Through November, Port Houston terminals handled nearly 35 million tons of cargo representing a nine percent increase versus the same time last year, Executive Director Roger Guenther announced in his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, during the last regular Port Commission meeting for the year. The main drivers for this growth include containers and steel imports, he noted.
“Steel volumes continue to trend upward, totaling 3.4 million tons, reflecting a 57 percent increase compared to the same period last year,” Guenther remarked.
Container activity remains solid showing a growth of 14 percent year on year. “We expect to pass the 2.4 million TEU container mark by the end of this year,” Guenther added. He noted this milestone achievement for the port considering challenges including loss of time and labor hours due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey.
Actions taken by the Port Commission included its approval to reissue and amend Port Authority Tariffs Nos. 8, 14 and 15, covering the Turning Basin Terminal, Barbours Cut Terminal and Bayport Container Terminal, all effective Jan. 1, 2018. The commission also approved to amend an agreement with Konecranes Finland to purchase one more diesel electronic yard crane. This additional crane will increase the purchase order to 10 new cranes for Bayport Container Terminal.
During the meeting, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria announced Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar had awarded Port Houston its third Transparency Star for its reporting practices and online tools associated with the Port’s Pension Plan. In December 2016, the Comptroller awarded the port two stars for Traditional Finances and Debt Obligations. Also this year, Texas Public Interest Research Group recognized Port Houston as the top-ranked special district for online financial transparency out of 79 special districts across the country.
Finally, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the port its 43rd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Port Houston’s 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.
The next regular Port Commission meeting is scheduled Jan. 30, 2018.
Source: Port of Houston