Port Houston’s public terminals recorded 4,603,295 short tons in October, a 12% increase from the prior month, and a 6 % gain year-to-date.
Strong container activity helped to drive the jump in cargo tonnage, port officials said.
“Volumes through Port Houston’s container terminals were remarkable in October. Our team handled 365,773 [TEUs], an 18% increase from the same month last year,” said Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO. “Container volumes for the year are up 6%, and that puts us firmly on track for our strongest container performance in history.”
Loaded exports jumped 42% in October and are up 10% year-to-date, buoyed by strong demand in petrochemical and manufacturing sectors, according to the port. Loaded imports rose 8% for the month and are up 3% for the year. Steel imports increased 16% in October, while general cargo rose 1% year-to-date.
Jenkins added, “Nearly all commodities handled at Port Houston’s terminals saw gains this month and we are in a great position as we near the end of the year, which is a remarkable accomplishment given the uncertainty in
our industry throughout much of the year.”
Port Houston also announced progress on infrastructure: a new wharf at the Bayport Container Terminal is expected to be completed by year-end, and the port — in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — has finished its portion of dredging under the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11. The project widens Galveston Bay’s reach from 530' to 700', enabling larger vessels (up to 15,000–17,000 TEU) to call the terminal.
