Photo courtesy Port Houston
Port Houston, the fifth-largest container port in the nation, is off to a record pace in 2024, having surpassed 2 million TEUs in record time.
In the first six months of the year, the port successfully handled 2,098,117 TEUs across its terminals, marking a 13% year-to-date increase compared to the same period last year. In June alone, the port managed 339,157 TEUs, reflecting a 7% increase compared to June 2023.
“Houston’s robust economy plays a pivotal role in the success of our container terminals. The city’s dynamic economic landscape, driven by diverse industries such as energy, manufacturing, technology, and population growth, fosters increased consumer demand and industrial activity,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston. “Port Houston is responding to the needs of the region by ensuring infrastructure is in place to receive cargo and prepare for future growth.” This June, the port received six additional rubber-tired gantry (RTG) hybrid-electric cranes, the fourth of five total deliveries for this year. Port Houston has acquired 26 new RTGs since December 2023.
Increased demand for goods and consumer spending on items such as furniture, hardware, retail goods, and food drove Port Houston’s loaded import volumes up 5% in June compared to the same month last year. Loaded exports also saw a significant increase, rising 11% this month to total 114,728 TEUs. Year-to-date loaded exports are up 14% at 769,844 TEUs.
General cargo was down 10% year-to-date at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities, while steel imports increased 2% this month compared to June 2023. Additionally, plywood has surged 4,215% year-to-date, though it remains relatively small in total volume at 45,013 short tons. Total tonnage across all facilities remains positive, with a 5% increase in the first half of the year compared to last year.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,157 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has unveiled a significant investment of nearly $580 million to bolster port infrastructure across the nation. The funding, part of the Bipartisan...
Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a week-long diplomatic blitz of South America on Thursday by inaugurating a massive deep-water port in Peru, a $1.3 billion investment by Beijing as it seeks to expand trade and influence on the continent.
The Port of Long Beach handled nearly 1 million twenty-foot containers in October, setting new record as the port’s busiest month in its 113-year history. Fueled by soaring demand for...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,157 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
