THE Port of Houston Authority is planning to add capacity by converting Bayport Container Terminal (BPT) into an additional container yard, reports London's Port Technology.
Under the plan, a total area of 100 acres at BPT in Bayport East End will be converted to effectively increase container volumes while improving terminal efficiency and reducing emissions.
The East End was originally developed as a cruise terminal, and later changed, in part, to an auto roll-on/roll-off terminal following market requirements.
As the authority looks to address current and projected future demands for container storage at BPT, Port Houston is planning to the conversion to container yard by paving the existing auto terminal area and adjacent unpaved area to its south.
The proposed East End change project includes two 50-acre yards.
Alongside the installation of a new pavement and the construction of a new maintenance and repair building, the proposed project also includes the construction of a storm water collection system, water lines, and sanitary sewer lines; installation of an underground fibre optic cable.
Port Houston has obtained a Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant, administered by the US Maritime Administration, for construction of the first 50 acres and plans to pursue additional grants for other portions of the proposed East End project.
Design is anticipated to begin in first quarter of 2023 with construction in first quarter of 2024.
The authority reported that environmental review and consultation required by the National Environmental Policy Act are being performed by Port Houston and the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to support the PIDP grant contract.
The Port of Houston enjoyed a 13 per cent year-on-year container growth in October, continuing its positive trend seen throughout 2022.
The port moved a total of 371,994 TEU during the month.