Ocean cargo: Port of Houston well on way to recovery

Patrick Burnson -- Logistics Management, 9/15/2008 12:50:00 PM

HOUSTON— The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) is in “an asset assessment and operation recovery mode” in the wake of Hurricane Ike said port spokesmen.

“The welfare of PHA’s employees, customers and neighbors is our first concern,” said Argentina James, the port’s director of public affairs. Based on preliminary assessments, the PHA facilities have limited negative impact from the hurricane, he added.

“As is most of the Houston Area, we are without electricity and we are operating with limited temporary power from generators,” stated spokesmen.

In a voicemail message, press officers noted that phone service was still unreliable to the region, advising shippers to contact PHA via email.

Meanwhile, containerized shipping movements in and out of the vital Gulf gateway are expected to resume on a case-by-case basis.

“We rely on the captain of the port to make that determination,” said spokesmen. “At this time, that determination has not been made. We will continue to coordinate communication and assessment efforts with the local and regional port coordination team.”

Initial assessments of the PHA terminals revealed minimal wind damage that knocked down a few fences, containers and electrical lines, said officials, who added facilities and its assets are in “good shape” considering the magnitude and strength of the hurricane.

All PHA windblown debris has been contained on the PHA property. The vast majority of the cargo is safe, secure and undamaged.

“All of the vessels docked at PHA terminals are secure,” said spokesmen, noting that the Rickmars Seoul marine vessel did break loose, but it was contained and secured within a matter of minutes.”

Shippers are advised to continue checking with the port’s website for updates on vessel activity.