Port of Houston resilient despite July turbulence

Port of Houston resilient despite July turbulence

In Memory of MP Sheila Jackson Lee

Approves largest order for quay cranes in its history

On Monday, the Port Authority of Houston Port Commission met for its regular monthly meeting for the month of July. Port Commissioner Dean Corgey, who chaired the meeting, observed a moment of silence for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and expressed his sincere condolences on her passing and appreciation for the Congresswoman’s legacy.

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The Port of Houston Commission on Monday approved the purchase of eight electric dockside container cranes for more than $113 million, the largest order in the Port of Houston’s history. Pictured is the delivery last year of three STS cranes to the Bayport Container Terminal. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Sheila was always there,” Corgey said of her friend. “Her work ethic was unquestionable. She worked hard for the port, she worked hard for the city of Houston and she worked hard for our country.”

He concluded his thoughts by adding, “She will be remembered as an icon alongside Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland and others.” A statement from Port Houston can be found here.

Commissioner Corgey also expressed his condolences to the family of a mariner who lost his life following a recent collision in the Houston Ship Channel. He thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of Houston Fire Department and all those involved in the incident response and rescue efforts. He added that the incident underscores the importance of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project – Project 11, which will enhance the safety of the channel and make other improvements.

Commissioner Corgey mentioned that a Special Port Commission meeting is scheduled for August 8 to discuss proposed Houston Ship Channel user fees to support this expansion project.

Before Executive Director Roger Guenther presented his progress report, Commissioner Corgey paused and recognized him for his more than 30 years of service and dedication to Port Houston (Guenther is scheduled to retire next month, on Aug. 30).

Commissioner Corgey said, “Roger is a good man, an honest and ethical leader, and the way the Port Houston staff responded to the multiple challenges they faced in July is a testament to the exemplary leadership of the executive director.” The entire commission echoed Corgey’s praise for Guenther, noting that he had done an excellent job and had built an excellent team.

In his report, Guenther commended the Port Commission for its leadership, praised Port Houston staff and the Houston Canal industry partners, and noted that Port Houston was an integral part of his life and his family. Guenther added that he felt he was leaving Port Houston in good hands and was confident he was leaving a team in place that would take Port Houston to even greater heights.

In his report, Guenther highlighted some of the challenges encountered during the month: the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and the global computer outage that occurred a few days earlier.

Mr. Guenther said that while Hurricane Beryl unfortunately had a devastating impact on the entire Gulf Coast region, Port Houston facilities were fortunate to not suffer major damage. “The terminals were back in service just two days after the hurricane,” he said, and he commended the staff for their tremendous work and dedication during and after the severe weather event.

The CEO highlighted staff outreach efforts during the recovery, including delivering water, ice and supplies for emergency distribution in nearby communities. Port Houston team members and interns also helped pack, organize and distribute supplies for more than 350 families.

Guenther added that a community information forum in Port Houston scheduled for July 27 will now include participation from several relief organizations to provide additional resource support.

Guenther also mentioned that, like many operations around the world, Port Houston’s public terminals were impacted by Friday’s global IT outage. “However, our teams worked quickly to minimize the impacts and had us back up and running by 9 a.m.,” Guenther said.

Guenther highlighted the purchase of eight electric dockside container cranes on the agenda, the largest order in the Port of Houston’s history. Guenther took the opportunity to announce that the industry has submitted comments to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai regarding the impact of a new 25% tariff on Chinese-made dockside cranes. “We understand that the U.S. Trade Representative is reviewing all comments and will provide a response no later than August 1, the date the tariff is expected to go into effect,” Guenther said.

Finally, Guenther recognized the 100th anniversary of the Port Terminal Railroad Association, which provides access to industries along the Houston Ship Channel for railroads that serve the greater Houston area.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Port Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 at 9:15 a.m. A special meeting of the Port Commission is scheduled for August 8 at 9:30 a.m.

About Port Houston

For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public docks and facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, including the region’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the nation’s most efficient container terminals. Port Houston is the strategic advocate and leader of the channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 privately owned and eight public facilities are the nation’s largest port by shipping tonnage and a critical economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the United States. The Port of Houston supports nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationally, as well as $439 billion in economic activity in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the country. For more information, visit PortHouston.com.

Lisa Ashley-Daniels, Director of Public Relations, Office: 713-670-2644; Cell: 832-247-8179; Email: [email protected]

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