December 2025 Meeting: Port Houston Greenlights Key Initiatives for Global Trade and Future Capacity

Commission approves new international representation, technology upgrades, and roadway development as part of year-end actions.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, December 9, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its final meeting of the year, approving key initiatives that strengthen trade relationships, modernize operations, and expand critical infrastructure to support continued growth at Port Houston’s public terminals.

Chairman Ric Campo reflected on the success of the 4th Annual Community Resource Fair, which drew over 7,000 attendees and 90 vendors, doubling 2024’s participation. He also recognized long-serving employees, including Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, who celebrated 35 years with Port Houston.

The Commission authorized renewal of Port Houston’s Central and South America regional representative for an additional two-years with a one-year option. Bilateral waterborne trade with Latin America represents 28% of the Houston Ship Channel’s market and 18% of the volume through Port Houston’s public terminals. Similar representation is already in place for Europe and Asia markets.

Port Houston continues its commitment to operational excellence with the adoption of Origami Risk, a Risk Management Information System (RMIS), and Relish, a procurement and contract-to-pay platform. These tools will enhance enterprise risk management, streamline workflows, reduce compliance risk, and deliver greater data clarity, creating long-term value for internal teams and external stakeholders.

Several major projects have been completed since the last meeting, including the walk-through and punch list for Bayport Container Terminal’s Wharf 7 and commissioning of the Bayport Exit Gate, both critical to improving terminal efficiency. A shipment of five new rubber-tire gantry (RTG) cranes is slated to arrive at Bayport in December. These cranes, along with 11 additional RTGs arriving in early 2026, will increase container handling capacity and support record-setting volumes.

Additionally, the Commission authorized acceptance of $7.7 million in Seaport Connectivity Program grant funds from TxDOT, earmarked for the construction of a critical roadway accessing the Bayport Container Terminal. This road is designed to provide an additional access point for this growing terminal.

It was also announced that Port Houston Fire Chief William Buck contributed to the development of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2026 edition of NFPA 307, the national standard for fire protection of marine terminals, piers, and wharves. In addition, the Commission approved a three-year contract with National Cotton, Inc. (Pier 77 Marine) for fireboat maintenance, helping ensure readiness for emergency response along the Houston Ship Channel.

Port Houston reported a dip in November container volumes, though container TEUs are up 5% and total tonnage is up 4% for the year. More details can be found via the press release issued on December 16.

The Port Commission will meet next on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

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.