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Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston Ship Channel Ranked #1 U.S. Waterway
USACE Ranking and Historic Fleet Week to be held at Port Houston Announced at Port Commission's April Meeting HOUSTON, May 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, April 29, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its regular monthly meeting. Chairman Ric Campo opened the meeting with an announcement that the Houston Ship Channel is once again ranked the number one waterway in the U.S., according to a recent report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Houston's port handles approximately 12% of the nation's total waterborne tonnage. An incredible 309.5 million short tons of cargo moved through the Channel in 2023, which is the most recent available data, reflecting a 5.3% increase in total tonnage from the previous year and far more cargo than any other port in the nation. In fact, volumes along the Houston Ship Channel are so large that the tonnage gap between Houston and the second-ranked port is larger than 97% of ports in the country. "This ranking reinforces just how vital the Houston Ship Channel is for our region and for the entire nation," said Chairman Campo. "More than three million jobs depend on our Channel, and at Port Houston, it's our job to protect this asset. With our Channel expansion project, known as Project 11, we are helping ensure this critical waterway remains open, safe, and competitive for decades to come." The 52-mile-long Houston Ship Channel serves more than 200 private and eight public terminals, in industries from petrochemicals and heavy machinery to consumer goods and energy. Its economic influence extends far beyond port gates, supporting 3.37 million jobs nationwide and generating $906 billion in annual economic activity in the United States. Chairman Campo also commented on the current tariff situation. "We are, like everyone, analyzing the data and assessing the situation. Tariffs would impact our own expenses at Port Houston, including our STS crane purchases. We support the end goal of strengthening domestic manufacturing and encourage the administration to work with our industry to develop a path forward that minimizes unintended consequences on American workers, exporters and consumers." Executive Leadership Team Retirements & Appointments Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins recognized Chief Operating Officer Tom Heidt, who is retiring after 43 years of working at the port. He has held several roles during his tenure, starting in accounting and assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2015. "Tom has dedicated his career to Port Houston, and we appreciate him and all he has done to help grow the port to what it is today," said Jenkins. "With his retirement comes the opportunity for new leadership, and we look forward to what is to come." Jenkins went on to highlight other organizational changes, including that effective May 1, 2025, Chief People Officer Jessica Shaver will assume the role of Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing many aspects of the organization, including strategic planning and people management. Chief Business Equity Officer Carlecia Wright assumes the role of Chief People Officer, and the Director of Operations and Planning Candice Armenoff has been named Chief Strategy Officer, a new position. Port Houston is also actively searching for a Chief Operating Officer to oversee other important aspects of the organization, such as commercial, operations, maintenance, and infrastructure. Project 11 Updates & Operations Highlights Regarding Channel expansion efforts, the USACE is set to award their second Project 11 contract for the construction of the Beltway 8 Dredged Material Placement Area. Meanwhile, the two remaining Port-led Project 11 dredging contracts with Weeks Marine and Callan Marine are progressing on budget. The final segment in the Galveston Bay area, between Bayport and Barbours Cut, is anticipated to be fully completed and open to two-way traffic mid-2025. Operations updates indicated that the total tonnage across all public terminals through March is down 2%, but this is still an improvement over last month, which saw a decline mostly related to fog. Container volumes since the start of the year have surpassed 1 million TEU and remain fairly flat compared to 2024. The container terminals recorded the busiest March on record, driven by strong export volume, up 13% from last March. It is noteworthy that this was also largely driven by recovery from February's low performance. Volumes at the multipurpose facilities remained down as well, at 7% since the start of the year, but they rebounded slightly month over month by 2%. This was driven by weak liquid imports and export dry bulk volumes, while steel was up 4% since the beginning of the year. Additional Meeting Updates & Announcements Earlier in the month, Charlie Jenkins met with Congressman Mike Collins, representative from Georgia and Chair of the Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. They discussed the future of the Houston Ship Channel and its importance to the national economy, as well as how to improve the laws promoting maritime transportation and infrastructure. The relationship is particularly important as it is related to the WRDA bill, legislation that instructs the USACE on the intent of Congress and outlines priorities. Commissioners DonCarlos, Fitzgerald and Robb attended a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Holly Bay Pavilion at Holly Bay Park in Pasadena, as part of Port Houston's East Harris County Greenspace Program. "We were happy to be able to support this initiative and be part of the community's beautification work, giving them a space to gather and enjoy the outdoors," said Chairman Campo. It was also announced that the City of Houston along with Port Houston, and other partners, will be hosting the Navy Fleet Week for the first time in November 2025. "We are excited to be a part of this celebration, honoring 250 years of the U.S. Marines and Navy," said Jenkins. "We will also be hosting a few ships at our terminals and look forward to partnering with the city on this exciting milestone event." During the meeting, the Port Commission also approved the Port Authority's Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) including the Report of Independent Public Accountants, with an unmodified opinion and no findings. The Port Commission meets next on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 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 View source version on Contacts Lisa Ashley-Daniels, Director, Public Relations, Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179; E-mail: lashley@
San Francisco Chronicle
23-04-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Fisherman's Wharf is getting a new restaurant in a long-vacant space
San Francisco's waterfront will be getting a new Salvadoran restaurant. Port commissioners voted unanimously to offer a lease to Salvadoran restaurant Chasca Rio for the space at 340 Jefferson St., formerly seafood restaurant Pompei's Grotto. The space had been inactive since 2021. A panel approved the new restaurant over a proposed pizzeria. It will be run by 340 Jefferson Street Partners, an LLC operated by Lou Giraudo, Chris McGarrry and Seth Hamalian. Giraudo, formerly the owner of Boudin Bakery, now run by his son, is also behind a development group with ambitious plans to revitalize the wharf. A sample menu for Chasca Rio includes tamales, pupusas, tostones and empanadas, as well as caldo de res, a beef soup, and casamiento, or Salvadoran beans and rice. The lease terms are for 10 years with a base rent of $10,395 a month, with gross revenues over base rent of 5.5%. The port is contributing $470,000 as a tenant improvement allowance. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors must now approve the lease before the restaurant can move forward. Chris McGarry told the Port Commission at a meeting that the space is in good shape, and believes they can open by the time the lease is executed. The new restaurant's operators must still secure a liquor license. At the meeting, Port Commissioner Steven Lee expressed his support for the new tenant — and the need for haste. 'That area really needs them to get going,' he said. In a statement to the Chronicle, partner Seth Hamalian said the team was 'moving with urgency' on the project. 'We're investing now, to eliminate vacancies and bring new businesses to the Wharf while protecting and celebrating the heritage of Fisherman's Wharf.' In February, the Port Commission approved granting a lease to southern barbecue restaurant Everett & Jones for a nearby space at 300 Jefferson St., formerly Lou's Fish Shack. The lease terms were also for 10 years, plus two possible five-year extensions.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Port Commission candidates include incumbents, newcomers
Pier 2 Pier 2 in Astoria is a hub for major seafood industry on the North Coast. Candidates are competing for a say in the Port of Astoria's future as the organization navigates a number of key issues — among them, progress on a waterfront master plan, a multimillion-dollar Pier 2 rehabilitation project and efforts to address conditions at the East Mooring Basin. The May 20 election features three Port Commission positions on voters' ballots. Position 1 In Position 1, incumbent James Campbell is facing former Astoria City Councilor Thomas Brownson. Campbell, the commission's treasurer, brings 24 years of experience, including a stint on the board that began in 2013. In that time, he said he's provided critical leadership in moving the Port from near financial disaster to solvency, and has made strong contributions to a number of Port projects, including the Port Strategic Plan and Boatyard Plan and successful audits. Campbell said he hopes to use his past experience in marine construction to contribute to the continuation of projects like the reconstruction of Pier 2, which is home to Bornstein Seafoods and Da Yang Seafood, as well as progress at the airport and updates at the East Mooring Basin, whose deteriorating causeway was removed last year. In addition to time on the Astoria City Council, Brownson has also served on the John Day Water District Board and the county's property value appeals board. He said his priorities include working toward waterfront redevelopment near the Port's West Mooring Basin and work on the East Mooring Basin. Position 2 In Position 2, incumbent Dirk Rohne is up against Thomas Jenkins. Rohne, a former Clatsop County commissioner who operates a dairy farm with his wife in Brownsmead, is running for his third term on the commission. When he first ran, he said the Port was in financial trouble, losing lawsuits and returning unspent grant money to the state — but with a change in its board and management, it began to rebuild relationships with partners and stabilize. 'This stabilization and the following successes, like a thriving and growing boat yard, development at the airport, a 25 million dollar federal infusion to rebuild Pier 2, and now an execution of the Central Waterfront Plan point to steady progress. I would like to continue to support the Port's steady success, and believe I have the experience to be best positioned to do so,' Rohne wrote in a statement. Jenkins works with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, coordinating emergency preparedness and response in four counties, including Clatsop County. He's also a recently retired Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy with prior service in the U.S. Air Force. 'I'm running to become a commissioner because both my military and civilian careers have informed me of how important it is to keep our ports open, functioning safely, and integrated into the broader community that they occupy," Jenkins wrote. "I want to work with the other commissioners and the port's staff to promote sustainable economic development that brings living-wage jobs to our region, protects the natural environment surrounding the Port of Astoria, and to renew our connections to the communities served by the port." Position 5 Frank Spence, who currently serves in Position 5, is not running for reelection, creating an opening for two newcomers — Thaddeus Fickel and Rob Seitz. Fickel, a commercial pilot who works in remote sensing, said he's been inspired by Astoria's community since moving to the city and wants to do his part to help the Port thrive. 'As both user and tenant of the Port facilities, I'm uniquely positioned to understand the challenges faced by those who depend on this public resource for their livelihood as well as recreation. I will endeavor to listen first and speak second; to carefully weigh possible outcomes and champion the course that seems to affect the most good for the most people,' Fickel wrote in a statement. Seitz, who owns South Bay Wild Fish House with his wife, has lived in Astoria for more than two decades and brings a background in commercial fishing. If elected, he said his priorities would include the implementation of the waterfront master plan, making repairs to Pier 2 and bringing the East Mooring Basin back into useful working order to create more places to park boats and access the waterfront. 'Over the years I've benefited from port services and I feel like I'm in a position to give some back. The port is on a good course and I would like to see that continue,' Seitz wrote.
Associated Press
13-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
City of Houston Appoints Roland Garcia to Serve as New Port Commissioner
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 13, 2025-- On Wednesday, the Houston City Council appointed Roland Garcia to serve on the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: The Houston City Council appointed Roland Garcia to serve on the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. (Photo: Business Wire) 'Roland has experience working on maritime issues, has chaired the transition of the newly created Pilot Board, is passionate about the community, and understands the power of collaboration. I know he will strongly advocate for the Port's continued growth and success, which significantly contributes to our economy and job creation,' said Mayor John Whitmire. A highly respected attorney and active community leader, Garcia is a founding shareholder of the Houston office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP. He is an expert in maritime affairs with a long history and knowledge of the Port Authority and the Houston Ship Channel. Garcia served as Vice Chair of the Board of Pilot Commissioners of Harris County Ports before submitting his resignation upon his appointment to the Port Commission. 'I am grateful to Mayor Whitmire and members of Houston City Council for their confidence in me to serve in this important role. Port Houston is the busiest waterway in the nation and vital to the region's economy. I look forward to building on the legacy while working with my fellow commissioners and Port Houston's executive leadership. As a young lawyer 38 years ago, I represented the Port in landmark cases and have worked on Port matters with Port leadership ever since. I have come full circle,' said Garcia. In a memo to the Mayor, Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez stated when submitting Garcia's name as a nominee to the City Council, 'Roland, a local attorney and current Vice Chair of the Houston Pilots Board of Directors – through February 1, 2025 – possesses the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to help strengthen and move the Port forward.' Among many local and national leadership roles, Garcia is Co-Chair of the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board. He is also a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Harris County Hospital District Foundation and a past board member of the Houston Harris County Sports Authority. Garcia graduated with honors from Baylor University in 1981 and earned his JD from South Texas College of Law. He is a past president of the Houston Bar Association and a military veteran, having graduated from the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School/Platoon Leaders Class. The new Port Commissioner fills the seat previously held by respected maritime and dedicated community leader Dean Corgey, whose term expired this month after serving a term-limited 12 years on the Port Commission. Port Commissioners serve two-year terms without pay and are no longer eligible for appointment after serving 12 years on the Commission. 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 PUB: 02/13/2025 06:09 PM/DISC: 02/13/2025 06:09 PM
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Port Houston Honors Commissioners and Celebrates 2024 Achievements
First Public Meeting of the Year Highlights Record-breaking Volumes and Successes HOUSTON, January 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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: 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: 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 View source version on Contacts Lisa Ashley-Daniels, Director, Public Relations, Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179; E-mail: lashley@ Sign in to access your portfolio
