HOUSTON, Feb. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preliminary operating and financial results show that the Port of Houston Authority had a remarkable 2015, setting new records in container movements and cargo tonnage and growth, Executive Director Roger Guenther announced today.
In his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its regular monthly meeting, Guenther said that in 2015, the Port Authority handled 30.5 million tons of cargo at its facilities, surpassing the record set in 2014 of 30.3 million tons (figures exclude bulk terminals leased to third parties).
“The success of the Port Authority is a success for all of our stakeholders and the community that we serve,” said the Executive Director. Guenther expressed his gratitude to the Port Commission, customers, Port Authority employees, and the men and women who work on the waterfront for their dedication to the Port Authority’s vision to serve as America’s distribution hub for the next generation.”
Guenther reflected that the many 2015 accomplishments, which aligned with the Port Authority’s strategic goals, were achieved by staff relying on the leadership and support from the Port Commission, which he added, “drives success for our customers and users of the Port Authority facilities.”
At the commission’s first regular monthly meeting of 2016, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria recognized newly elected officials, including City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city’s new councilmembers.
Chairman Longoria also welcomed and offered her support to newly-appointed Harris County Court Commissioner Gene Locke as he completes the term of the late El Franco Lee. Chairman Longoria offered a moment of silence in Commissioner Lee’s honor, as well as for Jim Guidry of Guidry News Service, who ably covered Port Commission meetings and events.
The Chairman also recognized the retirement of Captain Mike Morris, past President of the Houston Pilots, for his service and dedication to the safe navigation of the Houston Ship Channel.
Finally, the Chairman congratulated Port Commissioners Stephen DonCarlos and John Kennedy on their recent reappointments. She noted that the commissioners volunteer their time and expertise to make sure that the Port Authority continues to drive regional and state prosperity.
Regarding the 2015 results, Chairman Longoria observed, “It takes a team to execute our vision and to create the jobs and economic opportunity that we have enjoyed in our region.”
Chairman Longoria thanked the leadership of the entire Port Commission and the Executive Director and staff, as well as “great partnerships” with the Houston Pilots, ILA, and elected officials, declaring: “With your partnership and support, the Port Authority will continue to be the Gulf Coast port of choice and the gateway for international commerce.”
About the Port of Houston Authority
For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation. It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas – 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product – and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com.