You are here
Home | News Feed | Port Houston Container Volumes Surge 20% in August, Driven by New Infrastructure and Strong Market Demand

Port Houston Container Volumes Surge 20% in August, Driven by New Infrastructure and Strong Market Demand

HOUSTON In a remarkable display of growth, Port Houston has reported an impressive 20% increase in container volumes for August, reaching a total of 367,653 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This surge sets a strong trajectory, as the port has already processed 2,791,127 TEUs within the first eight months of 2024, marking an 11% rise compared to the same period last year. If this pace continues, Port Houston is on track to set a new record, demonstrating the port’s ability to adapt and scale in response to market dynamics.

Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, credited the team’s dedication and strategic investments, stating, “These volumes reflect the Port Houston team’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence. We are strategically investing in our facilities and will continue to adapt and innovate in response to market demands.” Jenkins’ remarks underscore the significant capital put into the port’s infrastructure to handle rising demand efficiently.

A key factor contributing to this growth is the recent addition of three new ship-to-shore (STS) electric cranes at the Bayport Container Terminal. Delivered on August 31, these cranes have boosted the total number of STS cranes at the terminal to 18, thereby enhancing the facility’s capacity and efficiency. Positioned at Wharves 6 and 2, these cranes are poised to handle the expected rise in cargo and to improve vessel productivity, ensuring that ocean carrier customers experience a streamlined process.

This growth is not just limited to infrastructure upgrades. Port Houston’s loaded import TEUs saw a 9% jump in August compared to the same period last year, driven largely by a thriving retail market and strong consumer spending. Year-to-date figures show that loaded imports have maintained a steady 9% growth rate. The export sector has experienced even more remarkable growth, with loaded containers up 19% in August alone and 13% year-to-date. Resin exports continue to be a dominant force, securing Port Houston’s position as the leading U.S. gateway for resin exports with a commanding 60% market share. Overall, the port’s loaded container volumes have increased by 10% so far this year compared to the previous year.

Steel imports at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities also displayed solid growth, with a 15% increase in August compared to last year, despite year-to-date volumes still being down by 10%. However, there’s a positive uptick in the import of plywood, self-propelled machinery, and wind power equipment, indicating diversification in the types of goods passing through the port. Cumulatively, total tonnage across all facilities is showing a 5% increase year-to-date, amounting to 35,433,600 tons.

Looking ahead, navigational improvements are on the horizon as the Panama Canal increases daily vessel transit slots, easing access into the Gulf. Additionally, the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – known as Project 11 – is progressing, promising to significantly boost both efficiency and safety for one of the nation’s busiest waterways. Once Project 11 is completed, 15,000-TEU vessels will be able to call at the Bayport Container Terminal later this year, significantly expanding the port’s capacity to handle larger vessels.

Port Houston, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is the main advocate for Project 11, ensuring that this critical expansion benefits not just the public facilities but the entire Houston Ship Channel community, which comprises over 200 facilities. Jenkins emphasized the broader impact of this project, stating, “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.”

For over a century, Port Houston has played a pivotal role in the region’s maritime activities, owning and operating eight public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel. As the local advocate and strategic leader for this crucial waterway, Port Houston continues to reinforce its position as the largest port for waterborne tonnage in the United States, fueling economic activity that supports millions of jobs and contributes significantly to the economy of Texas and the nation as a whole.

“Disclaimer: “Breakbulk News & Media BV (Breakbulk.News) assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of articles published. The information and or article contained in these articles is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness…”

Top
×