Port Houston’s public terminals handled 4,603,295 short tons in October, an increase of 12% for the month and 6% year-to-date, according to the authority.
Container activity also increased, putting total TEUs for the year 6% above 2024.
“Volumes through Port Houston’s container terminals were remarkable in October. Our team handled 365,773 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an 18% increase from the same month last year,” said Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO. “Container volumes for the year are up 6%, and that puts us firmly on track for our strongest container performance in history.”
Port Houston delivers exceptional October volumes
Loaded exports continued to grow, rising 42% in October and 10% year-to-date, which Port Houston links to Houston’s petrochemical and manufacturing sectors. Loaded imports increased by 8% in October and are up 3% so far this year. Steel imports rose 16% in October, and general cargo is up 1% year-to-date.
“Nearly all commodities handled at Port Houston’s terminals saw gains this month and we are in a great position as we near the end of the year, which is a remarkable accomplishment given the uncertainty in our industry throughout much of the year,” said Jenkins.
Port Houston stated it is continuing major infrastructure investments. An additional wharf at Bayport Container Terminal is expected to be completed before the end of the year. The authority also reported that, working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), it has completed its portion of dredging for the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11.
This phase expands the Galveston Bay reach of the channel from 530 feet to 700 feet to support two-way vessel movement and operational efficiency for larger ships.
Following these upgrades, vessels of up to 15,000 – 17,000 TEU, which Port Houston notes matches the capacity of the Panama Canal, can now call at Bayport Container Terminal. Expansion at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal is scheduled to be completed in 2027, at which point it is expected to be able to receive vessels of similar size.
The remaining segments of Project 11 will be completed by the USACE, with final work expected in 2029.
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Source: Port Houston
