In the first quarter of 2024, Port Houston experienced a significant surge in container volumes. From January to March, the US port handled 1,069,917 TEUs, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period last year.
March, in particular, witnessed remarkable container volumes at Port Houston, reaching 360,991 TEUs, a notable 20% rise compared to March 2023, making it the port's busiest March on record.
The boost in consumer spending on items such as furniture and appliances contributed to a notable increase in loaded import volumes, which soared by 23% in March compared to the same month last year, and by 14% year-to-date. Loaded export volumes, primarily consisting of resins, also saw a considerable uptick, rising by 12% in March and 15% for the year, with a total of 404,124 TEUs handled year-to-date.
“The improvements we continue to make at our facilities, combined with a committed workforce, have allowed us to efficiently handle the double-digit growth in both imports and exports during the first quarter. Our customers can count on us to continue to invest in the infrastructure and people we need to move their cargo quickly through our terminals as demand increases," stated Roger Guenther, executive director at Port Houston.
Also, the vessel 'Happy Diamond' recently transported six hybrid-electric rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes to the Bayport Container Terminal, part of a series of RTG deliveries slated for Port Houston terminals this year. These RTG cranes offer significant environmental benefits compared to diesel models, with a 90% reduction in emissions of NOx, PM, HC, and CO.
“The steady addition of hybrid-electric cranes to the fleet at Port Houston’s terminals reflects our commitment to continue to invest in landside infrastructure as well as our goal to reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050,” pointed out Guenther.
In addition to the delivery of RTGs, three new STS cranes are anticipated to arrive at Port Houston this summer, bringing the total for the year to 32 STS cranes and 147 RTGs across both facilities. Moreover, recent enhancements have been made to the container yards 4 North and 5 North at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal, including reinforced concrete surfaces aimed at prolonging longevity. These improvements also include the addition of truck bypass lanes, enhancing safety within the terminals and boosting cargo handling efficiency.
Furthermore, steel volumes at Port Houston's multipurpose facilities saw a 10% decrease in March compared to the same month last year, with a further 20% decline recorded through the end of the first quarter of this year. Conversely, lumber volumes experienced a 16% increase in March and an 18% rise year-to-date. Overall tonnage across all of Port Houston's terminals increased by 4% through March, totalling 13,422,452 tons year-to-date.
