HOUSTON, Oct. 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “Operations continue to perform efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our customers and stakeholders that use the Port of Houston Authority facilities,” stated Executive Director Roger Guenther in his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its regular monthly meeting held today.
Guenther also shared in his report that the container terminals, which handle the majority of cargo tonnage crossing Port Authority wharves, continue to operate at record levels with loaded container units growing 14 percent versus this time last year. “The Port Authority is expecting to surpass 2 million TEUs this year for the first time in its history,” Guenther announced.
This month, the Bayport Container Terminal recorded the highest number of gate moves ever in a single day for either of the Port Authority container terminals at 4,300 transactions. Customers still experienced excellent service levels including low truck turn times.
In its commitment to provide cost and service advantage through efficiencies to its customers, the Port Commission accepted the staff’s recommendation for tariff rates to remain the same in 2016. At the same time, Port Authority staff committed to improving efficiencies, maintaining a high level of service and continuing to fund infrastructure investments.
The Port Commission demonstrated its commitment to invest in infrastructure with the award of rehabilitation work at Wharf No. 2 and three dockside electric cranes at Barbours Cut Container Terminal.
Additionally, the Port Commission approved entering into a Feasibility Coast Share Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for improvements to the Houston Ship Channel and tributaries to accommodate future ships and increases in maritime commerce. The Port Authority was one of three ports in the nation selected for a congressional study for potential improvements. “We are investing in the future as we prepare for opportunities ahead to strengthen the Port of Houston’s position in the Gulf,” said Guenther.
Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria will deliver the State of the Port Address to the Greater Houston Partnership Friday, October 30 at Hilton Americas-Houston. The Chairman is expected to expand on the Port Authority’s future growth opportunities and plans as it prepares for the second century. “We are enjoying a remarkable year here at the Port Authority and have a wonderful story to tell,” stated Chairman Longoria. “I am excited about the opportunity to share it.”
In lieu of the regularly scheduled Port Commission meeting, an annual Budget Workshop will be held Tuesday, November 17. The final Port Commission meeting of the year is set for Tuesday, December 15.
About the Port of Houston Authority
For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com
CONTACT: CONTACT: Lisa Ashley, Director, Media Relations Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179 E-mail: [email protected]