Photo courtesy Port Houston
Port Houston reported handling 364,866 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May, marking a significant increase of 21% compared to May of last year.
The year-to-date figure through May stands at 1,758,960 TEUs moved through the port’s two container terminals, reflecting a 14% increase from the same period in 2023.
Despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions, Port Houston’s cargo volumes continue to expand. The port said the surge in volumes is largely driven by the robust construction of new warehouses, distribution centers over the past two years, and regional consumer spending on items such as furniture, hardware, and retail goods. As a result, loaded import volumes rose by 18% in May compared to last year.
At the same time, the strong manufacturing sector in Texas has propelled loaded exports, increasing by 21% this month and reaching 131,690 TEUs. Year-to-date exports through May have grown by 15%, totaling at 655,116 TEUs.
In other significant news, Port Houston welcomed the MV OOCL Bremerhaven on its maiden voyage in May. This vessel, part of the ATG1/Victory service operated by the Ocean Alliance, arrived at Bayport Container Terminal and has already significantly shortened transit times for Mexican imports.
“At Port Houston’s container terminals, vessels are worked 24 hours a day, and are turned quickly in partnership with our stevedores and ILA labor. We understand the importance of getting ships in, out, and on their way to their next destination as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.
By the end of 2024, the Port will be able to accommodate 15,000 TEU class Neo-Panamax vessels at Bayport, thanks to the ongoing Houston Ship Channel Expansion, widely known as Project 11.
Finally, Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities reported a whopping 48% increase in steel imports in May compared to last year, totaling 436,027 short tons. The figure marks the best month for steel imports at Port Houston since June 2023.
Total tonnage across all facilities has increased by 6% compared to last year, reaching 22,394,696 tons year-to-date.
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