HOUSTON, Dec. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Port of Houston Authority has surpassed 2 million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled for the year, setting a new record and solidifying its position as the leading container port on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
TEU is an industry standard measurement for shipping containers.
The unprecedented performance so far in 2015 beats the previous record of 1.96 million TEUs set for all of last year. The milestone was highlighted today during a brief ceremony at the Port Authority’s Bayport Container Terminal.
If the containers were laid end to end, two million TEUs would reach more than 7,575 miles, or approximately the distance between Houston and Shanghai, China.
“We are so pleased to witness this significant milestone in the port's history as we continue to strive to advance the Port of Houston and solidify its position as America's distribution hub today and for generations to come,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said.
Executive Director Roger Guenther said, “Having the two millionth TEU crossing our docks today illustrates the steadfast guidance of the Port Authority’s leadership through the Port Commission and diligence of our staff to deliver exemplary service to our customers and validates that the port is ready for the increased cargo…and bigger things to come.”
Projections indicate continued strong growth in containers moving across Port Authority docks in coming years. The Port Authority has continued to invest in its facilities and the newest technology to help spur growth and serve its customers.
About $700 million is being invested by the Port Authority over the next decade modernizing the Barbours Cut Container Terminal to increase efficiency, facilitate larger vessels and double the container handling capacity. Among other improvements, four new Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore wharf cranes that were delivered this year are now in operation.
At the newer Bayport terminal, a state-of-the-art truck entry gate has streamlined truck processing, and a user-friendly mobile app for truck drivers has increased efficiency. Recently, the Port Authority processed a record 4,300 trucks in one day at Bayport, which opened in 2007 and is being built out according to its master plan. The terminal continues to show excellent service levels and low truck turn times.
About the Port of Houston Authority
For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation's largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than 1.175 million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million jobs nationwide, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $265 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com .
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=720
CONTACT: Lisa Ashley, Director. Media Relations Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179 E-mail: lashey@poha.com
