TEXAS Governor Greg Abbott has bowed to Houston oil and gas interests in signing into law restrictions on containership traffic moving to and from the Port of Houston. Promoted by the local oil and gas industry, but opposed by other maritime interests, namely the dockers union and their employers in the United States Maritime Alliance, the law is unpopular with most mariners.

Houston is a fast-growing container port, and energy companies have been concerned that large containerships could result in one-way traffic along the Houston ship channel, hampering tanker traffic.

Gov Abbott signed the legislation even though the Port of Houston Authority and Houston Pilots had taken steps to address the concerns of oil and gas people.

Said Houston port executive director Roger Guenther: 'We are steadfast in our position that keeping the channel open for all vessel traffic is in the best interests of our state and nation.'

Mr Guenther said the port focused on obtaining federal authorisation for construction to widen the Houston Ship Channel.

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