Port of Houston sets freight record in 2014

Strong container and steel volumes led the way for a record year at the port.    The Port of Houston Authority said its terminals handled more than 37 million tons of cargo in 2014, an increase of 5 percent from 2013 and a record for the port.
   Strong volumes in 2014 resulted in solid financial performance for PHA. The Port Authority had $261 million in operating revenue and $39 million in net operating income for the year.
   The port set individual records in both container cargo at 19.4 million tons and steel at 6.6 million tons handled in 2014.
   PHA Executive Director Roger Guenther said in a statement from the authority 2014 was one of the best years to date for grain and bulk exports as well.
   “Cargo volumes continue to be strong as we begin a new year and new century for the Houston Ship Channel,” Guenther added. “These healthy results are vital to our continued success as we prepare for even greater growth and prosperity in the future.”
   Future plans at the port include capital investments of more than $1 billion in the next five years for development, including the continued deepening and widening of the Barbours Cut and Bayport channels. The $80 million project began in 2014 and is funded by PHA.