Report on WZCC Port of Houston Boat Ride  

Port of Houston is a 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico. The port is ranked first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in the total tonnage. A total of 8,053 vessel calls were recorded at the Port of Houston during the year 2008. It has an impressive listing of firsts, from unloading the world’s fist container ship to becoming the country’s first port to receive ISO 14001 compliance.

 Houston Ship Channel has been a catalyst for growth since the first journey of a steamship up Buffalo Bayou in 1837. The ship channel plays a critical role in today’s community as well. It generates jobs and opportunities. A 2007 study says that ship channel-related businesses support more than 785,000 jobs throughout Texas while generating $118 billion of statewide economic impact.

A visit to the Port of Houston was organized by the WZCC Houston Chapter on November 22, 2009.  A group of 30 individuals were given a 90-minute leisurely boat ride on board of M. V. Sam Houston along the Ship Channel. Embarking from the port’s Sam Houston Pavilion, everybody enjoyed passing views of international cargo vessels and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal accompanied by an informative commentary. Having 72° F temperatures under clear blue Texan sky and a bright sun shinning above, made the day even more enjoyable.