Remembers Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Approves Largest Order of Ship-to-Shore Cranes
in its History
On Monday, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority
met for its July regular monthly meeting. Port Commissioner Dean
Corgey, presiding at the meeting, observed a moment of silence
honoring the memory of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and
expressed his heartfelt condolences on her passing and his
appreciation of the congresswoman’s legacy.
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On Monday, the Port Houston Commission
approved the purchase of eight dockside electric container cranes
for more than $113 million, the largest order in Port Houston’s
history. Pictured here is the delivery last year of three STS
cranes to the Bayport Container Terminal. (Photo: Business
Wire)
“Sheila was always there,” Corgey said of his friend. “Her work
ethic was unquestionable. She worked hard for the Port, she worked
hard for the city of Houston, and she worked hard for our
country.”
He closed his reflections by adding, “She will be remembered as
an icon with Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland and others.” A
statement from Port Houston can be found here.
Commissioner Corgey also expressed his condolences for the
family of a mariner who lost his life following a recent collision
in the Houston Ship Channel. He thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, the
Port Houston fireboat team, and all those involved in responding to
the accident and rescue efforts. He added that the incident
highlighted the importance of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion -
Project 11, which will enhance the safety of the channel and make
other improvements.
Commissioner Corgey mentioned that a Special Port Commission
meeting is planned on August 8 to discuss the proposed Houston Ship
Channel User Fee to support that expansion project.
Before Executive Director Roger Guenther delivered his staff
report, Commissioner Corgey paused and recognized him for his more
than 30 years of service and dedication to Port Houston (Guenther
is scheduled to retire next month on August 30).
Commissioner Corgey said, “Roger is a good man, honest and
ethical leader, and how well Port Houston staff responded to the
multiple challenges faced in July is a testament to the Executive
Director’s exemplary leadership.” The entire commission echoed
Corgey’s praise for Guenther, noting he had done a great job and
built a great team.
During his staff report, Guenther commended the Port Commission
for its leadership, shared praise and accolades for Port Houston
staff and Houston Ship Channel industry partners and remarked that
Port Houston has been an integral part of his life and family.
Guenther added that he felt he was leaving Port Houston in capable
hands, and he was confident he was leaving a team in place that
would take Port Houston to even greater heights.
During his staff report, Guenther highlighted some challenges
during the month – the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and the global IT
outage just days earlier.
Guenther said that while sadly Hurricane Beryl took a toll on
the entire Gulf Coast region, Port Houston facilities were
fortunate not to suffer major damage. “Terminals were back up and
running just two days after the hurricane,” he said, and he
commended staff for their tremendous work and dedication during and
after the severe weather event.
The Executive Director highlighted staff outreach efforts during
the recovery, including delivery of water, ice, and supplies for
emergency distribution in neighboring communities. Port Houston
team members and interns also helped package, organize, and
distribute supplies for more than 350 families.
Guenther added that a community informational forum Port Houston
planned on July 27 will now include the participation of several
assistance organizations, to provide additional resource
support.
Guenther also mentioned that like many operations around the
world, Port Houston’s public terminals were impacted by the global
IT outage on Friday. “However, our teams worked quickly to minimize
the impacts and got us up and running by about 9 a.m.,” Guenther
reported.
Guenther highlighted the purchase of eight dockside electric
container cranes on the agenda, the largest order in Port Houston’s
history. Guenther used the opportunity to share that industry had
submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai
concerning the impact of a new 25% tariff on Chinese-made
ship-to-shore cranes. “We understand the U.S. Trade Representative
is reviewing all comments and will provide a response on or before
August 1st, when the tariff is set to take effect,” Guenther
said.
Finally, Guenther recognized the 100th anniversary of the Port
Terminal Railroad Association, which provides access to industries
along the Houston Ship Channel for the railroads that serve the
greater Houston region.
The next Port Commission regular monthly meeting is scheduled
for Tuesday, September 24 at 9:15 a.m. A Special Port Commission
meeting is scheduled for August 8 at 9:30 a.m.
About Port Houston
For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the
public wharves and facilities 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
facilities 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.
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Lisa Ashley-Daniels, Director, Public Relations, Office:
713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179; E-mail:
lashley@porthouston.com