The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority convened for its inaugural regular meeting of the year, marked by Chairman Ric Campo’s commendation of the Port Houston team’s exemplary leadership throughout the past year. Chairman Campo expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with organizations such as the International Longshoremen’s Association, seafarers, the U.S. Coast Guard, Houston Pilots, and others contributing to the success of the Houston Ship Channel. Anticipating an exciting year ahead, Campo shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming endeavors in 2024.
During the meeting, Executive Director Roger Guenther presented a comprehensive report on Port Houston’s accomplishments in 2023. Emphasizing the commitment to expanding capacity at public facilities, Guenther highlighted record-breaking daily gate transactions and a 1.4% increase in loaded twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container activity.
Significant progress was made on various construction and design projects, including the completion of Wharves 6, 7, and 1, and Container Yards 4 and 5 at Bayport, along with Wharves 4, 5, and 6 at Barbours Cut container terminal. Noteworthy additions included Wharf 6 and three new neo-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes at Bayport.
Project 11, the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, saw the completion of Segments 1A and 2 in Galveston Bay in 2023, with the remainder of the project progressing as planned.
Port Houston’s commitment to community and economic improvement was exemplified by the growth of its Business Equity program. In 2023, Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) participated in 16% or $65.95 million in Port Houston awards, marking an 8% growth over 2022. Additionally, 21% or $84.8 million in awards and commitments were made to vendors in the Small Business program, reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth.
Guenther emphasized Port Houston’s dedication to external outreach with community groups and announced the opening of the Community Grants Program on February 1. The program, supporting economic development, community improvements, and environmental stewardship, has awarded $1.25 million since its inception in 2020.
Looking ahead, Guenther outlined plans for a new Port Coordination Center (PCC), Maintenance Building at Barbours Cut, and Administration Building in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Port Houston’s recognition as a “2023 Best-in-Class Employer” by Gallagher and its forty-ninth consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association were also highlighted.
To further engage the community, Port Houston will host public workshops on February 6 and February 15, providing insights into the 2024 process and timelines.
The next Port Commission Regular Monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 29 at 9:00 a.m.
About Port Houston
For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.