Barbours Cut Intermodal Services (BCIS) and Ports America Texas, Inc. have recently joined together to create Integrated Marine Services, LLC (IMS). BCIS and Ports America will each own 50% of the company and IMS will be the operator of their combined empty container yards in the vicinity of the Port of Houston's Barbours Cut Container Terminal.

BCIS and Ports America have signed a long-term lease for the 43-acre common user facility with the Port of Houston Authority. It will be the closest yard to the Barbours Cut Container Terminal and will serve as the Port of Houston Authority's primary facility for the handling of empty containers. IMS will commence operations on May 1, 2008.

Ports America Texas, Inc. Vice President, R. Norman Lamb, said, "The combination of our two businesses into IMS will create the premier empty container yard at the Barbours Cut facility and we look forward to providing excellent service to all our customers."

BCIS President, Don Johnson, said, "The formation of IMS signals a new era in providing innovative and enhanced depot performance standards. Our combined strength and stability will enable our customers and their clientele to realize unprecedented levels of service."

Port of Houston Authority Director of Operations, Jimmy Jamison, said, "We are excited about the formation of IMS. We believe that the trucking industry and steamship lines will benefit from improvements in land utilization and traffic flow. One large empty depot should enhance productivity and provide economies of scale. Our goal is to enhance Barbours Cut Terminal service standards and IMS will be one of the vehicles to achieve that."