Port of Houston Surpasses 2 Million TEU Mark in 2015

Outbound containership on the Houston Ship Channel. Photo: Lou Vest – Houston Pilots Association

The Port of Houston has for the first time ever handled more than 2 million TEU in 2015, the Port of Houston Authority announced Thursday.

The new record beats the previous yearly record of 1.96 million TEU set in 2014.

“We are so pleased to witness this significant milestone in the port’s history as we continue to strive to advance the Port of Houston and solidify its position as America’s distribution hub today and for generations to come,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said.

Executive Director Roger Guenther said, “Having the two millionth TEU crossing our docks today illustrates the steadfast guidance of the Port Authority’s leadership through the Port Commission and diligence of our staff to deliver exemplary service to our customers and validates that the port is ready for the increased cargo…and bigger things to come.”

The Port of Houston Authority says projections indicate continued strong growth in containers moving across Port Authority docks in coming years.

To help facilitate this growth, the Port of Houston Authority is investing about $700 million the next decade modernizing the Barbours Cut Container Terminal to increase efficiency, facilitate larger vessels and double the container handling capacity. Among other improvements, four new Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore wharf cranes that were delivered this year are now in operation.

At the newer Bayport terminal, a state-of-the-art truck entry gate has streamlined truck processing, and a user-friendly mobile app for truck drivers has increased efficiency. Recently, the Port Authority processed a record 4,300 trucks in one day at Bayport, which opened in 2007 and is being built out according to its master plan. The terminal continues to show excellent service levels and low truck turn times.