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Port Performance: Houston, Metro Vancouver, Virginia

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Houston Steel Surges, Operating Revenue Top $24 Million in July

More steel moved across Houston’s docks in July than any month since 2008, Executive Director Roger Guenther reported at the August 26 meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Mr. Guenther also noted that PHA operating revenues hit a monthly high in July of more than $24 million.

Thanks in great part to the steel and bulk trades, cargo handled across PHA docks posted a 5 percent gain during the first seven months of 2014 to more than 22 million tons, including July’s 844,000 tons of steel. Container volume was flat, with empty boxes offsetting a 4-percent increase in loaded boxes handled year-to-date. 

Combining revenues and controlled spending, PHA has generated more than $65 million in operating cash flow for the year, a growth of 5 percent, Mr. Guenther reported. The PHA’s reforecast budget for the remainder of the year reflects a $5.8 million increase in annual operating revenue, a $2.1 million decrease on annual operating expense, a reduction in G&A expense of $1.9 million, and a resulting 10-percent increase in cash flow to more than $100 million.

Strong Mid-Year Cargo Volumes Reported For Port Metro Vancouver 

Mid-year data show Port Metro Vancouver cargo volumes totaling nearly 69.2 million metric tons, an increase from first half 2013 of 3.6 percent, with foreign trade accounting for 54.6 million tons ( 3.5 percent) and domestic cargo for 14.5 million tons ( 3.8 percent).

"At the mid-point of 2014 we are seeing ongoing growth as Canadian trade continues to increase with both strong demand for Canadian exports and for imports to Canada," said Robin Silvester, the port’s president and chief executive Officer. "Our focus on infrastructure projects that build capacity and maximize supply chain efficiency has been key as we always seek to ensure we balance this growth with the need to protect our environment and respect the quality of life of our neighbors."

Container traffic grew by 4.6 percent to 1,403,495 TEUs, despite the 28-day trucking disruption earlier in the year.

Growth continued as well in the break bulk and bulk sectors, with gains from a year ago of 1.4 and 4.6 percent, respectively. Click here for a detailed statistical profile.

"Our government remains engaged with our provincial counterparts in British Columbia to continue to collaborate and ensure the smooth flow of goods at Port Metro Vancouver," said Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt. "The continued growth shown by this report is yet another testament to the success and importance of the ongoing infrastructure investments in achieving stable and efficient port operations."

Virginia Port’s Fiscal 2015 Begins Profitably and With Record Container Volume

Fiscal year 2015 began on a positive note for the Port of Virginia.

In July, the port’s TEU volume of 207,771 units surpassed the monthly record set last October by 1,174 TEUs. Port revenues of $37.9 million and operating income of $1.98 million were up 21.5 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from July 2013 levels.

"This is a solid start to our new fiscal year and a return to profitability after a loss in June," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "Our performance and direction are improving, but much work remains to be done."

The port has generated an operating profit in four of the last five months. It ascribes in July’s strong financial performance to these factors: the port’s taking over management of the empty container yards; recognizing revenue and cost from the operation of HRCP II (the port’s chassis pool); and the efficiencies  realized from multiple initiatives implemented since February at the terminals to improve delivery of service and cargo flow while controlling costs.

"Fiscal 2014 was a pivotal year for the port and we are confident in our ability to continue to implement constructive changes as we move forward together, to better serve our customers and stakeholders," Mr. Reinhart said. "Our focus continues to be those initiatives that will reduce cost, increase velocity, improve service and maintain profitability."

Container throughput through July reached a record 1,344,425 TEUs, up 6.8 percent from the first seven months of CY 2013. Other July data point to increased container volumes via truck and barge and a slight drop in rail traffic. Overall trucks accounted for 64 percent, rail for 32 percent and barge for 4.0 percent of the containers shipped in and out of the port.

The Virginia Inland Port (VIP) handled 3,345 total containers in July, a 51 percent increase from a year ago and the best July in the facility’s 25-year history.

In July, the port worked 176 vessels (container, break bulk and ro/ro) making it the best month for vessel calls in more than five years.
 

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