Greater Houston Port Bureau News

The Port Bureau News is a publication dedicated to providing an overview of the transportation infrastructure, current events, and pressing issues of the Houston Maritime Community. The magazine is available online on the first of each month, and print copies are available at the monthly Commerce Club luncheons.

             In 1776, a small assembly of brave men joined together to create one of the most enduring documents in the history of the world. With the looming British army wounded but still far from defeated, they knew that their best chance for survival was through unification: one nation, one United States of America, one currency, one army, and one leader. Even though they came from different backgrounds, industries, and locations, and armed with different view points on the role of the federal government, they understood that the nation’s creation and preservation were far more important than semantic debates. By writing the Declaration of Independence, those patriotic men proved the motto we find on our currency and on the Great Seal of the United States, inscribed on the scroll hanging from the mouth of the bald eagle: “E Pluribus Unum.”

             “E Pluribus Unum.” Out of many, one. Pat Bellamy, a great visionary here in Houston, had a similar goal: to create a security district to protect the Houston Ship Channel from potential terrorist attacks. The aptly named Houston Ship Channel Security District has brought together talent from across the city, uniting them in the cause of mutual safety. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll read more details about the Security District, its creation and evolution, and its applications in the future. What I want to do now, though, is recognize the board members of the District: Chairman Robin Riley, Secretary Tom Schroeter, Treasurer Clayton Curtis, and the other directors: Richard Henderson, Mark Skobel, Greg DeLong, Harry Engelhardt, Lawrence Waldron, Ray Yellig, Beth Bowles, and Steve Stewart. These men and women have taken the initiative to lead this organization in its formative state, stepping to the helm at a time when the number of hard questions greatly outweighs the number of easy answers.

             Great men and women realize that we must often put aside short term gain for long term profit. The creators and directors of the Houston Ship Channel Security District, like the members of the Continental Congress, realized that their ultimate goals would not come quickly or easily, but that they were worth the struggle. They realized that they stood the best chance of success by bonding together, creating one organization, The Houston Ship Channel Security District, exemplifying the idea that “E Pluribus Unum.” Out of many, one.

 

Sample Image

Port Watch - Back & Forth We Go

Tom Marian | August 2010 |

             July was a welcome sigh of relief after June’s disappointing numbers; particularly throughout the Port of Houston. Activity abounded at the scores of terminals lining the shores of the upper Houston Ship Channel. In fact, in terms of sheer vessel arrivals, Houston had its best month of the year with 687 arrivals...

Keep Reading →

Sample Image

The Houston Ship Channel Security District

Patrick Seeba | September 2010 |

             Formed by an act of state law in 2007, the Houston Ship Channel Security District is tasked with protecting the waterway, people who live and work near the channel, and the companies along the channel who produce a combined $300 million worth of business every day in the Houston Port Region.

Keep Reading →

Sample Image

Spotlight on Tim Studdert

VP - Operations, Buffalo Marine Services, Inc.
|July 2010 |



             Buffalo Marine Service declares that “Our fleet is young, agile, and powerful. We do everything possible to get your order processed quickly”. Taking a look at Tim Studdert, Vice President for Operations at Buffalo, visitors quickly see how true that statement is. ... 

Keep Reading →

Houston Pilots Christen Yellow Rose

August 28, 2010



             On August 28th, the Houston Pilots christened the Yellow Rose—the fourth pilot boat now in operation. Joining the Houston Pilot Boat Number One, the Bayou City, and the Lone Star, the Yellow Rose ferries pilots from shore to blue-water vessel so that they may bring them to the docks.

             Built by Seattle-based Kvichak Marine Industries, the 75 foot, all-aluminum vessel is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38 engines rating a total of 2800 BHP. The engines are coupled to ZF 4600 transmissions driving twin Hamilton 651 waterjets, allowing for excellent maneuverability and a top speed of about 29 knots when fully loaded. The Yellow Rose engines and hull design also allow her to come to a complete stop within two boat lengths—150 ft.

             Helen Green, wife of Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) broke the traditional bottle of champagne over the bow of the vessel , and a crowd of over 200 watched a demonstration of the vessel’s handling and maneuverability.