HOUSTON — The Houston Ship Channel continues to hold the “top spot” among the nation’s waterways: that rating was confirmed last week when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the U.S. Coastal and Inland Navigation System 2022 Transportation Facts & Information Report, incorporating the latest data on tonnage and waterway rankings.
According to Port Houston, the Houston Ship Channel remains the nation’s No. 1 waterway in waterborne tonnage. In 2022, 293.8 million tons moved along the Houston Ship Channel, a 10% increase over 2021 and a record for the port. There is a gap of 67 million tons in annual tonnage between the Houston channel and the country’s No. 2 port. The 67-million-ton difference is larger than 94% of all U.S. ports.
“This report confirms that the Houston Ship Channel is the vital economic engine to the nation and helps serve as the basis for expediting Project 11, providing for growth, a safer channel, and improved efficiency and emissions for the benefit of our region,” Chairman Campo said. “And it underscores the importance of continued federal funding to maintain the nation’s busiest waterway, so it can meet the daily needs of the region it serves.”
While touting the waterway’s top ranking, Chairman Campo highlighted the importance and steady progress of Project 11 as “a testament to all those involved.” He emphasized that the No. 1 position means “jobs for our region.”
“When you think about being number one, it means we’re also number one in jobs,” Chairman Campo said. “The more jobs created; the more value created for the region.”
By: Port Houston
