John Moseley

Port Houston's 'Anchored in Action Community-Investment Plan' is a comprehensive, community-led roadmap designed to guide investments and partnerships in 14 port-adjacent neighborhoods along the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay. The plan, developed through extensive resident engagement, identifies over 500 potential programs and projects focusing on community identity, mobility, parks, workforce development, education, environmental quality, and public safety. It aims to strengthen the quality of life, align industry resources with community priorities, and foster lasting impact in these areas, with Port Houston committing $1 million in 2026 to support these efforts.

The commission marked the 70th anniversary of the first container ship and reviewed an update on container volumes at public terminals, which showed a 2% increase over the previous year. Discussions included long-term terminal expansion plans, including the potential expansion of the Barbours Cut Terminal. The commission acknowledged a $48 million federal grant for infrastructure improvements at the Bayport Container Terminal and announced the launch of a new community-investment plan. Additionally, the commission approved professional services contracts for infrastructure support, recognized a retiring executive, and approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

The Port Commission meeting focused on several infrastructure and operational advancements. Key topics included welcoming a new Commissioner and recognizing a former Commissioner. The Commission reviewed Port Houston's significant container volume growth, which is currently double the rate of the second-fastest growing port. Operational updates covered the successful offloading of four new fully electric ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and the provisional acceptance of ten new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. The Commission awarded a contract for a new economic impact study, as the previous one was from 2022. Furthermore, approvals were granted for significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of Wharf 1 at the Bayport Container Terminal, scheduled for completion in 2028, to accommodate the largest vessels. Several technology investments were also approved to enhance operational resiliency, security, and system reliability.

The first regular Port Commission meeting of the year, held in the new Administration Building, addressed several key items. Chairman Ric Campo reported on the return to normal operations following Winter Storm Fern and recognized the retirements of Commissioner Stephen H. DonCarlos and Chief Legal Officer Erik Eriksson. The Commission discussed national importance of the Houston Ship Channel with USACE members, covering maintenance dredging and future projects. The meeting included approvals for approximately 45 infrastructure projects budgeted at $365 million for 2026, such as the new Wharf 1 at Bayport and rehabilitation at Barbours Cut. Two Marine Terminal Services Agreements were approved to encourage volume growth, and construction contracts for maintenance facilities were awarded. A services contract was also awarded to support grant funding opportunities. CEO Charlie Jenkins reviewed 2025 successes, noting a record handling of over 54.5 million tons, secured funding for Project 11 and maintenance, and announced the largest Port Houston Community Grants Program award to date. The application period for the 2026 Community Grants program was announced to begin February 1.

The Port Commission met for its final session of the year, approving several initiatives. Key actions included authorizing the renewal of the Central and South America regional representative contract. The Commission adopted the Origami Risk (RMIS) and Relish (procurement platform) systems to enhance operational efficiency and risk management. Infrastructure milestones included the completion of Wharf 7 walkthrough at Bayport Container Terminal and commissioning of the Bayport Exit Gate, with new RTG cranes expected soon to increase handling capacity. Furthermore, $7.7 million in grant funds from TxDOT was authorized for a critical roadway accessing the Bayport Container Terminal. Fire Chief William Buck's contribution to the NFPA 2026 standard development was noted, and a three-year contract for fireboat maintenance was approved. Container volumes showed a dip in November, but year-to-date TEUs and tonnage remained positive.