Hundreds of maritime professionals recently attended the fourth annual JOC Gulf Shipping Conference held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel downtown. The event was hosted by Port Houston and organized by The Journal of Commerce and parent company IHS Markit.
The attendees discussed shipping trends and the efficiency and importance of commerce moving through U.S. Gulf ports. The event provided an in-depth look at the latest trends, problems and solutions emerging for cargo owners importing and exporting through the Gulf.
“The significant industry activity on the Gulf Coast presents opportunities for the continued growth of international trade and business,” says Roger Guenther, Port Houston’s executive director, who participated in the program during a session about the Houston Ship Channel’s growth, challenges and opportunities. “We were pleased to be able to sponsor this event that featured dynamic discussions of interests.”
Guenther also notes that the improvements to the Houston Ship Channel remain the top priority for Port Houston, which continues to make significant infrastructure improvements to its facilities. Houston is the epicenter of massive energy and petrochemical manufacturing investments that are resulting in more jobs across the nation, increased energy security and increased exports.
“The Houston Ship Channel is critical to economic security in the region and is the busiest waterway in the nation,” Guenther says. “It is our obligation to ensure that the channel continues to be improved.”
