Useful Links

Local Houston Maritime Organizations & Associations

Greater Houston Port Bureau (GHPB)

A member-driven, non-profit trade organization dedicated to the success of the Houston port region. GHPB promotes cooperation and efficiency in the maritime community through vessel movement information, port information services, networking events, and industry advocacy.

West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA)

Regional maritime trade association embracing steamship owners, operators, agents, and stevedoring/terminal companies in Texas ports (including Houston). Organized in 1968, WGMA succeeded the former local maritime associations in Houston, Galveston, and Brownsville to negotiate labor contracts and foster a stable workforce for port operations.

Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association (HMAA)

A not-for-profit organization providing a pool of experienced maritime and commercial experts in Houston who serve as arbitrators for disputes in maritime, energy, oil & gas, transportation, and related industries. Established in the 1990s, HMAA offers alternative dispute resolution services (arbitration and mediation) for the maritime and trade community.

Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee (LSHSC)

A local forum addressing navigation safety and operational issues on the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding waterways. The committee provides a public forum to address Marine Transportation System (MTS) issues—with particular emphasis on navigation safety-related matters—in the Ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City, and Freeport. It brings together industry, the Coast Guard, pilots, and port officials to improve vessel traffic management, communications, and emergency preparedness.

U.S. Government Maritime Agencies (Safety & Operations)

U.S. Coast Guard (Sector Houston-Galveston)

The lead federal agency for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports. Sector Houston-Galveston oversees local waterways by coordinating search and rescue, vessel traffic (including Vessel Traffic Service), port security inspections, and incident response to ensure maritime safety, security, and stewardship in the Houston region.

U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)

The DOT agency supporting America’s waterborne transportation system. MARAD supports the technical aspects of America’s maritime transportation infrastructure—including ships, shipping, port and vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety—while promoting waterborne transport, integrating maritime infrastructure with other modes, administering port development grants, and maintaining the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

An independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system. FMC ensures a competitive and reliable international ocean shipping industry, protects shippers and consumers from unfair practices, oversees ocean carrier and marine terminal operator agreements, monitors shipping rates and services, and enforces the Shipping Act.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

The agency managing U.S. borders and ports of entry, including Houston’s seaport. CBP Trade Operations facilitate legitimate trade, enforce law, and protect the American economy by handling cargo inspections, customs clearance, immigration and agricultural inspections, and import/export regulation enforcement.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE – Galveston District)

Charged with maintaining navigation channels along the Texas coast—including the Houston Ship Channel—the Galveston District oversees regular dredging and channel improvement projects. It manages initiatives such as the widening/deepening of the Ship Channel (Project 11) in partnership with Port Houston to ensure safe depths for larger vessels.

Port of Houston Authority & Related Services

Port Houston (Port of Houston Authority)

The governing port authority that owns and operates major public terminals in Houston. Port Houston manages eight public facilities along the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel—including the region’s largest breakbulk facility and two efficient container terminals—ensuring free-flowing commerce and bolstering national and international trade.

Houston Pilots Association

The state-commissioned pilots guiding large vessels in and out of the Port of Houston safely. Operating 24/7 year-round, the association coordinates with ship captains, tugs, and Vessel Traffic Service to protect the waterway, its people, ports, and industry—ensuring safe navigation for every deep-draft vessel.

Houston Ship Channel Security District (HSCSD)

A unique public-private partnership enhancing security around the Port of Houston. HSCSD funds and collaborates with regional law enforcement to protect the community and secure the flow of cargo through the port by investing in security infrastructure, patrols, and technology along the Houston Ship Channel.

Major Houston-Based Ship Suppliers & Service Providers

Anchor Marine & Industrial Supply

A Houston-based marine supplier and ship chandler recognized as a leader in the industry. They offer a complete stock of ship anchors, anchor chain, buoys, towing gear, deck and dock hardware, and more—with one of the Gulf Coast’s largest inventories and 24/7/365 service.

Gulf States Marine Supplies, Inc.

A major full-service ship supply company in Houston, family-owned for over 29 years with a strong presence in the U.S. Gulf. Operating a 65,000 sq. ft. warehouse (including refrigerated and bonded storage), they supply ocean-going vessels with provisions, cabin stores, deck and engine supplies, and offer efficient one-stop logistics.

Buffalo Marine Service, Inc.

Houston’s leading marine fuel (bunkering) provider, founded in 1935. Buffalo Marine has become the premier barge/bunker company for the Gulf Coast area, delivering fuel and marine lubricants to vessels on the Houston Ship Channel and beyond with a fleet of over 60 barges and tugs.

G&H Towing Company

A harbor tug provider based in Houston since 1934, offering ship escort, docking, and undocking services with a modern tug fleet across multiple Texas ports. Their services are essential for safely maneuvering large vessels in confined channels and berths.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

A globally prominent ship classification society headquartered in Houston. ABS sets standards for ship design, construction, and operation, inspects vessels for safety and environmental compliance, and provides technical advisory services including vessel surveys and certifications.

Additional Resources for Houston Maritime Businesses

Houston Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association (HCBFFA)

A local industry association supporting companies involved in international trade logistics. HCBFFA strengthens this core sector through education, advocacy, regular seminars, networking, and regulatory updates for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and import/export firms in Houston.

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