A Statement : We continue to monitor weather conditions and will evaluate resumption of operations for Monday afternoon if conditions allow

Winter Storm Fern has forced Port Houston to shut down vessel traffic and key terminal operations as freezing weather swept across the Gulf Coast and eastern states, according to an official Port Houston statement. Ship operations at container terminals and turning basin facilities began winding down from the evening of Jan. 24, with vessel movements, container gates and the truck office remaining closed through Sunday and Monday morning because of worsening conditions.  and vessel operations, truck office, and container gates will remain closed all day Sunday and Monday morning.

Offline one of the Gulf Coast’s most critical cargo hubs

The suspension has taken offline one of the Gulf Coast’s most critical cargo hubs, handling large volumes of containerised imports, petrochemicals and industrial freight tied directly to the Texas manufacturing and energy corridor. Meanwhile at Turning Basin Terminal, both Cargo Bay Road and Ramp Road 6 will continue to be manned. 

Growing concern over ice, sub-zero temperatures 

Disaster declarations across southeast Texas reflected growing concern over ice, sub-zero temperatures and infrastructure strain likely to slow both port activity and inland distribution. Widespread flight cancellations and rebooking advisories have amplified the risk of cascading delays for time-sensitive cargo that frequently shifts between air and sea when networks tighten. For shipping lines, terminal operators and cargo owners, the Port Houston closures point to vessel queues, berth congestion once terminals reopen and extended delays across Gulf Coast supply routes

Pilots suspend some operations as winter storm hits

Meanwhile Texas pilots suspended some operations on Monday as frigid weather conditions hit the state.
The Brazos Santiago Pilots were scheduled to halt ship movements just before midnight on Monday as offshore conditions worsened, according to a notice from a shipping agent.

The Lake Charles Pilots suspended service ahead of the storm and will review possible movements on Wednesday afternoon, the notice said. A winter storm warning is in effect from Monday evening until Tuesday evening for parts of the US Gulf Coast, according to the National Weather Service, with as much as four to six inches of snow anticipated around the Houston area according to Reuters 

Will evaluate resumption of operations

Meanwhile the statement stated that they continue to monitor weather conditions and will evaluate resumption of operations for Monday afternoon if conditions allow despite of It's the winter storm whose impacts could rival what we see during a hurricane. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are falling from Texas to Kentucky.

Please visit www.porthouston.com and follow us on social media to stay up-to date. For questions, please contact your assigned Port Houston representative.

About Port Houston

Port Houston is the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage, managing an extensive 52-mile complex of public and private terminals along the Houston Ship Channel. It serves as a vital international trade gateway, ranking 1st in the U.S. for foreign tonnage, import/export cargo, and Gulf Coast container movements

Related : Port Houston adds hybrid RTGs cranes at Bayport Terminal

Source : Agencies + Press - Release

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