Port Houston hosted the Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (Philippines), Wilma “Amy” Eisma, and members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston during their first visit to Port Houston June 11.

The officials discussed the port’s history, East Asia-Houston trade lanes, port connections and infrastructure. The representatives also received a briefing and a oontainer terminals tour.

“We are thrilled to begin a new partnership with Port Houston as this is an iconic beginning between our two regions,” said Eisma.

Port Houston’s cargo value growth with the Philippines has increased 64 percent since 2014. Some of the country’s leading import commodities by tonnage through the port include iron, steel, plastics and furniture.

“We welcome the opportunity to learn more about our new partners and discover innovative ways to create mutually beneficial opportunities,” Port Houston Chief Commercial Officer John Moseley said.

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Port Houston welcomed a group of Gabonese officials and a representative of Houston-based energy company, VAALCO Energy Group, for a discussion on the port’s infrastructure, growth and investments April 17. Notably in attendance was the deputy director of the Prime Minister of Gabon’s Cabinet.

Chief Legal Officer Erik Eriksson and Chief Information Technology Officer Charles Thompson provided welcome remarks; and Senior Trade Development Manager Will Whitehouse delivered a commercial presentation.

Group discussion covered maritime trade and development along the Houston Ship Channel including energy, containers and project cargoes. Port Houston staff also provided the guests with information on port’s background and history, public facilities and the Houston Ship Channel’s economic impact.

The delegation’s purpose for visiting Port Houston was to discuss trade, investment and development opportunities.

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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 staff welcomed representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston for a briefing and tour at the Bayport Container Terminal.

Ricardo Arias, trade development manager for Port Houston, highlighted the port’s history and provided an overview of the some of the port’s most recent projects, as well as some of the different commodities shipped through the port, including refrigerated cargo and plastic resins.

“Resins are the biggest factor for Houston exports,” Arias said.

Port Houston Director of Facility Planning Mark Griffin focused on the port’s latest channel developments and facility and infrastructure improvements.

Asian imports account for 41 percent of the port's global trade share. As the largest container port on the Gulf Coast, Port Houston has a myriad of import and export ocean services directly linking Asia to North America. 

Port Houston also has three weekly all-water services connecting East Asia to Houston via the Panama Canal. Direct all-water shipping to Houston has been a cost-effective way to bring Asian goods to and from the south central U.S, noted Arias.

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