Port Houston Reports Sharply Higher Container Volumes
Port Houston has announced a significant increase in container volumes for May 2024, reporting the handling of 364,866 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This represents a remarkable 21 percent increase—more than 64,000 TEUs—compared to the same month last year. The cumulative total for the year, from January through May, stands at 1,758,960 TEUs, marking a 14 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions, Port Houston’s cargo volumes continue to surge. The port attributes this growth to the robust construction of new warehouses and distribution centers over the past two years, coupled with strong regional consumer spending on items such as furniture, hardware, and retail goods. This has driven a substantial 18 percent increase in loaded import volumes for May compared to the previous year. Additionally, the thriving manufacturing sector in Texas has propelled loaded export volumes up by 21 percent in May, totaling 131,690 TEUs, and by 15 percent year-to-date, reaching 655,116 TEUs.
May 2024 also saw the arrival of the MV/OOCL Bremerhaven at Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal on its maiden voyage. This vessel is part of the ATG1/Victory Bridge service, operated by the Ocean Alliance. The Victory Bridge service efficiently connects Mexican imports from Veracruz and Altamira to Houston, with a short transit time of four and two days, respectively. Following Houston, the service provides express direct routes to Le Havre, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Bremerhaven before returning to Mexico.
Roger Guenther, Executive Director of Port Houston, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition. “We give a Texas-sized welcome to the MV/OOCL Bremerhaven, and look forward to providing this new vessel with exceptional customer service,” he said. “At Port Houston’s container terminals, vessels are worked 24 hours a day and are turned quickly in partnership with our stevedores and ILA labor. We understand the importance of getting ships in, out, and on their way to their next destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
7/28/2024
