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Crowley, Port Houston launch weekly route connecting Central America. Posted on August 24, 2026 Crowley, a global leader in logistics, marine and energy solutions, today announced a new weekly container service connecting Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras - two of Central America's largest and fastest-growing trade gateways. The Gulf-Central America Express Service makes its first Houston call on Sept. 10 with Thursday departures. Crowley's vessels will carry dry and refrigerated containers that safely transport a range of fresh produce, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods from sea to land. The range of sizes includes 53-foot containers that maximize intermodal efficiency in the markets. Central American exports to the United States grew 15.7% in year-over-year shipments in early 2026, driven largely by demand for fresh produce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. "A direct Houston connection provides a reliable, efficient logistics solution for U.S.-Central American supply chains," said Claudia Kattan, vice president for Central America, Mexico and Panama at Crowley. "Shippers get faster transits, improved inventory planning and the flexibility to move fresh produce, consumer goods and other time-sensitive cargo without the delays of transshipments." "We are proud to welcome Crowley's Gulf-Central America Express Service to Port Houston," said John Moseley, chief commercial officer for Port Houston. "This new weekly call gives shippers a direct, reliable connection to Houston and two important Central American gateways, expanding choice for customers moving refrigerated and dry cargo through Houston." Beyond providing another option for shippers, the service will connect Houston more directly to the food, products and commercial activity moving between Central America and the United States. "The impact of this service will extend well beyond the docks," said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. "It creates a more direct path for fresh produce and everyday goods to reach stores and families across our region, while helping Texas businesses connect with customers in Central America. That is what growth at Port Houston does: create opportunity and make the supply chains people rely on work better." Crowley's expansion builds on the company's long-standing presence in Caribbean and Central America, where it has maintained an integrated inland logistics network for more than 65 years. By combining ocean transportation with warehousing and inland services through a single provider, businesses can reduce handoffs and improve supply chain visibility, a key advantage for retailers efficiently managing product inventory and shelf-life cycles. Purpose-built to support the dynamic needs of customers, Crowley's container vessels offer space for dry, refrigerated and project cargo, including 40- and 45-foot dry and refrigerated containers, 53-foot dry containers and 20- and 40-foot flat-rack equipment. The Crowley network of terminals, warehousing and supply chain solutions united U.S., Central American and Caribbean ports such as the Dominican Republic.

Port Houston advances projects for Houston Ship Channel and public terminal growth. Posted on July 22, 2026 HOUSTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-On Tuesday, July 21, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its regular monthly meeting, highlighting continued progress along the Houston Ship Channel and advancing key initiatives supporting infrastructure, operations, and long-term growth of the public terminals. During opening remarks, Acting Chairwoman Wendy Montoya Cloonan recognized Port Houston's 2026 summer intern class of 20 students representing 10 schools. "We are proud to contribute to workforce development in this way and applaud the work they have done so far," said Acting Chairwoman Cloonan. Acting Chairwoman Cloonan also provided an update on Project 12, a project that remains in the early evaluation stages following WRDA approval to study the next phase of Houston Ship Channel improvements. With the Port-led portions of Project 11 complete, the proposed effort would primarily focus on deepening the channel to improve economies of scale for many vessels, though no study timeline has been set. During the meeting, the Commission approved a cost-share agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Galveston District to begin the navigation feasibility study. Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins recognized Amy Seymour, chief security and emergency operations officer, for receiving the 2026 National Maritime Safety Association Safety Innovator of the Year Award. He noted that the honor highlights the strength of Port Houston's safety program and Seymour's contributions to advancing it. Additionally, the Commission awarded a construction contract to Russell Marine, LLC for the reconstruction of Wharves 5 and 6 at Barbours Cut Terminal, allowing the terminal to accommodate larger cranes and vessels. The Commission received an update on cargo activity through June. Additional information can be found in the Houston Ship Channel Region Monthly Trade & Market Report released on July 20. Additional Meeting Updates: * The Commission authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for emergency dredging of the Houston Ship Channel, establishing guidelines and documentation requirements for each event. * Port Houston completed commissioning of cranes 202, 212, 221 and 222, bringing the number of ship-to-shore cranes in operation at Bayport Container Terminal to 21. * The Bayport East End project advanced with a professional services contract with Gahagan and Bryant Associates, Inc. for waterside engineering, design and construction administration. * Commissioners approved a professional services contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for environmental planning and permitting services for the Barbours Cut North expansion project. The scope includes preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement to satisfy National Environmental Policy Act requirements and support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting. * Commissioners approved amendments to Tariff Nos. 8, 14 and 15 to clarify customer payment and credit procedures and address rates for handling and storage of non-standardized container sizes. The Port Commission will meet next on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. 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 PortHouston.com.

Port Houston announces Amy Rister as Director of State Government Relations. Posted on June 1, 2026 HOUSTON - Port Houston, an advocate of the nation's busiest waterway, the Houston Ship Channel, today announced the appointment of Amy Rister as its Director of State Government Relations. "Amy brings deep experience in the Texas legislative process and a proven record of building strong working relationships to advance complex policy priorities," said Port Houston Chief External Affairs Officer Kerrick Henny. "Her background, particularly her work on transportation and intergovernmental issues, will be a valuable asset as we continue to advocate for the long-term competitiveness of our port region and the economic growth it enables across Texas." In her role, Rister will lead Port Houston's state government relations strategy and serve as a key liaison to state leaders. She will partner with legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders to champion policies and investments that strengthen Texas' maritime and freight transportation system and sustain the Houston Ship Channel's economic impact. Rister will be based in Austin. Rister joins Port Houston with more than two decades of experience in Texas legislative and public policy work. Most recently, she served as Committee Director for the Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and previously held senior leadership roles supporting multiple House committees and members, including overseeing transportation issues impacting Texas ports. She was also recognized in 2025 as a USLege "Female Powerhouse of the Year" honoree, a peer-nominated distinction that highlights standout women leaders in government affairs and state advocacy. "Port Houston plays a critical role in keeping Texas commerce moving, and I'm honored to support that work," said Rister. "I look forward to partnering with state leaders and stakeholders to advance smart, practical policies that strengthen our transportation network and keep the Houston Ship Channel competitive for the long term." Rister graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010, where she studied Political Science, and earned a Master of Legal Studies in Oil and Gas Law from Texas A&M School of Law, along with certificates in Environmental Law and Business Law. She is currently working toward an MBA through Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is active in several civic and professional organizations, including serving as a Project Chair in The Junior League of Austin, and on The Pink Granite Foundation's Mentorship Programming Committee. 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 PortHouston.com.