GALVESTON, TX (April 5, 2018) -The Port of Galveston is proud to mark April 5th as Western Hemisphere Ports Day. Led by the American Association of Port Authorities, the Port of Galveston joins hundreds of ports in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, to highlight and celebrate the value of ports. The day acknowledges the port industry’s role in job creation and economic prosperity, and its commitment to education, training and environmental stewardship initiatives on behalf of the communities we serve across the Americas.
This is especially true at the Port of Galveston. As one of the top 50 ports in the nation and one of the busiest in Texas, the Port moved 2.3 million tons of cargo and had over 1.8 million cruise passenger movements in 2017. From this activity, the Port generates over 13,500 jobs in Texas and with the completion of several major capital projects in 2017, jobs associated with Port operations are expected to grow.
The Port of Galveston also plays an active role in the community. In May, the Port hosts its annual National Maritime Day event. Besides recognizing the contribution of the maritime industry to our nation’s heritage and economic vitality, this day provides an opportunity to introduce Galveston’s youth to an “All Things Maritime” event with a visit to Pier 21, the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, Texas A&M’s training vessel General Rudder and Sea Scout Base Galveston’s Bay Smart Express as well as the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum and the Pier 21 Theater. The Port also hosts a community Open House in Cruise Terminal 2. The community open house enables the public to browse exhibits about port operations, meet with Port staff and tour the facility. In August, partnering with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Port hosts an imPORTant day that provides an opportunity for twenty rising 8th and 10th graders to learn more about the maritime industry.
“We’re pleased to recognize Ports Day as a part of our ongoing commitment to educating and training future maritime professionals,” said Rodger Rees, Port of Galveston Port Director and CEO.
According to IHS Markit’s World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2016 totaled 3.49 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.01 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.71 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$941 billion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.07 trillion.
“We’re proud to recognize the contributions of our member ports as we celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA President and CEO. “In support of workers, farmers, employers, manufacturers and consumers everywhere, our ports are united in planning for the future, creating jobs and propelling the economy.”
About the Port of Galveston
The Port of Galveston is the region’s gateway to the Gulf for cruise ships and international trade. Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay, the Port leases and maintains facilities on both Galveston Island and Pelican Island. The Galveston Island operations are a diversified mix of cargo including roll on-roll-off cargo, dry bulk, export grain, refrigerated fruit, general cargo, and project cargo. In addition, the Port handles over 1.8 million cruise passenger movements annually. The Port’s Pelican Island facilities comprise a combination of undeveloped property, an active ship and rig repair facility, and liquid bulk operations. The Port is a self-supporting enterprise utility with operating revenues of approximately $34 million. It does not rely on tax dollars for operations.
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