use of facilities. Rodgers believes Mobile’s future is bright. “Demand for maritime manufacturing and repair, as well as aviation manufacturing, stretches decades into the future, not just years,” he says. “As these sectors continue to grow, we can expect sustained investment from industry leaders and new players alike. At the same time, our community remains committed to strengthening the infrastructure needed to support this growth. Mobile has the people, location and industry expertise to thrive as a powerhouse for maritime and aviation innovation.”

Mobile is emerging as a premier logistics hub, thanks to its strategic location and world-class infrastructure.

A key driver of this growth is the South Alabama Logistics Park (SALP), the largest logistics park in the South, spanning 1,300 acres with 6 million square feet in Phase I. Positioned at a critical intermodal junction, SALP connects shipping, rail, trucking and air freight, offering businesses unmatched supply chain efficiency. Its proximity to two interstates (I-10 and I-65), two airports, five rail lines and 15,000 miles of inland waterways makes it an ideal location for distribution and manufacturing.

Another major development is RailPort Logistics Mobile, a 500+ acre CSX Platinum Select Site – the highest designation for rail-served industrial properties. Developed by Scannell Properties, the site will feature nine buildings (four rail-served) and a $15 million infrastructure investment, enhancing connectivity to the Port of Mobile and I-10.

Another key player in Alabama’s transportation economy is the Port of Mobile, which contributes about $100 billion in economic impact to the state each year. According to Forbes, Mobile is the second fastest-growing port in the U.S. over the past decade – second only to Corpus Christi. Its geographic location is ideal along the Mobile River that empties into Mobile Bay, from which barges and ships have convenient access to and from the Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean, Mississippi River and beyond.

With these assets, Mobile is poised for long-term economic growth as a top-tier logistics and distribution hub.