Port of Houston Authority has unveiled its plans to add container yard space aiming to improve the efficient movement of goods in order to reduce ongoing disruptions to the supply chain.
More specifically, Port Houston plans to use approximately 405,000 m² at the developed Bayport East End (East End) of the Bayport Container Terminal (BPT) in Harris County, Texas as an additional container yard (CY).
According to the port, the additional CY space will accommodate increased box volumes, while it will improve terminal efficiency, support emissions reduction, and maintain international trade.
The East End was originally developed as a cruise terminal, but its use was changed, in part, to an auto roll-on/roll-off terminal based on past market demands. To address current and projected future demands for container storage at BPT, Port Houston now plans to change the use of the East End to a container yard which will include paving the existing auto terminal area and adjacent unpaved area to its south.
The proposed East End change of use project includes two container yards of around 200,000m², CY 8 and CY 9.
Port Houston has obtained a Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant, administered by the US Maritime Administration, for the construction of the first CY 8 and plans to pursue additional grants for other portions of the proposed East End project.
Design is expected to begin in the first quarter of the next year with construction in anticipated in the first three months of 2024.
Meanwhile, the port commission of the Port of Houston Authority met on 18 November and conducted its annual budget workshop.
The commission approved the proposed 2023 operating budget and capital plan, which will guide staff in the operation and management of the port’s facilities and activities for the Fiscal Year 2023.
The approved 2023 Capital plans comprehend an Operating Capital Improvement projects budget of US$579 million and US$99 million for Project 11 – the expansion of the Houston Ship Channel.
“Capital plans continue for accelerated container capacity additions to provide efficient growth opportunities for our customers,” said the port in a statement.
Additionally, the Port Commission approved tariff rate changes effective January 2023 which align fees with escalating operating costs and support infrastructure investment to keep Port Houston terminals competitive.
