The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority has awarded two contracts totalling $430 million to complete the remaining Galveston Bay segments of the Houston Ship Channel expansion project.
The contracts have been awarded to Weeks Marine and Curtin Maritime Corporation – making the deals two of the largest contracts in the port’s history.
Nearly 52 per cent of the contract amounts will be dedicated to the creation of marshes, bird islands, and oyster reefs.
“It’s an exciting day for Port Houston and the entire region and the millions of people who rely on the Houston Ship Channel for their livelihood and to bring them essential goods,” said Chairman Ric Campo.
“One of today’s contracts to support Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 is historic, and, to our knowledge, the largest award ever made.”
© Port of Houston
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Houston Ship Channel is the busiest waterway in the nation. Port Houston’s eight public terminals and more than 200 private facilities have an economic impact of nearly $802 billion in annual activity and support more than 2.1 million jobs.
The project is 82 per cent funded and the port has ensured it will pursue in its efforts to secure the remaining federal funds.
Upon completion, USACE has predicted Project 11 to add more than $133 million annually in national economic value.
“The Houston Ship Channel is vital in our region, and we are proud to continue to invest in our collective future,” Chairman Campo added.
On 1 June, the Port Houston, in partnership with USACE, officially kicked off the $1 billion expansion project.
A ceremony commemorating the event was attended by over 200 people including elected officials and representatives from multiple sectors in the maritime industry.
