HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Port of Houston Authority generated record container movement and cargo tonnage in 2013.
Record throughput of container TEUs (2 million) and an unprecedented 36 million tons of cargo handled were primary contributors to the remarkable year. The Port Authority's 6-percent increase in movement of loaded containers outpaced all other U.S. ports in that category. Improved grain and coal exports over the prior year enabled the Port Authority to post a 13-percent increase in bulk cargo (11 million tons).
The Port Authority recorded $231 million in operating revenue in 2013, the highest ever. That figure is $8 million (4 percent) higher than the record attained in 2012, and it marks the fourth consecutive year that year-over-year increases have been recorded.
"This is a benchmark we can all take pride in," said Port Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther. "It reflects positively on the efforts of Port Authority staff under the guidance of the Port Commission to increase the commerce moving through Port facilities, bringing more jobs and economic opportunity to the region. It is important we continue making capital investments in our facilities to help meet the growing needs of global commerce."
About the Port of Houston Authority
For nearly 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation's largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com.
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