Port Houston has celebrated the completion of Wharf 6 of its Bayport Container Terminal Expansion Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, and US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Maritime Administrator Admiral, Ann Philips, were among many federal, state, and local officials, partners, stakeholders, and customers on hand to celebrate the Bayport Container Terminal Expansion project.
Port Commission Chairman, Ric Campo said: “Today is more than a ribbon cutting for a concrete wharf; it is a symbol for the future of the port and all the lives we will impact for the next generation.
“This new wharf will enable the port to keep up with the new growth and demand and help reduce supply chain congestion by providing additional capacity to berth another vessel around the clock.
“This wharf will provide for the next generation of families by creating new jobs, sustaining existing jobs, and driving our region’s prosperity.”
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The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) invested nearly $80 million in the terminal’s wharf and yard space, building on previous investments to increase capacity and efficiency, such as the rehabilitation of the north side container yards, Wharf 3 rehabilitation and truck gate expansion.
Wharf and port upgrades, cargo staging yards, zero-emission vehicles, charging infrastructure, increased terminal space, and the deepening and expansion of the Houston Ship Channel – Project 11 – are among these initiatives.
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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia were recognised as two of the Houston Ship Channel’s most ardent supporters.
Following the event, Secretary Buttigieg and numerous officials toured Project 11 onboard a Houston Pilots vessel, seeing firsthand the effect of Project 11’s investment in the future of the Houston Ship Channel and what remains to be done.
The new wharf is scheduled to be completely operational in October 2023.
