The Sam Houston II Tour Boat officially turns 64 on July 30th, 2022. The Sam Houston II provides a unique tour along the Houston Ship Channel and has been bringing joy to visitors of all ages. Unlike most boat tours, this is a completely free 90-minute ride that gives visitors a first-hand look at the Port of Houston and the maritime industry.

The very first tour boat was purchased by Port Houston in 1928. It was named the M/V R.J. Cummins after the longest-serving port commissioner at the time and carried about 24 passengers.

In 1948, the R.J. Cummins was replaced by the Sam Houston I. Port Houston bought an 85-foot inspection vessel which was converted from the hull of a World War II Coast Guard Cutter vessel. She was named the M/V Sam Houston I, in honor of the great liberator of Texas, and put into operation May 1949 taking up to 60 guests.

The current boat, M/V Sam Houston II, replaced the Sam Houston I after it had been in service for nearly eight years. The Sam Houston II was christened on July 30, 1958 when former Port Commission Chairman Howard Tellepsen’s 16-year-old daughter, Karen Tellepsen, wielded the champagne bottle against the Sam Houston’s bitt. Designed by L. B. Christenson Engineers, Inc., the Sam Houston II is 95 feet overall, has a 24-foot beam, and a maximum capacity of 100 passengers. It was outfitted in a manner comparable to a fine hotel carrying thousands of visitors from all parts of the world on cruises down the Houston Ship Channel.

In 1992, the current Sam Houston pavilion opened. For Port Houston’s 90th anniversary in 2004, a mural created by the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston, depicting Port Houston’s rich history was added to the exterior walls of the pavilion buildings.

Guests aboard the tour boat have included royalty, celebrities, and politicians from around the globe, but most are everyday tourists from here or anywhere in the world who want to learn more about Port Houston. The tour on the Sam is just one of the many ways Port Houston reaches out to the public in a long tradition of commitment to the communities adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel. Register for your tour today!

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Caption: Port Houston employees tour the M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour for the 60th anniversary.

First known as the “Beautiful ship to serve the Port of Houston” and a “show window to the port,” the M/V Sam Houston tour vessel was christened on July 30, 1958 and took its inaugural voyage through the Houston Ship Channel.

The Sam Houston Boat Tour has become a staple to the Houston community. It is the primary link between the port and the public. The vessel was named after the legendary military commander who led the fight for Texas independence from Mexico and later statehood.

“The Sam Houston Boat Tour is now extremely popular and we are proud to continue the tradition of offering this tour experience to local residents and visitors from around the world,” said Leslie Herbst, Port Houston director of community relations and events.

For 60 years, the port’s public tour has showcased the Port of Houston to nearly two million visitors. The M/V Sam Houston offers visitors a unique opportunity to get an up close look at one of the busiest ports in the country. Each year, nearly 30,000 visitors tour the Houston Ship Channel.

On average, Port Houston’s M/V Sam Houston operates 10 tours a week with the ability to carry 100 passengers per sailing. Passengers on the Sam Houston Boat Tour have included royalty, political leaders, astronauts, celebrities and visitors from all parts of the world.

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Port Houston hosted the Consul General of France, Alexis Andres, and his staff for a briefing and tour March 20 at the Executive Building.

Executive Director Roger Guenther provided an overview of the organization’s history, economic impact and the Houston Ship Channel.

“Our revenue here drives economic activity,” said Guenther, who noted 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs have been created in the region due to the impact of the port.

Chief Port Infrastructure Officer Richard Byrnes discussed the port’s infrastructure, freight mobility and capital improvement projects.

“The Houston Ship Channel represents an investment as the port is the local sponsor for the waterway. We also invest in technology and look at other trends that are emerging,” said Byrnes.

Major French companies that operate along the Houston Ship Channel include Louis Dreyfus, Total Petrochemicals and shipping conglomerate CMA GGM. France imports from Houston include aircraft parts, medical instruments and gas turbines.

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Port Houston hosted a Romanian delegation at the port’s executive building March 14. The country has been making advances in manufacturing and technology and the delegation requested a briefing from several Houston agencies during their Texas visit.

Chief Legal Officer Erik Eriksson discussed the port’s public terminal and operations, as well as cargo commodities. Foreign Trade Zone and Economic Development Manager Shane Williams discussed the port’s FTZ program, and how it is a benefit for U.S. commerce and markets.

“There is a $7 billion value in cargo that flows through foreign trade zones,” Williams said.

Every state in the U.S. has a foreign trade zone and Texas has seen more user growth in recent years, Williams noted. He explained the cargo process for foreign trade zones and also discussed Houston’s rising distribution activity and container trade share.

Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal that was opened in 2007 is being built out in phases, while the port’s Barbours Cut Terminal remains an essential facility for container shipping.

Houston is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S and is the largest container port on the Gulf Coast.

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