Port Houston Resilient through Turbulent July

Remembers Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Approves Largest Order of Ship-to-Shore Cranes in its History

On Monday, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its July regular monthly meeting. Port Commissioner Dean Corgey, presiding at the meeting, observed a moment of silence honoring the memory of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and expressed his heartfelt condolences on her passing and his appreciation of the congresswoman’s legacy.

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On Monday, the Port Houston Commission approved the purchase of eight dockside electric container cranes for more than $113 million, the largest order in Port Houston’s history. Pictured here is the delivery last year of three STS cranes to the Bayport Container Terminal. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Sheila was always there,” Corgey said of his friend. “Her work ethic was unquestionable. She worked hard for the Port, she worked hard for the city of Houston, and she worked hard for our country.”

He closed his reflections by adding, “She will be remembered as an icon with Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland and others.” A statement from Port Houston can be found here.

Commissioner Corgey also expressed his condolences for the family of a mariner who lost his life following a recent collision in the Houston Ship Channel. He thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port Houston fireboat team, and all those involved in responding to the accident and rescue efforts. He added that the incident highlighted the importance of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion - Project 11, which will enhance the safety of the channel and make other improvements.

Commissioner Corgey mentioned that a Special Port Commission meeting is planned on August 8 to discuss the proposed Houston Ship Channel User Fee to support that expansion project.

Before Executive Director Roger Guenther delivered his staff report, Commissioner Corgey paused and recognized him for his more than 30 years of service and dedication to Port Houston (Guenther is scheduled to retire next month on August 30).

Commissioner Corgey said, “Roger is a good man, honest and ethical leader, and how well Port Houston staff responded to the multiple challenges faced in July is a testament to the Executive Director’s exemplary leadership.” The entire commission echoed Corgey’s praise for Guenther, noting he had done a great job and built a great team.

During his staff report, Guenther commended the Port Commission for its leadership, shared praise and accolades for Port Houston staff and Houston Ship Channel industry partners and remarked that Port Houston has been an integral part of his life and family. Guenther added that he felt he was leaving Port Houston in capable hands, and he was confident he was leaving a team in place that would take Port Houston to even greater heights.

During his staff report, Guenther highlighted some challenges during the month – the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and the global IT outage just days earlier.

Guenther said that while sadly Hurricane Beryl took a toll on the entire Gulf Coast region, Port Houston facilities were fortunate not to suffer major damage. “Terminals were back up and running just two days after the hurricane,” he said, and he commended staff for their tremendous work and dedication during and after the severe weather event.

The Executive Director highlighted staff outreach efforts during the recovery, including delivery of water, ice, and supplies for emergency distribution in neighboring communities. Port Houston team members and interns also helped package, organize, and distribute supplies for more than 350 families.

Guenther added that a community informational forum Port Houston planned on July 27 will now include the participation of several assistance organizations, to provide additional resource support.

Guenther also mentioned that like many operations around the world, Port Houston’s public terminals were impacted by the global IT outage on Friday. “However, our teams worked quickly to minimize the impacts and got us up and running by about 9 a.m.,” Guenther reported.

Guenther highlighted the purchase of eight dockside electric container cranes on the agenda, the largest order in Port Houston’s history. Guenther used the opportunity to share that industry had submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai concerning the impact of a new 25% tariff on Chinese-made ship-to-shore cranes. “We understand the U.S. Trade Representative is reviewing all comments and will provide a response on or before August 1st, when the tariff is set to take effect,” Guenther said.

Finally, Guenther recognized the 100th anniversary of the Port Terminal Railroad Association, which provides access to industries along the Houston Ship Channel for the railroads that serve the greater Houston region.

The next Port Commission regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 at 9:15 a.m. A Special Port Commission meeting is scheduled for August 8 at 9:30 a.m.

About Port Houston

For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and facilities 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 facilities 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.

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