Port of Houston Makes It Rain

The US Port of Houston reported a record monthly revenue in April, spurred on by a 23 percent spike in total cargo tonnage handled compared to April 2014.

The Port Authority has generated USD 103 million in revenue, a 30 percent increase over this time last year. The Port Authority has added USD 51 million in cash flow, which will be put to work in enhancing facilities.

The port handled 4 million tons of cargo in April, with significant increases in container and steel imports volumes. Loaded container units grew by 46 percent over the April 2014 volumes, and steel imports increased 40 percent.

Year to date, the Port Authority has handled more than 13 million tons of cargo, an increase of 11 percent for the year. Each category of general cargoes has shown growth – containers, steel, autos and other breakbulk commodities.

While import steel continues to exceed projections, up by more than 56 percent for the year through April, the Houston Port Authority expects some leveling in May.

Loaded container units at the Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals are up for the year by 22 percent.

The Port Authority moved four Super Post-Panamax cranes, the largest ship-to-shore cranes ever built by Konecranes, from the vessel to the wharf at Barbours Cut Container Terminal yesterday.

In the coming weeks, these cranes will be tested and readied for operation.

“These new Super Post-Panamax cranes, an important part of a USD 700 million modernization project at Barbours Cut Terminal, will accommodate the significantly larger vessels that will be calling on our container terminals after the expansion of the Panama Canal,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said.

“As international trade, primarily containerized cargo, continues to expand rapidly at Port Authority facilities, that means more jobs and economic activity for the region and state in support of PHA’s mission.”