Port Houston to reopen for business, beginning with truck operations

Port Houston will reopen its terminals for business on Sept. 1, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria announced at an evening press conference Aug. 31.

The Barbours Cut Terminal, Bayport Container Terminal and Turning Basin Terminal will be open for truck operations from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

“Although vessel movements remain restricted because of swift current in the channel from continued significant inflows, it is important to resume landside receipt and delivery of containers at our terminals in advance of commencement of vessel operations,” Longoria said in a press release. “Opening our terminals also reinforces the messages of Mayor Turner and Judge Emmett that it is important to resume normal operations as soon as practicable.”

Port Houston and its hundreds of employees had remained idled for several days as emergency responders continued to monitor the widespread flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The situation has delayed the delivery of tons of commodities integral to the global economy.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard just began allowing small tankers to use Port Corpus Christi’s inner harbor.