# Port Houston advances plans for channel and container capacity expansion

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/port-houston-advances-plans-for-channel-and-container-capacity-expansion/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-03T13:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-02T16:57:46+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Barbours Cut Terminal, Container Capacity, Container Terminals, Houston Ship Channel, Maritime Trade, Port Expansion, Port Houston, Port Infrastructure, Project 11, Project 12, Spilman Island, Texas, United States, USACE

Port Houston is moving forward with preliminary planning for further improvements to the Houston Ship Channel and potential additional container terminal capacity, following discussions at its October Port Commission meeting.

The port authority announced that it will undertake its own study covering portions of a possible Project 12, the next major channel improvement initiative. The work will run alongside an existing partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to examine improvements across the wider Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay system.

The announcement follows the completion of Port Houston-led segments of Project 11, an earlier channel expansion programme. The port’s latest planning efforts are intended to address future navigation requirements and accommodate longer-term growth in regional cargo activity.

### Project 12 planning moves forward

Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins told the Commission that the authority would proceed with its own study under Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.

The study will focus on selected portions of a potential Project 12 channel expansion, while the USACE continues work on a traditional feasibility study covering the broader waterway system.

Port Houston and the USACE also held a Federal Interest Determination meeting in October, initiating a 45-day process expected to produce a recommendation on the scope of the Project 12 study.

The process represents an early planning step rather than approval of a new channel construction programme. The port has not announced a final project design, construction timetable or investment value for Project 12.

### Barbours Cut expansion remains under consideration

Port Houston is also examining options to accommodate the additional container handling capacity expected to be required in the region over the next decade.

Among the proposals under review is a potential expansion north of Barbours Cut Terminal onto Spilman Island, where the USACE has already held a public scoping meeting.

The port authority also hosted Permitting Council Executive Director Emily Domenech for a site visit related to the potential development.

However, Port Houston emphasised that the proposed Barbours Cut North Expansion remains one of several options being evaluated. Any advancement of the project would require a formal Final Investment Decision by the Port Commission.

### Cargo growth provides context for investment planning

During the October meeting, the Commission also reviewed cargo developments through September 2026.

Loaded container imports at Port Houston increased by 5% year on year during the first nine months, supported by consumer demand during the peak shipping season.

Separately, the wider Houston Ship Channel region handled 22.3 million tons of foreign cargo in August, an increase of 18% compared with the same month in 2025. Export tonnage rose by 24% during the month.

The figures provide context for the authority’s longer-term infrastructure planning, although the port has not identified a specific investment decision or completion date for the proposed Project 12 and Barbours Cut North developments.

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Cite as: "Port Houston advances plans for channel and container capacity expansion", pelavox., 3 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/port-houston-advances-plans-for-channel-and-container-capacity-expansion/