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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Petrochemical, maritime and logistics professionals joined together for the annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum organized by Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Sept. 19 and 20.

The two-day conference provides regional forecasts, outlooks, concerns and opportunities in the industries along the Houston Ship Channel.

Port Chairman Janiece Longoria provided the keynote address on day one of the conference. “2017 was another record year for Port Houston’s performance. Representing nearly 80% of Port Houston’s gross revenue, containerized cargo continued to be our fastest-growing business line,” said Longoria.

The port continues to be the dominant port of export for synthetic resins, including polyethylene that is exported in containers. Population growth is driving goods.

Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther served on a freight transportation panel along with Harris County, the Texas Department of Transportation and Jetco Delivery Co.

“Efficient movement of freight is critical to our region and across the state,” said Guenther. More than 6,000 trucks move through the port’s container terminals a day, he noted.

Brian Fielkow, president of Jetco Delivery Co. lauded Port Houston’s emphasis on the truck gates at its container terminals.

“The investment that the port has made in technology is remarkable,” Fielkow said.

Throughout the event, various legislative, petrochemical and workforce sessions were held.

The conference was held at the Pasadena Convention Center.

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Photo Credit: LyondellBasell

The Houston Refinery of LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies, celebrated its 100th anniversary March 22.

The refinery was one of the first petroleum refineries constructed on the Houston Ship Channel. It traces its origin to the Sinclair Refining Company's 1918 purchase of 710 acres of land, which includes the point where General Sam Houston and the Texas Army crossed Buffalo Bayou as they marched to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The refinery, situated along the city limits of Houston and Pasadena, is one of the largest in the U.S., with a capacity of 268,000 bpd of heavy crude oil. It transforms very heavy high-sulfur crude oil into clean fuels, including reformulated gasoline and ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Other products include heating oil, jet fuel, petrochemical feedstocks, aromatics, lubricants and petroleum coke.

“I want to thank our refinery team for their dedication and commitment. I'm so proud of the important work they do every day,” said Bob Patel, chief executive officer of LyondellBasell. “The products made at our refinery go far and wide and allow goods to move, people to travel and economies to grow.”

The refinery generates approximately $671 million in annual economic activity for the local community and is home to 1,600 workers. In 2017, the site contributed more than $200,000 and 4,000 volunteer hours to support local initiatives, driving improvements in health, safety, education and the environment.

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