Port Authority of Houston record with 30.5M tons of goods in 2015

​​HOUSTON – The Port Authority handled a record amount of cargo in 2015, hitting 30.5 million tons of goods passing across its docks, executive director Roger Guenther said during a Port Commission meeting, based on preliminary numbers.

Cargo exceeded the 30.3-million-ton record set in 2014.

The Port Authority also handled a record number of containers—the equivalent of about 2.1 million 20-foot-long containers, which carry items like retail goods and raw materials. 

As Houston’s economy reels from low oil prices, port officials are optimistic about growth in container trade, which they say will be driven by a boom in plastic production in the region slated to start a year from now.

A number of natural gas processing plants are preparing to go into operation next year and will start producing plastic that will be shipped by container to manufacturers. 

The outlook for other shipments through the port doesn’t look as strong. In recent years the port saw high demand for steel and equipment for oilfield projects that have now dropped off along with the price of oil.

Breakbulk shippers are facing a slow market. They typically ship construction materials, equipment, or anything that doesn’t ship in a container or tank.