Port Houston advances Houston Ship Channel planning amid 21% export growth

HOUSTON – On Tuesday, September 22, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its regular monthly meeting, advancing initiatives to support the Houston Ship Channel, future cargo growth, and new opportunities for regional exporters.

During opening remarks, Chairman Ric Campo highlighted the recent launch of Export Houston, a three-part program developed with the Greater Houston Partnership to help local businesses explore exporting, build international trade skills, and receive individualized support to enter new markets.

"Foreign tonnage exports along the Houston Ship Channel are up 21% through July compared to last year, demonstrating a clear demand for our region's products," said Campo.

In his remarks, Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins emphasized the importance of strengthening the maritime workforce pipeline. Through Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education, the port is developing a website to provide a centralized resource to connect students, families, educators and industry partners with maritime education programs, scholarships, internships and career pathways.

"This is another way Port Houston is helping strengthen the maritime workforce pipeline by making opportunities easier to find, understand, and access," said Jenkins.

Jenkins also recognized truck drivers following National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, noting that 99% of Port Houston's containers are moved by truck. Its two container terminals together serve approximately 10,000 trucks each day, in addition to the other facilities in the port of Houston that serve an even larger number of trucks transporting freight.

Port Houston also participated in two key meetings with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance coordination on Houston Ship Channel priorities. Discussions focused on the status of USACE-led Project 11 segments, upcoming operations and maintenance needs, and ongoing regulatory efforts. Port Houston also joined the ports of Galveston and Texas City, along with industry stakeholders, for an initial Project 12 pre-Federal Interest Determination meeting. While Project 12 remains a long-term initiative in the early stages of consideration, participants developed preliminary study plans and identified a path forward for continued regional coordination.

The Commission also received an update on cargo activity through August. Additional information is available in the Houston Ship Channel Region Monthly Trade & Market Report released on September 22.

• Port Houston leaders met with container carrier executives in Europe to discuss capacity, throughput, and operational efficiency.
• The Commission approved the continued development of the Houston Ship Channel Sedimentation Geographic Information System (GIS) Dashboard, which will help Port Houston and the USACE better predict shoaling and reduce draft restrictions at Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals.
• Commissioners approved additional design work for refrigerated container infrastructure at the future Bayport Container Yard 9. Once constructed and fully equipped, the yard will have capacity for more than 1,800 refrigerated containers, supporting future refrigerated cargo growth.
• In support of the U.S. Executive Order 14269 and America's Maritime Action Plan to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base, the Commission authorized a Memorandum of Agreement with the USACE related to the release of property on Pelican Island for potential maritime economic development and job creation opportunities.
• Port Houston completed 10 new Foreign Trade Zone site authorizations year to date, matching its annual record set in 2024, with 11 additional site applications under review.
• The Commission amended Tariffs 8, 14, and 15 to streamline freshwater service to vessels and address certain inefficiencies.

The Port Commission will meet next on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.