Caption: Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther

Hundreds of maritime professionals attended the fourth annual JOC Gulf Shipping Conference held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel downtown May 20-22. The event was hosted by Port Houston and organized by the Journal of Commerce and parent company IHS Markit.

The panelists discussed shipping trends and the efficiency and importance of commerce moving through U.S. Gulf ports. The event provided an in-depth look at the latest topics, challenges and solutions emerging for cargo owners importing and exporting through the Gulf.

“The significant industry activity on the Gulf Coast presents opportunities for the continued growth of international trade and business,” said Roger Guenther, Port Houston’s executive director. Guenther participated in the program during a session about the Houston Ship Channel’s growth, challenges and opportunities. “We were pleased to sponsor this event that featured dynamic discussions of of interest, including petrochemical plastic resins, container shipping, inland transportation and cargo visibility.”

Guenther also noted that the Houston Ship Channel remains the number one priority for Port Houston, which continues to make significant infrastructure investments at its facilities. Houston is the epicenter of massive energy and petrochemical manufacturing investments that are resulting in more jobs across the nation, increased energy security and increased exports.