Port Houston Blog

Port Houston has negotiated a lease with Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) of Tacoma, Washington, for a new automotive terminal at Bayport, in the facility formerly used for cruise operations. The long-term lease of the RoRo terminal will allow AWC to discharge new vehicles and perform accessory work for an auto distribution business. The first ship, M/V Grande Sierra Leone, with the Grimaldi line and Euro-Mediterranean partnership, arrived Nov. 30.

Port Houston employees and their families celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday by volunteering their time and efforts at this year’s Operation Turkey event.

The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Western Dredging Association (WEDA) conducted its annual meeting Nov. 16 at the Hotel Galvez in Galveston, marking the first time the event has been held outside of New Orleans. The chapter represents the Gulf States of Texas, Alabama, Florida (West Coast), Georgia (Western), Louisiana and Mississippi. Over 180 industry professionals attended, including Port Houston’s channel development department.

The Houston Ship Channel Security District held its annual luncheon and directors meeting Nov. 8 at the Pasadena Convention Center. The organization, known for supporting and contributing to security projects in the Houston Port Region, represents over 225 chemical, refining and logistical service companies. The funds received through the District provided new boats, firefighting equipment, IT infrastructure, training and helicopter maintenance for the municipalities.

Robert Cekuta, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended a port briefing Nov. 16 at the Port Authority Executive Building. Azerbijan is working to complete new port construction, and the visit was an opportunity for both organizations to connect regarding future trade and operations synergies.

The Port of Houston Authority welcomed Texas Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan Nov. 8 for a briefing at the port’s Bayport Container Terminal. Ryan is a member of the Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees the statewide activities of the transportation department.

On November 14, the Port of Houston Authority launched its new brand, “Port Houston: The International Port of Texas.” The brand was developed for commercial and marketing use. The brand launch included an unveiling at the Executive Office Building during the organization’s quarterly huddle, where Executive Director Roger Guenther and port leadership provide updates and reports to employees.

Port Authority Chairman Janiece Longoria reported continued solid results when she addressed a crowd of port stakeholders, partners and public officials at the Greater Houston Partnership’s State of the Port event Nov. 9 at the Omni Hotel.