2025 Letter From the Chairman
Norman Rockwell told us that “the secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.”
So, we look forward to a new adventure and sensational year in 2025. Beginning my second year as chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau is a tremendous honor. Looking ahead, to our new adventures for the Houston Ship Channel, the Greater Houston Port Bureau is stronger than ever to contribute to the future successes. Our over 240 members reflect the diversity of the business along the 52-mile bayou we call the Houston Ship Channel. Our port members: Port Houston, Texas City, and Galveston contribute critical information and leadership to our members by serving on the board of directors with me. Our committees are active and develop action plans for the strategic plan. Our executive members provide the backbone of support for the Port Bureau, and I thank them for the continued sponsorships, support and contributions. This year we are adding an additional level of membership: Sustaining member. A sustaining member will be the highest level of membership. Sustaining members will receive additional benefits and recognition as a part of their membership.
Our team, led by President Eric Carrero, is a fantastic leader, exciting to engage with and passionate about our future at the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Our board is made of shoreside and waterborne leaders. The Port Bureau reflects the multitude of businesses, small and large, regional and multinational - learning from one another.
As our adventure continues in 2025, we will continue to lead in advocacy and focus on the following:
- Economic significance of our port region: it is a major contributor to Texas' economy, supporting thousands of jobs. The port generates over 1.35 million jobs statewide, generating over $400 billion to the state of Texas. For the nation, it generates over 3million jobs and $1.1 trillion. The milestones achieved by Port Houston, Galveston, and Texas City are remarkable, and the upcoming projects and initiatives demonstrate a strong dedication to enhancing the region's economic and logistical prowess.
Port Houston #1 in almost EVERYTHING! The overall port, which includes 200 private and eight public marine terminals, is the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, the largest port by tonnage and the busiest deep-water transits.
Port Houston achieved a record-breaking 53,066,219 million tons of cargo in 2024, up 6% over 2023 at the public terminals. Container volume rose 8%. This milestone demonstrates Port Houston’s critical role in moving cargo and driving economic prosperity for Houston, the region, and the nation.
Galveston is currently the #4 Cruise terminal in the U.S. (Soon to be #3 in 2025) Galveston continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. In 2024, Galveston broke records for cruise passenger arrivals, with more than 1.7 million passengers, positioning the port as a key cruise hub in the Gulf of Mexico. Later this year, they will open Cruise Terminal 16 and will welcome MSC Cruises to the port. The terminal is forecast to generate close to 1,000 local jobs, with $58 million in income and $21 million in local purchases.
Port of Texas City Port of Texas City is an energy port and is ranked 17th in the U.S. (5th largest in Texas) by tonnage moving over 32,000,000 tons in 2023. The Port of Texas City Ship Channel is currently dredged to 45 ft., with authorization to 50 ft., has 38 docks and is located just 1.5 hours from the Gulf of Mexico. More than 1,000 deep draft vessels and 4,150 inland barges called on the port in 2024. The Port of Texas City generates over 43,000 jobs throughout the state of Texas and represents $15.4 billion dollars in economic benefit.
- Infrastructure and growth: Expansion Projects – Project 11 and Project 12: The Port’s ongoing infrastructure projects will increase capacity, (including dredging efforts to accommodate larger vessels (post-Panamax), as well as improvements to the container terminals. The larger channel will allow larger vessels with more cargo to transit while maintaining two-way traffic. Less transits = less risk and a safer channel.
- Energy industry hub: Oil and Gas: our ports play a pivotal role in the global energy sector, particularly with oil exports, LPG exports, petrochemical products, and LNG exports. We are the home to one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the world and as the global markets continue to grow, so will our production and exports for decades to come.
- Advocacy: The Port Bureau recognizes the need for trade-friendly policies. We will continue to advocate for trade policies that support U.S. exports, fair trade agreements, and improvements in customs efficiency to reduce delays.
The Port Bureau will voice and advocate support for infrastructure funding. The Port Bureau will discuss the need for state and federal investment to maintain and upgrade port infrastructure, ensuring that our ports remain competitive in a global market in Austin and Washington D.C. Additionally, due to our vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, it is important that we invest in disaster preparedness. Proper investment must be balanced with our two-way traffic to ensure the port’s functionality in times of crisis.
- Collaboration with local and state governments: Lastly, we will continue to work within local partnerships to strengthen collaboration between the port authority, city and county officials, and state legislators to address regional transportation, environmental, and economic challenges. We will work closely with USCG, ACOE and CBP to ensure forward progress is made in 2025.
So in closing, please pick up your brush and paint the future bright. Your adventure awaits. Be a member of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
Thank You So Much,
Vincent DiCosimo
2025 Chairman
SVP, Government Affairs
Targa Resources