“This growth was driven by continued strength in steel tonnage,” said Interim Executive Director Leonard D. Waterworth in his monthly report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.
Steel was up 329,000 tons, or 143 percent for the month and 564,000 tons or 119 percent for 2012. Container tonnage showed solid growth of 147,000 tons or 6 percent for the year, with loaded container units growing by 10 percent. Other general and bulk cargos at Port Authority facilities grew by 296,000 tons or 44 percent for the year, he noted.
Total operations tonnage was solid, equating to operating revenues that grew by double digits, Waterworth reported. February revenue was $17.7 million, up by 16 percent with year-to-date revenues of $34.7 million, a 13-percent increase over 2011.
Net operating income is $1.8 million ahead of the budget, Waterworth said, given lower expenditures than expected, partially offset by a shortfall in container revenues due to timing issues.
“It’s good to be on the positive side,” he concluded, noting that while there is an upswing in the market currently, the Port Authority will continue to strive to increase efficiencies.
