Port Houston Commission Approves Strategic Initiatives to Strengthen Global Trade, Modernize Operations, and Expand Future Capacity
The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority convened for its final meeting of the year, closing out 2025 with a series of approvals and announcements that underscore Port Houston’s continued commitment to global trade competitiveness, operational modernization, workforce recognition, and long-term infrastructure growth. The meeting highlighted progress across multiple fronts—from international trade development and digital transformation to capital projects, safety readiness, and community engagement—positioning Port Houston to sustain momentum as one of the most vital gateways in the U.S. maritime system.
Celebrating Community Engagement and Workforce Dedication
Chairman Ric Campo opened the meeting by reflecting on the success of Port Houston’s 4th Annual Community Resource Fair, an event that has quickly become a cornerstone of the port’s outreach efforts. The 2025 fair attracted more than 7,000 attendees and featured 90 participating vendors, marking a significant increase over the previous year. Attendance doubled compared to 2024, demonstrating growing interest and engagement from surrounding communities.
The event provided residents with access to employment resources, health and wellness services, educational opportunities, and local support organizations, reinforcing Port Houston’s role not only as an economic engine but also as a community partner. Chairman Campo emphasized that the fair reflects the port’s broader commitment to inclusive growth and community investment, particularly in neighborhoods that coexist closely with port operations.
In addition to community recognition, the Commission honored long-serving Port Houston employees whose careers have contributed to the organization’s evolution and success. Among those recognized was Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, who marked 35 years of service with the port. Jenkins’ tenure spans decades of transformation, including expansion of container capacity, modernization of terminals, and major navigation improvements along the Houston Ship Channel. Leadership credited Jenkins’ steady guidance and institutional knowledge as instrumental in navigating industry cycles, global disruptions, and sustained growth.
Strengthening Trade Relationships Across the Americas
A key action item approved during the meeting was the renewal of Port Houston’s Central and South America regional representation for an additional two-year term, with an option for a third year. This authorization reflects the strategic importance of Latin American trade lanes to Port Houston’s overall cargo portfolio.
Bilateral waterborne trade with Latin America accounts for approximately 28% of the Houston Ship Channel’s market and 18% of the total volume moving through Port Houston’s public terminals. These figures underscore the region’s role as a cornerstone of the port’s international trade network, particularly for containerized goods, breakbulk cargo, energy products, and agricultural commodities.
Port Houston officials noted that maintaining an on-the-ground presence in Central and South America enables deeper engagement with shippers, carriers, logistics providers, and government stakeholders. This representation supports market intelligence gathering, trade promotion efforts, and relationship-building that helps attract new services and sustain existing trade flows.
Similar regional representation is already in place for Europe and Asia, reflecting Port Houston’s balanced global strategy. Together, these international outreach efforts help ensure that the port remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected and capacity-constrained global shipping environment.
Advancing Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence
In line with its focus on operational excellence, the Commission approved the adoption of two new enterprise platforms designed to modernize internal processes, enhance risk oversight, and improve data transparency.
The first is Origami Risk, a comprehensive Risk Management Information System (RMIS). This platform will strengthen Port Houston’s enterprise risk management capabilities by centralizing incident reporting, claims management, compliance tracking, and analytics. By providing real-time visibility into risk exposure and mitigation efforts, Origami Risk is expected to support more informed decision-making and reduce long-term operational and compliance risks.
The second platform, Relish, is a procurement and contract-to-pay solution that will streamline purchasing workflows, improve contract management, and enhance financial controls. The system is designed to reduce manual processes, improve audit readiness, and ensure consistency across procurement activities.
Port leadership emphasized that these digital investments are not merely technology upgrades, but foundational tools that will create long-term value for both internal teams and external stakeholders. By improving data clarity, workflow efficiency, and governance, Port Houston aims to support scalable growth while maintaining accountability and operational resilience.
Infrastructure Milestones at Bayport Container Terminal
Significant progress on capital projects was another focal point of the meeting, particularly at the Bayport Container Terminal, one of Port Houston’s primary facilities for containerized cargo.
Since the Commission’s previous meeting, several major milestones have been achieved. These include the walk-through and punch list completion for Wharf 7, marking the final stages before full operational readiness. Wharf 7 is expected to play a critical role in expanding berth capacity and accommodating larger vessels, contributing directly to throughput growth and operational flexibility.
Additionally, the Bayport Exit Gate has been fully commissioned. This new gate is designed to improve truck flow, reduce congestion, and enhance overall terminal efficiency. Improved landside access is increasingly important as container volumes grow and supply chains demand faster, more reliable cargo movement.
Looking ahead, Port Houston is preparing for the arrival of five new rubber-tire gantry (RTG) cranes at Bayport in December. These cranes will be followed by 11 additional RTGs in early 2026, significantly expanding the terminal’s container handling capacity. The deployment of new RTGs will support higher stacking density, improve equipment reliability, and enable Bayport to handle record-setting volumes with greater efficiency.
Port officials noted that these equipment investments are aligned with long-term demand forecasts and are essential to maintaining service levels amid continued growth in containerized trade.
Enhancing Connectivity Through State Grant Funding
The Commission also authorized the acceptance of $7.7 million in grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under the Seaport Connectivity Program. The funds will be used to construct a critical roadway providing an additional access point to the Bayport Container Terminal.
This new roadway is designed to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve truck circulation by offering an alternative route for terminal traffic. As Bayport continues to grow, improved connectivity is essential to ensuring efficient cargo flows between marine terminals, distribution centers, and regional transportation networks.
Port Houston leadership emphasized that partnerships with state agencies such as TxDOT are vital to addressing infrastructure needs that extend beyond the port’s gates. Strategic investments in roadway access not only benefit terminal operations but also support broader regional mobility and economic competitiveness.
Commitment to Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Safety and emergency readiness were also highlighted during the meeting. The Commission recognized Port Houston Fire Chief William Buck for his contribution to the development of the 2026 edition of NFPA 307, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for fire protection of marine terminals, piers, and wharves.
Chief Buck’s involvement in shaping national standards reflects Port Houston’s leadership in marine safety and emergency response. The updated NFPA 307 standard will influence fire protection practices at ports and marine facilities nationwide, helping improve resilience and preparedness across the industry.
To further support emergency readiness, the Commission approved a three-year contract with National Cotton, Inc. (Pier 77 Marine) for fireboat maintenance. This contract ensures that Port Houston’s fireboats remain fully operational and ready to respond to incidents along the Houston Ship Channel, one of the busiest waterways in the United States.
Maintaining a robust emergency response capability is critical given the channel’s high volume of vessel traffic and the diverse range of cargoes handled.
The Commission also reviewed recent cargo performance. Port Houston reported a dip in container volumes during November, reflecting short-term fluctuations in global trade patterns. Despite this monthly decline, year-to-date performance remains strong.
As of November, container volumes measured in TEUs are up 5% year over year, while total tonnage across all cargo types has increased by 4%. These gains indicate continued resilience and underlying demand across key trade lanes and commodity segments.
Port officials noted that detailed performance metrics and analysis were provided in a press release issued on December 16, offering further insight into trends shaping the port’s outlook as it enters the new year.
Taken together, the actions approved and updates shared during the final Commission meeting of the year reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at sustaining Port Houston’s role as a global trade gateway. By investing in infrastructure, embracing digital transformation, strengthening international relationships, prioritizing safety, and engaging with the community, Port Houston is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of global commerce.
As 2026 approaches, the port enters the new year with expanded capacity, enhanced connectivity, and a clear focus on long-term value creation—ensuring that Port Houston remains a critical hub for trade, economic development, and supply chain resilience well into the future.
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