November 2. 2026 | Page 46

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HOUSTON TRADE AND LOGISTICS

Terminal upgrades, port construction

Port Houston plans to invest approximately $ 2.1 billion in landside infrastructure over the next five years. These investments include wharf construction and rehabilitation, additional container-yard capacity, new ship-to-shore and rubber-tire gantry cranes, roadway and gate improvements, and increased refrigerated container capacity.

At Bayport, the completion of Wharf 7 and addition of new ship-to-shore cranes have increased the terminal’ s capacity and ability to accommodate larger vessels. Work is currently underway to build Wharf 1 at Bayport, which will add about 1,330 feet of new wharf structure, including crane rails, fender systems and utilities. The wharf is expected to come online in September 2028. Additionally, the port has moved into the design phase for refrigerated container infrastructure for both container terminals.

“ Once constructed and fully equipped, Port Houston will have capacity for more than 3,400 refrigerated containers,” Casey said.

At Barbours Cut, the port began the final phase of wharf improvement for the remaining portion of Wharf 5 and the full length of Wharf 6 in September. This project will provide more than 1,300 feet of upgraded wharf space and is expected to come online in October 2028.

“ These investments are part of a broader effort to expand capacity while maintaining reliable vessel, yard and gate operations as cargo volumes increase,” Casey said.

Port Houston is evaluating additional container capacity while continuing to maximize Bayport and Barbours Cut’ s capabilities.

Positioned at the intersection of energy, petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing and international trade, Houston provides transportation and logistics providers access to a broad customer base, noted Connor Hustava, managing director at Stephens.

“ We believe this backdrop should continue to attract interest from both strategic acquirers and financial sponsors,” he added.

Investor interest is particularly strong in businesses supporting Gulf Coast infrastructure projects, including heavy haul, tank and bulk transportation, and project logistics. These operations often require specialized equipment and expertise, creating barriers to entry. Strong safety records, diversified customers and limited exposure to commodity-price fluctuations can further enhance their appeal, said Michael Miller, head of transportation and logistics at Stephens.

The firm also sees opportunities in contract logistics, cross-border transportation, rail-served networks and specialized supply chains supporting commercial space, shipbuilding and marine services. Supply chain resilience, nearshoring and the growth of Gulf Coast energy exports are prompting companies to add regional capacity, redundancy and technology, often through acquisitions.

Concurrently, higher costs of labor, insurance and equipment, combined with the recent freight downturn, have widened the performance gap between contracted, specialized providers and more transactional businesses. Corporations are increasingly focusing on core operations, potentially making divestitures an important tool for value creation.

For privately held and owner-operated businesses, preparation can begin years before a transaction. Stephens works with such companies at least five years ahead of a potential sale or partial monetization, helping owners strengthen financial reporting, develop organizational resilience and clarify objectives.

“ Businesses can prepare now by strengthening financial reporting and management depth, so they are positioned to act as buyers, sellers or capital raisers,” Hustava said.

An independent, privately owned, full-service investment firm operating for over 90 years, Stephens has built and maintained deep and productive relationships with businesses, municipalities and individuals based on mutual respect, a commitment to integrity and a culture that values transparency and trust.

With over 250 professionals in nine offices across the United States and Europe, the Stephens investment banking division provides trusted advice and execution on the full array of investment banking services: mergers and acquisitions, underwritings of public debt and equity securities, private placements of debt and equity, as well as restructurings and recapitalizations.

Stephens serves public, private and family-owned businesses, as well as financial sponsors, family offices and other institutional investors across six broad industries that span over 25 focused sub-verticals. The company’ s service and sector-focused bankers collaborate to tailor innovative solutions unique to each client. n

46 Journal of Commerce | November 2, 2026 www. joc. com