How is 2025 progressing for Port Houston?

Port Houston’s container terminals, which are ranked fifth nationally in terms of container volume, handled more than 2.5 million TEUs through July 2025, with loaded exports up 6% and loaded imports up 19% year-to-date through July. General cargo volumes at Port Houston’s public terminals increased 10% through July compared to last year, reflecting strong trade growth and Port Houston’s leadership in US maritime commerce.

Overall, Houston’s port is comprised of eight public terminals and more than 200 private facilities. It’s ranked the top port in the US at 309.5 million t in 2023, the latest available figures. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2022. The port handles 71% liquid bulk, including oil, refined gasoline and petrochemical products.

What makes the port such an important strategic gateway for trade with Latin America?

Port Houston’s strategic location and extensive services make it the leading gateway for waterborne trade between Latin America and the US. In terms of foreign trade value, the Houston Ship Channel handles more than US$24 billion in annual trade with Brazil alone. At Port Houston, South America represents 16% of our container import volumes July YTD, followed by the Caribbean and Central America at 13%. We have seen significant growth in perishable and food cargoes, reflecting the diversification of our trade portfolio.

Houston’s port is also the primary gateway for US energy, petrochemical and finished goods exports to Latin America, supporting a substantial volume of bilateral trade. Our position and capabilities continue to drive strong growth and reinforce our leadership in regional maritime trade.

What progress can you share on Project 11?

Project 11, the eleventh expansion of the Houston Ship Channel, represents the fastest project of its magnitude in US history. Project 10 took nearly four decades, from 1968 to 2005. With Project 11, dredging of several segments of the Channel is already complete. The partial deepening and widening of the channel is already reaping benefits, reducing daylight restrictions by up to two hours in each direction, and opened access of 15,000 – 17,000 TEU ships to Bayport Container Terminal.

Project 11, valued at over US$1 billion dollars, continues in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to reach completion in 2029. Updates can be found at www.expandthehoustonshipchannel.com. 

How is Port Houston leveraging technology to increase operational efficiency?

Port Houston has advanced operational efficiency through multiple technological initiatives. The Express Pass system reduces truck gate processing to 15 seconds and minimizes trouble tickets. In June 2025, we launched the cloud-based Execution and Visibility Platform (EVP), providing real-time vessel and supply chain data to support data-driven decisions.

As an organization, we are transitioning to a unified ERP system integrating HR, capital projects, asset management, and maintenance. Additional tools supporting users across the Houston Ship Channel include the Houston Pilot’s Pilot Tracker for vessel arrivals, and collaboration with the Greater Houston Port Bureau Efficiency Committee.

What environmental initiatives would you highlight?

In Project 11, we have focused on habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, and beneficial use of dredged material. Once the project is finalized, it will add 324 acres of oyster reef pads and marsh sites of up to 800 acres of intertidal salt marsh in Galveston Bay.

How is Port Houston preparing the next generation of maritime workers?

Port Houston invests in workforce development and maritime education, partnering with schools and colleges to equip students for careers in port operations and management. We also support regional economic development by fostering commerce, job creation, and opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses, aligning initiatives for maximum social and economic impact.

What are your key priorities for 2025-26?

Our key priority is always to provide world-class service and continue to enhance our infrastructure, supporting regional and national economies.  We have several infrastructure projects underway right now, including building a new wharf at Bayport Container Terminal, which will be complete later this year and allow us to service five vessels simultaneously instead of four.

We are planning to invest US$1.9 billion over the next five years in land-side terminal expansion and upgrades, including new docks, expanded container yards, and enhanced gate systems. These initiatives allow for capacity growth and operational efficiency, and support our continued commitment to providing our customers best-in-class facilities.