- Steel Imports and Specialized Cargo See Notable Growth in August.
- Panama Canal and Project 11 Set to Boost Port Houston Efficiency.
- Houston Ship Channel Expansion to Accommodate 15,000-TEU Vessels.
Port Houston sustains its stellar performance as it has increased 20% in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) year on year for August. During the month, the port moved 367,653 TEUs. This development has helped container volumes, including the first eight months of the year, hit 2,791,127 TEUs -11 % better than the same period a year ago. If this streak continues, Port Houston will have another record on its hands, reports Port Houston.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
“These volumes reflect the Port Houston team’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “We are strategically investing in our facilities and will continue to adapt and innovate in response to market demands.”
New STS Cranes Increase Bayport Terminal Capacity
Port Houston has added three new ship-to-shore electric cranes at the Bayport Container Terminal. Two will be served at Wharves 6 and 2, bringing the total number of STS cranes on site to 18.
The new cranes will support the growth in terminal capacity and improve vessel productivity to the benefit of ocean carrier customers.
Import and Export Volumes Increase
Port Houston container terminals increased loaded import TEUs by 9 per cent in August versus August 2023 as consumers continue to spend and the retail market has been very strong. Year-to-date loaded import volumes also were up 9 per cent.
Export-loaded containers grew 19 per cent in August and are up 13 per cent for the year, mostly driven by resin exports. Port Houston benefits from a dominating market position in the U.S. market, with a 60 per cent share of resin exports. Loaded container volumes improved by 10 per cent year-to-date, all told.
Steel Imports and Other Cargo Increases
Steel imports to the multipurpose facilities at Port Houston were up 15 per cent in August over last year, but year-to-date volumes remain down 10%.
Other trends reported included plywood, self-propelled machinery, and wind energy-related equipment imports. Year-to-date totals for all Port Houston facilities are up 5 percent with 35,433,600 tons.
Panama Canal and Project 11 Updates
The canal’s additional daily vessel transit slots over the remainder of the year should make navigation into the Gulf easier and serve to continue benefiting Port Houston.
Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 will also stay on plan, which further enhances efficiency and safety along the nation’s busiest waterway. It will admit 15,000-TEU vessels to Bayport Container Terminal later this year.
Project 11 and its Regional Impact
Port Houston is the local voice for the Houston Ship Channel, working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to bring the benefits of Project 11 to over 200 facilities reliant on the channel for cargo movement.
“We are eagerly anticipating seeing these larger vessels at our terminals, though Project 11 is not just about delivering value at Port Houston’s public facilities,” said Jenkins. “Project 11 benefits all users of the Houston Ship Channel and will help our region continue to be a primary international gateway with a safe and efficient waterway.”
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Port Houston
