UN/LOCODE: USHOU📍 United States
Port of Houston (UN/LOCODE USHOU)
❖ Coordinates: 29.7500°N, -95.3500°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Chicago
❖ UN/LOCODE: USHOU
## About the Port
The Port of Houston, designated by UN/LOCODE as USHOU, stands as one of the preeminent maritime gateways in North America. Located along the Houston Ship Channel in Texas, this strategic port complex serves as the primary economic engine for the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The port operates within the America/Chicago timezone at coordinates 29.75° Latitude, -95.35° Longitude, positioning it advantageously for both domestic and international shipping operations.
The Port of Houston Authority (PHA), a political subdivision of the City of Houston, manages and operates this vital maritime facility. Covering approximately 85 square miles of dedicated port facilities, the complex encompasses 127 individual berths and terminals, making it one of the largest port installations in the United States by area. The port's deep-water capabilities, with depths reaching 42 feet at mean lower low water, accommodate the world's largest container vessels and bulk carriers without requiring extensive dredging operations.
## History
The Port of Houston's maritime heritage traces back to 1836 when the Buffalo Bayou navigation improvements first enabled ship access to the interior of Texas. However, the modern port's development began in earnest during the early 20th century following the construction of the Houston Ship Channel in 1914, which connected the Gulf of Mexico to the city's burgeoning industrial district.
The transformative moment came in 1941 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed major dredging operations, creating a 50-foot-deep shipping channel that fundamentally altered the region's economic landscape. This development positioned Houston as a critical refueling and resupply point during World War II, establishing the foundation for its post-war expansion.
The port's evolution accelerated significantly in the 1970s and 1980s as global containerization transformed maritime commerce. The establishment of the Port of Houston Authority in 1949 provided the governance structure necessary for systematic expansion and modernization. Throughout the late 20th century, the port consistently ranked among the top five U.S. ports by cargo volume, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to changing global trade patterns and technological advances in maritime logistics.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Houston's infrastructure represents a sophisticated integration of traditional maritime facilities with cutting-edge logistics technology. The main shipping channel extends 31 miles inland, providing direct access to the Gulf of Mexico through the Houston Ship Channel. This extensive waterway system supports simultaneous vessel traffic of over 1,000 vessels daily, utilizing advanced traffic management systems to ensure optimal flow and safety.
The port's container terminal infrastructure includes multiple state-of-the-art facilities equipped with gantry cranes capable of handling post-Panamax vessels. Key terminals include the Bayport Container Terminal and the Barbours Cut Container Terminal, both featuring automated gate systems and electronic data interchange capabilities that streamline cargo processing operations.
Bulk cargo facilities represent another cornerstone of the port's infrastructure. The Greens Bayou Terminal handles substantial volumes of agricultural products, while specialized facilities manage petrochemical shipments, steel products, and forest products. The port's liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals, including the Cheniere Energy Partners facility, demonstrate the complex's adaptation to emerging energy markets and infrastructure demands.
Intermodal connectivity distinguishes the Port of Houston's infrastructure profile significantly. The facility integrates seamlessly with Class I railroads, major highway systems including Interstate 10 and State Highway 288, and extensive pipeline networks serving the petrochemical corridor. This multimodal connectivity enables efficient cargo transfer between shipping, rail, and truck transport modes, reducing logistics costs and delivery times for regional supply chains.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Houston generates extraordinary economic impact for the State of Texas and the broader United States economy. Annual economic studies estimate the port contributes over $120 billion in economic activity and supports more than 1.7 million jobs across various sectors including transportation, manufacturing, retail, and services. These figures underscore the port's role as a critical node in North American supply chains.
The port's economic significance extends beyond direct employment to catalyze development throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The maritime complex supports over 5,700 businesses and generates approximately $28 billion in local payroll annually. Tax revenue contributions exceed $2.5 billion yearly, funding essential public services and infrastructure improvements throughout the Harris County region.
Energy sector facilitation represents perhaps the port's most distinctive economic function. As the heart of the U.S. petrochemical industry, the Houston port complex handles over 100 million tons of bulk cargo annually, including crude oil, refined petroleum products, chemicals, and natural gas. The facility serves as a primary export gateway for Texas crude oil and a critical import point for petroleum products destined for domestic distribution.
Agricultural exports through the port contribute significantly to Texas's export economy, with forest products, food items, and manufactured goods utilizing maritime transportation for domestic and international markets. The port's ability to handle diverse cargo types—from automobiles to heavy equipment—demonstrates its versatility as a commercial hub supporting multiple industrial sectors simultaneously.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Houston maintains extensive trade relationships with over 800 global ports spanning six continents, reflecting its position as a major international maritime gateway. Primary transatlantic routes connect the port with major European commercial centers including Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Le Havre, facilitating substantial two-way cargo exchange with Continental Europe.
Pacific Rim connectivity represents a critical component of the port's international trade network. Regular service routes link Houston with key Asian markets including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Tokyo, supporting the complex's position as a major export point for American manufactured goods and agricultural products. The port's capability to accommodate large container vessels has enhanced its competitiveness in Asia-Europe trade corridors via transshipment arrangements.
Latin American trade relationships demonstrate the port's growing importance in regional commerce, with regular services to major ports in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. These connections support increasing U.S. exports to emerging markets while facilitating import flows of raw materials and consumer goods from the Western Hemisphere.
Container cargo volumes through the Port of Houston regularly exceed 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, positioning it among the top container ports in the United States. Automotive shipments represent a significant cargo category, with the port serving as a primary ingress point for Japanese, Korean, and European vehicle manufacturers' products destined for North American markets.
Bulk cargo throughput remains the port's traditional strength, with annual handling capacity exceeding 180 million tons. Petrochemical shipments dominate this category, reflecting the region's industrial base and the port's specialized infrastructure for hazardous material transport. Agricultural exports, particularly forest products including lumber and wood pulp, utilize dedicated terminal facilities designed for efficient loading and weather protection.
[^1]: Port of Houston Authority Official Website↗
[^2]: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Houston District↗
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USHOU
Country
United States
Province / Region
Texas
Latitude
29.750000
Longitude
-95.350000
Timezone
America/Chicago
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Houston?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Houston is USHOU.
Where is Port of Houston located?
The Port of Houston is located in United States, Texas. Its coordinates are 29.7500°N, -95.3500°E.
What time zone is Port of Houston in?
Port of Houston operates in the America/Chicago time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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