Cargo handled by Port Houston cargo up 9 percent

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Port Houston handled 35 million tons of cargo through November, a 9 percent increase from the first 11 months of 2016.

Steel imports totaled 3.4 million tons, a 57 percent increase, while container growth was 14 percent. Both attributed to the port’s growth from last year.

“We expect to pass the 2.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) container mark by the end of the year,” Roger Guenther, executive director of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, said.

It will be quite an achievement if the port reaches its goal, considering the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the port, Guenther said.

During the commission’s December meeting, they voted to amend an agreement with Konecranes Finland and purchase an additional diesel electronic yard crane for Bayport Container Terminal.

The commission also voted to reissue and amend three Port Authority Tariffs which become effective Jan. 1. The tariffs cover Bayport, the Barbours Cut Terminal, and the Turning Basin Terminal.

Also at the meeting, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar awarded Port Houston its third Transparency Star for its reporting practices and online tools associated with Port Houston’s Pension Plan. The port’s first two stars were awarded in December 2016 for Traditional Finances and Debt Obligations.

Additionally, the Government Finance Officers Association awarded Port Houston its 43rd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. It is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.