HOUSTON: Cargo moving through Port Houston facilities is off to a solid start,” Executive Director Roger Guenther announced today during the March meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Terminals owned and operated by Port Houston handled a cumulative total of 5.7 million tons of cargo, reflecting a three percent increase compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date, Port Houston has handled 385,801 TEUs (the “twenty-foot equivalent” measurement of container cargo). This figure represents an increase of 17 percent in total TEUs through the first two months of 2017. To put that increase into perspective, “57,000 more TEUs have been handled than at this same time last year.”
Guenther shared that he found it “extremely encouraging” that during this period, loaded container volume had increased by 21 percent and “remains very balanced” between import and export trades, “at nearly ‘fifty-fifty’…a very good position.” Guenther added that steel volumes continue to lag from record-breaking highs in 2015 and are down 4 percent for the year. While it is “early into the year,” Guenther reiterated that 2017 is off to an “extremely positive start.” Actions taken by the Port Commission during its meeting today continued to demonstrate strategic preparation for Port Houston’s growth. The commission approved professional services contracts to Brown and Gay Engineers, Inc. for the design of the Wharf 3 rehabilitation at Barbours Cut Terminal, and to RPS Klotz Associates for the design of Container Yard 7 at Bayport Container Terminal.
During the meeting, the Port Commission acknowledged Port Houston’s receipt of a Certificate of Distinction from the Government Treasurers Organization of Texas (GTOT) for its investment policy. This award is given for those policies that meet established criteria relating to ethics disclosures, conflicts of interests, and investment training that fully comply with the Texas Public Funds Investment Act. The GTOT recognized Port Houston for its commitment to maintaining a comprehensive written investment policy. The Port Commission also recognized Port Houston for its recertification under the ISO 28000:2007 standard for supply chain security. In 2008, Port Houston was the first port authority in the world to be certified to the standard, and remains the only port authority in the United States to achieve this stringent international security certification. Finally, the commission learned that Port Houston’s first emergency manager, Colin Rizzo, received the Lou Harrell Emergency Manager of the Year Award. The Port Commission is scheduled to next meet on April 25.
