Bayport Facility News

The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) signed the federal permit for the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal on Monday. The permit was then issued after Col. Leonard Waterworth signed it. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permit was the next critical step in the process to build the $1.2 billion terminal. Construction is expected to begin soon. "We have always felt that this step would occur," said Jim Edmonds, PHA commission chairman. The Corps studied the port authority's Bayport terminal for more than five years…

Suderman and Young Towing Company, L.P. (S&Y) announced the completion of the sea-trials for its newest tug Thor. The tug features Z-Tech drive, and is touted as the first of its kind in the western hemisphere, with only four other Z-Tech vessels operating in the world. The Z-Tech design incorporates the best of the design features from standard tug Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) and Z-drive configurations. With its 360 degree turning wheel the design improves maneuverability while the Thor Z-Tech’s much larger skeg boosts towing capability and directional stability. This new operational design will enable the tug to handle tomorrow’s larger container vessels more efficiently.