Update: Port Houston container terminals are established for resuming for routine service March 20. Full declaration near the bottom.

Port Houston has actually put on hold procedures at its 2 container terminals after an employee there examined favorable for COVID-19.

The 2 terminals influenced are the Bayport as well as Barbours Cut terminals, which jointly deal with around two-thirds of all containerized freight in the united state Gulf ofMexico The terminals are possessed as well as run by the Port of Houston Authority, also known as Port Houston.

“The Port Authority has learned that someone who worked at both Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus,” Port Houston stated in a declaration. “In light of this information, and in an abundance of caution, both public terminals are closed and operations are temporarily suspended while a thorough investigation is being conducted.  The Port Authority’s other public facilities remain open.”

The Houston Ship Channel as well as the 200-plus exclusive terminals that make up the higher Port of Houston are likewise still running, it stated. All various other public centers, consisting of breakbulk as well as basic freight centers, stay open.

“The health and safety of Port Houston’s employees, users, customers and community remains its first priority. Port Houston is in communication with public authorities and health agencies while an investigation is underway,” the Port Authority stated.

In 2019, Port Houston’s Bayport as well as Barbours Cut container terminals dealt with a document 2,987,291 TEUs.

In an upgrade Thursday mid-day, Port Houston introduced that procedures would certainly return to on March 20.

The Port Authority has actually carried out a comprehensive examination pertaining to the ILA employee, that lately operated at both Bayport as well as Barbours Cut Terminals, that examined favorable for coronavirus (COVID-19). The ILA employee is presently in quarantine at the health center.

Port Houston has actually carried out a joint examination with the ILA which suggested that his direct exposure to others was rather restricted. Following CDC standards, all those that he has actually remained in straight call with throughout the 2 days operated at Port Houston centers remain in self-quarantine. Additionally, those that kept social distancing from the employee, as well as have reduced danger, have actually been suggested.

We have actually taken sensible actions to guarantee we return to procedures properly as well as securely. We will certainly be returning to vessel procedures this night at 1900 at both container terminals. We will certainly resume both container terminals for routine service tomorrow early morning.