HOUSTON--()--The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its first regular meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 28. Chairman Ric Campo opened the meeting by recognizing the Port Houston team and partners for their efforts during Winter Storm Enzo, highlighting the commitment to safe operations, clear communication among stakeholders, and collaboration with partners.

Port Commissioner Updates

Chairman Campo congratulated Commissioners Clyde Fitzgerald and Alan Robb on their reappointments to the Port Commission for new two-year terms. Campo also extended special recognition to Commissioner Dean Corgey for his service and contributions, as he approaches the term-limited 12 full years on the Port Commission.

In his remarks, Campo also acknowledged his reappointment as Chairman, stating, “I am committed to collaborating and working in partnership with my fellow Port Commissioners, the International Longshoreman’s Association, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Houston Pilots, industry, users, customers, community, and our many other stakeholders for the good of the region. The team we have at Port Houston is incredible, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

2024 Reflections and Successes

In his report to the Port Commission, Chief Executive Officer Charlie Jenkins shared highlights from the past year. He emphasized that 2024 was highly successful, marked by record-breaking achievements, strong community engagement, and advocacy for the Houston Ship Channel. Key points included:

  • Record-breaking volume achievements: https://porthouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Port-Houston-Record-Breaking-Volume-in-2024.pdf
  • Infrastructure investments:
    • Including $630 million total capital investments, supporting improved efficiency and continued growth
    • Highlighting the commissioning of 31 new hybrid RTG cranes at Barbours Cut and three new STS cranes at Bayport.
  • Advocacy for Port Houston and the Houston Ship Channel and its 200 Facilities:
    • Passage of WRDA 2024, increasing the federal dredging cost-share responsibility an additional five-feet of depth and authorizing a feasibility study for Project 12.
    • Completion of five Project 11 contracts led by Port Houston, with the two remaining Port Houston contracts expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025.
    • With U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acceptance of Segment 1B (Redfish to Bayport Ship Channel), Port Houston is delivering on the channel capability to handle vessels of increasing size.
    • The Houston Ship Channel was free of draft restrictions from June 2023 to December 2024, due to the collaboration with Congress, USACE, industry, and the Port to ensure adequate funding to dredge the channel.
  • Community engagement, small business and maritime education:
  • Engaged over 80,000 community members through outreach efforts.
  • Awarded $181.1 million to 521 small businesses, surpassing $1 billion in cumulative awards since the launch of the Small Business Development Program in 2002.
  • Established partnerships with industry and the U.S. Coast Guard to enhance workforce development.
  • Expanded Port Houston’s maritime education outreach to eight high school programs in seven districts and 86 graduates.
    • Additional successes:
  • Port Houston was awarded $57 million in grant funding for projects improving port efficiency, reducing emissions, and focusing on community benefits.
  • Achieved the Great Place to Work designation for the first time, enhancing recruitment and employee experience.

“Our team works hard every day, for the good of our maritime industry and our region, and I want to thank Port Houston staff for all the great accomplishments in 2024. The incredible volumes and records were achieved due to their hard work and dedication,” said Jenkins.

Community Grants Program

The 2025 Community Grants Program will open February 1 for applications:
https://porthouston.com/community/outreach/community-grants-program/

Eligible not-for-profit organizations are invited to submit their Letters of Interest (LOI) and those meeting the 2025 program guidelines and priorities will be invited to complete the full grant application.

Next Meeting

In a change from its regular schedule, the Port Commission meets next on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 11 a.m.

About Port Houston

For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.