Port of Houston Extends Free Time

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

31 Jul 2009

The Port of Houston will extend free time for most inbound cargo during the recession.  During its regular meeting July 29, The Port of Houston Authority Port Commission approved services and construction contracts and amended Tariff No. 8, related to demurrage, berthing and payments.  As of August 1, more generous free time requirements will benefit the port’s customers and users during the economic downturn and also benefit the port authority. The proposed action would extend free time on most inbound cargo from 15 days to 30 days and on single inbound consignments of 2,000 tons or more from 30 days to 45 days. Other changes to the tariff clarify berthing arrangements for vessels and arrangement for payment of charges. The commissioners approved a professional services contract for almost $600,000 to install communications cable and hardware connecting security equipment at the Turning Basin and Woodhouse terminals to the Port Coordination Center. They also approved a construction contract to Satterfield & Pontikes Construction for the Bayport Terminal Administration Building for $7,944,562, and for the Bayport Terminal Maintenance and Repair Building for $14,210,060.

Source: The Journal of Commerce