February 3, 2025 | Page 52

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS

population shifts [ to ] where new jobs are being created and families can benefit from a lower cost of living . The fast-expanding consumer base makes the region a powerhouse for imports ,” he added .

Southwestern Florida ’ s Port Tampa Bay has also seen the benefits of this growth — the port experienced an 18 %

increase in TEU volumes over the past 12 months .

“ For Port Tampa Bay , continued strong population growth is fueling cargo demand for everything from consumer goods , food and beverage products , and e-commerce , to construction and building materials ,” said Raul Alfonso , executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Port Tampa Bay . He noted that Florida ’ s population is projected to reach 28 million by 2030 and 32 million by 2040 .

Alfonso touted the port ’ s offerings and proximity to the largest market in the

“ The Gulf is among the fastest-growing regions in the country as the population shifts [ to ] where new jobs are being created .”

Eastern Gulf of Mexico and one of the largest markets in the Southeastern US .

“ The Tampa Bay / Orlando I-4 Corridor is the fastest-growing region in the fastest-growing state in the country ,” he said . “ With a half-billion square feet of distribution center [ DC ] space , Port Tampa Bay ’ s local market — the I-4 Corridor — is home to the largest concentration of DCs in Florida , which service the entire state from this central location .”

By moving cargo through Port Tampa Bay , beneficial cargo owners ( BCOs ) can conduct three daily round-trip deliveries to their DCs , compared with one daily trip through traditional East Coast port routings , Alfonso added . This results in truck drayage cost savings of more than $ 1,000 per container .

“ Shippers and other BCOs are focused on reducing costs in their global supply chains ,” Alfonso said .

Other Gulf Coast ports also experienced higher-than-anticipated cargo movement in 2024 , a sign of solid consumer spending and a push to ship cargo ahead of a potential strike by East and Gulf coast longshore workers . The International Longshoremen ’ s Association and United States Maritime

For more than a century , Port Houston has owned and operated the eight public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel , including the area ’ s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country . Port Houston is the strategic leader for the Houston Ship Channel , the largest port in the nation for waterborne tonnage . The waterway handles hundreds of millions of tons of cargo annually and contributes nearly a trillion dollars in economic value to the US economy . It stands as a gateway to global commerce , consistently playing a pivotal role in connecting markets and fostering prosperity . Port Houston moves 73 % of container traffic in the US Gulf Coast and stands as the fifth ranked container port in the nation .

In 2024 , Port Houston saw remarkable growth , underpinned by its commitment to operational excellence and infrastructure advancements . Port Houston has achieved record-breaking total tonnage and container volumes , reflecting its ability to adapt to evolving market demands and sustain its position as a top-performing US port . With a 60 % market share in resin exports and thriving connections to key markets in the Caribbean , South America and East Asia , Port Houston remains at the forefront of global trade .

A major highlight of Port Houston ’ s ongoing developments is Project 11 , the largest expansion project in the Houston Ship Channel ’ s history . This initiative aims to deepen and widen the channel to accommodate larger vessels , enhance safety and support growing trade volumes . With significant progress made in 2024 , Project 11 underscores the port ’ s commitment to meeting future demands while delivering benefits such as reduced daylight restrictions and improved vessel transit times . The project also emphasizes environmental stewardship , integrating sustainable practices to protect the waterway ’ s natural ecosystem .

Port Houston prioritizes supplier diversity , workforce development , community engagement and sustainability . Through efforts such as the maritime education program , the small , minority- and women-owned business enterprises ( S /

MWBEs ) program , community resource fairs , environmental restoration projects , and partnerships , Port Houston is advancing its vision as the nation ’ s premier maritime gateway for sustainable growth and opportunity . n

52 Journal of Commerce | February 3 , 2025 www . joc . com