Posted on November 2, 2026
Chairman Ric Campo reflected on the October celebration marking completion of the Port-led Project 11 segments and emphasised the continuing responsibility to invest in the Houston Ship Channel’s future as an extraordinary economic engine supporting jobs and prosperity for generations.
Campo also highlighted the upcoming Houston International Maritime Conference from November 2 to 5, which will bring Panama Canal Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta and other industry experts to Houston, describing the participation of the leader of one of the world’s most important waterways as a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships and discuss the future of global maritime trade.
CEO Charlie Jenkins announced that Port Houston will move forward with its own study for portions of a potential Project 12 under Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, running in parallel with the port’s partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers on a traditional feasibility study for broader Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay system improvements.
Earlier in the week, Port Houston and the Army Corps held a Federal Interest Determination meeting, initiating a 45-day process that will result in a recommendation on the Project 12 scope of study.
On container capacity, the Army Corps held a public scoping meeting for a potential expansion north of Barbours Cut Terminal onto Spilman Island as Port Houston continues to evaluate options to accommodate the additional container capacity projected to be needed in the region over the next decade.
Port Houston also hosted Permitting Council Executive Director Emily Domenech for a site tour to provide firsthand context for the early-stage planning process.
