Port Houston Other service Enhanced
Houston Ship Channel Infrastructure & Project 11
As local sponsor of the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel, Port Houston maintains and improves the waterway, including the Project 11 expansion.
Description
Port Houston is the local sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel and is responsible for maintaining and improving the 52-mile waterway. With more than 200 private and eight public terminals, the channel complex is the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage (309.5 million tons in 2023, USACE).
Project 11
The Project 11 expansion of the channel is ongoing; segments through the Galveston Bay Reach were finalized as of September 2025. The work supports safe navigation and vessel traffic and allows Bayport to receive 15,000–17,000 TEU ships.
Navigation resources
- Navigation information, water soundings and hydrographic surveys of Port facilities
- Dredging FAQs and dredging and marine permit and licence resources
Landside investment
Port Houston is investing $2.1 billion over the next five years in STS cranes, hybrid RTG cranes, new and rehabilitated wharves and container yards, and reefer capacity.
Specifications
| Channel length | 52 miles |
|---|---|
| Ship Channel tonnage (2023) | 309.5 million tons |
| Landside investment (next five years) | $2.1 billion |
More from Port Houston
Other service
Bayport Container Terminal
Port Houston container terminal in Pasadena, Texas, opened in 2007, with five operational berths, 314 acres of container yard and capacity for 15,000–17,000 TEU ships.
Other service
Barbours Cut Container Terminal
Port Houston container terminal at Morgan’s Point/La Porte, opened in 1977, with six berths, 300 acres of container yard, 29 entry truck gates and over 8,000 feet of working track.
Other service
Multi-Purpose, Breakbulk and Project Cargo Facilities
Port Houston’s multi-purpose terminals from the Turning Basin downstream handle steel, grain, breakbulk, heavy-lift project cargo and wind turbine components.
Remote / Digital Service
Terminal Toolbox & Container Terminal Resources
Online portal for Port Houston customers: vessel schedules, container tracking, berth applications, bookings, gate and crane cameras, tariffs and price quotes.
Other service
Carrier Services
Consolidated container and general cargo liner schedules and carrier contacts for services calling Port Houston on all major trade lanes.
Rental / Leasing
Foreign Trade Zone 84 Public Facilities
Foreign Trade Zone 84 public facilities administered by Port Houston: warehouse and open storage, liquid bulk storage and blending, building space and land for lease.
Other service
Port Security, Police, Fire & Emergency Management
Port Houston Police, Fire, Emergency Management and Security teams, with three fire stations and three fireboats on the Houston Ship Channel; ISO 28000:2022 and CTPAT certified.