Port Houston hits record container volume in 2018

Port Houston had a record-breaking 2018 as container volume through the port grew by double-digits, officials said this week.

Container twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) increased 10 percent to a record 2.7 million, port officials said, while total tonnage rose 9 percent to 35.7 million tons and steel tonnage was up 21 percent to 4.4 million tons.

Officials said the increased volume was driven by solid growth in imports and export-loaded boxes.

"This activity has created a balance of imports to exports for the year of 50/50 import to export, which keeps us well-positioned for growth in the coming years," Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther said in a statement announcing the port's year-end results.

The strong cargo activity helped the port hit financial milestones as well. Operating revenue for the year was $366 million, up nearly 10 percent compared with 2017. In addition, combined business through the port's public facilities generated total cash flow of $162 million, surpassing the 2017 record of $151 million, officials said.

"Cash generated from operations is critical to funding capital projects that support the Port's strategic objectives, including job creation and regional prosperity," Guenther said.