Posted on June 26, 2024
Port Houston handled 364,866 TEU in May, a 21 per cent increase, or more than 64,000 TEU, over the same month last year.
From January to May, a total of 1.75 million TEU passed through the port’s two container terminals, a 14 per cent increase over the same time in 2023.
Despite persistent global supply chain problems, container volumes at Port Houston are showing no signs of diminishing, according to the port authority.
The development of new warehouses and distribution centres over the previous two years, as well as regional consumer spending on things such as furniture, hardware, and retail products, have reportedly propelled loaded import volumes up 18 per cent this month compared to last year.
Furthermore, robust manufacturing in Texas has driven exports up by 21 per cent this month, reaching 131,690 TEU, and 15 per cent year-to-date (YTD) through May, totalling 655,116 TEU.
In May, Port Houston welcomed the MV/OOCL Bremerhaven on its first trip. This vessel arrived at Bayport Container Terminal as part of Ocean Alliance’s ATG1/Victory Bridge operation.
The Victory Bridge unites Mexican imports from Veracruz and Altamira, with a transit period of only four days from MXVER and two from MXATM.
Following Houston, the route provides expedited direct service to Le Havre, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Bremerhaven before returning to Mexico.
Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston, said: “At Port Houston’s container terminals, vessels are worked 24 hours a day, and are turned quickly in partnership with our stevedores and ILA labour. We give a Texas-sized welcome to the MV/OOCL Bremerhaven and look forward to providing this new vessel with exceptional customer service.”
The port noted that by the end of 2024, 15,000 TEU class neo-Panamax boats would be able to dock at Bayport as the port continues to advance on its Houston Ship Channel Expansion, also known as Project 11.
Guenther added: “We are well-prepared to handle larger ships and increased volumes, and ensure we always have a buffer for surges. Our goal is to continue to improve how we do business to capture increased cargo into the Houston region.”
Steel imports at Port Houston’s multifunctional facilities surged by 48 per cent in May compared to the previous year, totalling 436,027 short tonnes.
