Port Houston witnesses slight TEU drop

Port Houston recorded a 5 per cent decrease in container volume in July 2024 compared to the same month last year, handling 325,277 TEU.

Despite the impact of Hurricane Beryl and a global system outage that affected operations, year-to-date figures show container volumes up 10 per cent over last year, reaching 2.4 million TEU and preparing for a strong peak season.

Loaded imports have risen 9 per cent year-to-date (YTD), surpassing 1 million TEU, fuelled by robust consumer demand supported by new import distribution centres in the area as importers have reconfigured their networks to include more volume via Houston.

Loaded exports have also increased 12 per cent YTD, driven primarily by the booming resin market. Although loaded imports and loaded exports saw a minor dip in July, total containers are up 10 per cent YTD, thanks to an uptick in Caribbean, South America, and East Asia trade.

Total empty containers are also up 10 per cent compared to last year, as ocean carriers reposition containers for import cargo. 

Moreover, the port will be adding three new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to its existing fleet at the Bayport Container Terminal later this month. Once operational, these cranes will enhance the capacity and efficiency of Wharf 6 and Wharf 2 at Bayport.

General cargo also declined 12 per cent YTD, while total tonnage across all facilities remains positive, with a 3 per cent increase YTD, totalling 30.8 tonnes.

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“Our double-digit growth so far this year underscores Port Houston’s resilience and strategic significance in the global supply chain and we are expecting a strong third quarter as well,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.

“Locally we faced some challenges this month, but our team excelled at rebounding quickly and maintaining the first-rate customer service Port Houston is known for. I’m immensely proud of our team and as I transition into retirement at the end of this month, I am certain the port will continue its successful trajectory for many years to come.”

Back in May, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority held a Special Public meeting on 21 May to discuss the proposed user fee for financing the ongoing Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11.

Later in June, Port Houston announced the arrival of six hybrid-electric rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.