Port Houston, the fifth-largest container port in the United States, has surpassed the 2 million TEU mark faster than ever.
Through the first six months of 2024, Port Houston has handled 2,098,117 TEUs, representing a double-digit increase of 13% year-to-date compared to the first half of last year.
For June specifically, 339,157 TEUs were moved through the terminals of Port Houston, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
“Houston’s robust economy plays a pivotal role in the success of our container terminals. The city’s dynamic economic landscape, driven by diverse industries such as energy, manufacturing, technology, and population growth fosters increased consumer demand and industrial activity,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.
This June, the port received six additional rubber-tired gantry (RTG) hybrid-electric cranes, the fourth of five total deliveries for this year. Port Houston has acquired 26 new RTGs since December 2023.
Additionally, by the end of 2024, 15,000-TEU-class neo-Panamax vessels will be able to berth at Bayport as Port Houston continues to make progress on its Houston Ship Channel Expansion, widely known as Project 11.
Moreover, general cargo was down 10% year-to-date at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities, while steel imports increased 2% in June compared to the same month in 2023. Additionally, plywood has increased 4,215% year-todate, though it remains relatively small in total volume at 45,013 short tons.
Total tonnage at across all facilities in Houston remains positive, with a 5% increase in the first half of the year compared to 2023.
