Bigger is Better

I want to start by saying thanks to all for such a wonderful evening honoring Jürgen Schröder at our 95th Maritime Dinner! We all know everything is bigger in Texas, and this has proved to be true at our Maritime Dinner - with the event center overflowing with guests and an honoree with a heart and personality as big as the Lone Star State! During my conversations that evening, we all agreed that this event will be listed in our books as “the one to remember for years to come”. We are very blessed to have Jürgen and his amazing family as key members of our port community, and we at the Port Bureau are honored to have him as a friend (a member since 1978 - the youngest president of the Port Bureau). Again, a huge CONGRATS for all his accomplishments. He is a testament to my motto; #myportcommunityisbetterthanyours 

About work, the last few months I’ve been heavily engaged in advocacy efforts. It is important that our elected officials and federal and state agencies are fully aware and understand the importance of the two-way traffic in the Houston Ship Channel (“HSC”). In our navigation channel, the maximum length for all vessel types is limited to 1100 ft. per Texas State Statute, effective Sept. 1, 2019, to allow for safe two-way traffic. The HSC is a vital artery for maritime commerce and plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of not only Texas but the entire United States.

The two-way traffic allows vessels to maximize the use of this critical waterway byreducing wait times for vessels and improving overall transit times. The efficiency gains from two-way traffic are particularly significant in a channel that serves as a key conduit for international shipping. When vessels are able to navigate in both directions, our ports can handle the increased shipping volumes and prevent congestion. This approach not only contributes to the growth of the local industries but has environmental benefits as well. Two-way traffic has the potential to reduce emissions as vessels are not waiting long hours or days to come into the port. This efficiency also translates into reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As shipping lines increasingly prioritize sustainability, two-way traffic can contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to maritime operations.

I also want to point out that vessels are getting larger, and the 1100 ft. restriction may impact our competitiveness in a “bigger is better” world. Well, thanks to the leadership of the Port Authority and others in our community, we were able to initiate Project 11 in 2022.  When complete, the HSC expansion - Project 11 - will widen the channel by 170 feet along its Galveston Bay reach, from 530 feet to 700 feet. With a price tag of $1 billion, larger vessels will be able to safely and efficiently move through our navigable waterway. The project is ongoing/on schedule, and key areas will be completed by the end of this year. I’m excited to see larger vessels arriving at the container terminals soon, increasing our container throughput. Most important, with wider channels, the risk of collisions and groundings will be significantly reduced not only by protecting maritime personnel and vessels, but also the surrounding communities.  As a note, we are currently the largest container terminal in the Gulf of Mexico and ranked #5 in the nation.  Let’s check a year from now as I know things are going to get better for us!  

About the Author 

CAPT Eric Carrero, USCG (Ret.), joined the Greater Houston Port Bureau as president on July 1, 2023. He has 26 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, with experience in international affairs, port and vessel operations, and serving in the Sector Houston-Galveston from 2013-2021. CAPT Carrero holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in environmental management and policy from the American Public University System.