Port Houston handled 367,653 TEUs in August, representing a 20% year-on-year growth. Over the first eight months of the year, the US port has moved 2,791,127 TEUs, translating to an 11% increase over the same period in 2023.
With this pace, Port Houston is on track for another record year. “These volumes reflect the Port Houston team’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” highlighted Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “We are strategically investing in our facilities and will continue to adapt and innovate in response to market demands.”
Port Houston recently added three new ship-to-shore (STS) electric cranes at its Bayport Container Terminal, bringing the total there to 18 STS cranes. These cranes have been delivered to Wharves 6 and 2, adding capacity to the facility for expected growth and helping further improve vessel productivity to support ocean carrier customers.
Loaded import TEUs at Port Houston’s box terminals increased 9% in August compared to August 2023, driven by a robust retail market and healthy consumer spending. Year-to-date, loaded imports are up 9%. On the export side, loaded containers are up 19% in August and 13% for the year, with resins continuing to drive these volumes.
In the meanthime, Port Houston remains the top US gateway for resin exports, holding a 60% market share. In total, loaded container volumes have increased by 10% so far this year compared to last.
With the Panama Canal increasing daily vessel transit slots, the navigation into the Gulf becomes easier. The Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 also continues to make progress, further increasing efficiency as well as safety along the US busiest waterway. With the Project 11 improvements, 15,000-TEU vessels will be able to call Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal later this year.
