PhilaPort acquires 152-acre Mustin Yard

(Posted on 07/10/25)

PhilaPort has announced that it has acquired the Mustin Yard Property from Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Located adjacent to PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal, the 152-acre Mustin Yard represents the last available land at the nexus of deep water, rail, and highway access. Originally part of the former Philadelphia Navy Yard, the site has long been viewed as a critical asset for the Port’s future growth.

This acquisition marks a major milestone in PhilaPort’s long-term development strategy and aligns with the recently released PhilaPort Strategic Plan: Destination 2040.

Governor Josh Shapiro praised the acquisition, stating: “My Administration is focused on driving economic growth to create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians. The Port of Philadelphia is a major economic driver — accounting for 12,000 jobs locally and 66,000 maritime jobs statewide — and today’s expansion will create more jobs and boost local economies across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is showing the nation how we get stuff done and deliver real results.”

The acquisition of Mustin Yard will allow PhilaPort to significantly expand its cargo handling capacity, attract new business, and create family-sustaining jobs across the region. After setting records in both container volumes and new automobile imports in 2024, PhilaPort is poised for its next phase of growth.

The site includes a fully developed intermodal transfer facility, which Norfolk Southern and PhilaPort are committed to activating with operational capabilities. This will enhance logistics reach for port users and local shippers, further integrating maritime and rail freight systems to support regional and national supply chains.

Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the opportunity:

“This is a generational opportunity for the Port of Philadelphia. The Mustin Yard site gives us the space to grow and the ability to open doors for more people, especially those seeking careers in maritime. It’s a bold investment that will deliver lasting benefits for our region and our workforce for decades to come.”

PhilaPort Executive Director & CEO Jeff Theobald added: “The Mustin Yard has long been one of the most coveted assets for PhilaPort, an opportunity we’ve pursued for years. Securing this 152-acre property marks one of the most transformative moments in our history. It gives us the capacity to grow in ways we’ve only imagined, positioning PhilaPort for a new era of expansion, job growth, and leadership in global trade. We’re grateful to Governor Shapiro and his team, and to our partners at Norfolk Southern, for helping move this deal forward.”

Norfolk Southern AVP Real Estate & Facility Services Cliff Garner shared: “The opportunity with PhilaPort reflects our strategy to thoughtfully leverage our land assets to strengthen partnerships with freight-centric ports, enhance intermodal connectivity to global destinations, and drive collective growth. We look forward to continuing to work with PhilaPort to expand supply chain infrastructure and deliver long-term economic value to the region.”