Galveston, TX-November 26, 2018 – The Galveston Wharves announced results for the month of September 2018 to round out a strong third quarter driven by substantial cargo volume, and an increase in cruise passenger capacity. Containerized cargo increased by 34.8% year-over-year when compared to September 2017, increasing the year-to-date figure to 17.7% over the same period of 2017. This solidifies four consecutive months of double-digit growth in containerized cargo.
“We are glad to report such a strong increase of both cargo volume and passenger movements in the third quarter,” said Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees. “If this trend continues, it will be a record year across all business lines for the Port. Our new team is coming together.”
The Port handled year-over-year tonnage increases in September 2018 for liquid bulk, bananas/fruit, and roll-on roll-off. Liquid bulk was up 8.2 %, bananas/fruit were up 34% and Ro-Ro cargo rose 22.0% over September 2017, maintaining the solid performance while lifting the sector to a positive 35.3% for 2018. Total cargo decreased from last September, but remains positive over 2017 by an impressive 30.4%.
Additionally, the Port handled a 5% increase in cruise ship visits for September 2018, resulting in increased passenger embarkations of 14.6% year-over-year from the same period in September 2017. Parking numbers increased approximately at the same rate as our passenger counts.
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 $38 million. It does not rely on tax dollars for operations.