The Port of Houston’s two container terminals are currently closed as a result of a “hardware failure” that began Monday morning.
In a statement, the Port of Houston clarified that the incident is not related to a cyberattack and that it is working to restore systems as soon as possible. However, the two container terminals, Bayport and Barbours Cut, are not expected to open today or tonight.
Port CEO Roger Guenther explained the situation in a letter to customers and stakeholders.
“Yesterday, prior to the truck gates opening at their normal 7:00 a.m. time, we experienced a major failure of the storage devices that support all applications used to operate both the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals. Our staff responded immediately and moved the applications and associated data to a redundant set of storage devices and the terminals were back in operation by 10:00 a.m. Unfortunately, the redundant storage devices failed at 12:00 noon and the terminals have been unable to process any transactions since then. I want to make it clear that this is not a cyber attack on Port Houston’s operating system,” writes Guenther.
Ships that were already underway have been able to continue working, but new vessel operations “have not been possible.” Truck doors at the two container facilities are also down.
Guenther reports that the port now has the necessary equipment, but setup and reestablishment “has been a slow process.”
“Frankly, the prospects for reopening today are not good,” Guenther writes.
The Port of Houston’s Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals handle about two-thirds of all U.S. Gulf of Mexico containerized cargo. Like other container ports across the country, the port has seen a steady increase in imports since recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Year-to-date through June, the Port of Houston has recorded 1,607,793 TEUs, a 13% increase over last year.
Once systems are restored, Guenther said the port’s plans include extending daily gate hours, as well as weekend gates. “In addition, all available resources will be provided to continue vessel operations.”
