Caption: May Port Commission meeting

Citing continued increases in tonnage, including resin exports, Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther provided a report of solid operating results to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its May monthly meeting. Guenther highlighted the role of resin exports in these results.

Total tonnage has increased by 9 percent for the year, including an 11 percent increase in loaded container tonnage. Total container twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) have grown 13 percent for the year, including year-over-year growth of 15 percent in April.

“The big driver of this growth is the much-anticipated surge in resin exports,” Guenther said. “It is here, and it is solid.” Year-to-date, Port Houston’s resin exports grew 38 percent in total, and polyethylene exports increased an “astounding” 62 percent.

Steel imports through all Port Authority facilities also show ongoing strength, growing 31 percent compared to the same period last year. 

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Nearly 280 beneficial cargo owners, shippers, ocean carriers, and logistics providers attended Port Houston’s third annual Synthetic Resin Symposium Conference Jan 23. Resins are a solid plastic substance used to make many of our daily consumer products such as bags, cups, car parts and toys.

The event focused on the local supply chain, current market trends, as well as rail, highway and port infrastructure.  Port Houston continues to invest in its facilities to serve customers and partners export needs. Houston is home to the largest petrochemical complex in the U.S.

Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther provided opening remarks at the event, while Director of Container Terminals Ryan Mariacher provided an update on port operations and infrastructure. “We are in the business of providing a service,” Mariacher said. “We differentiate our terminals by providing quality levels of consistent service. Safety is paramount.”

Port Houston is unique in the fact that it is one of the few operating ports in the nation.

A panel of ocean carriers with Maersk Line, CMA-CGM and COSCO Shipping discussed readiness and container capacity for resin exports. “Port Houston is a great key partner. We are excited about the Houston market,” said one carrier executive.

“We look at Houston as an investment for the future,” another panelist noted.  

IHS Markit forecasts that the Port of Houston will be the dominant U.S. export player in coming years. With new packaging and production facilities coming on line throughout the Gulf region, capacity expansion for resins will allow Houston to be an important gateway for this cargo.

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