Houston
EnergyLOW CONGESTION
Leading U.S. energy export hub for LNG, crude oil, and refined products. Closely tied to WTI crude (CL), natural gas (NG), and RBOB gasoline (RB). Tanker surges signal strong export demand and are bullish for energy ETFs.
Live Vessel Traffic
Tradeable Assets
How each asset relates to congestion at this port
Stocks
Flex LNG
LNG shipping — Houston LNG tanker clustering is a leading NG indicator
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
Golar LNG
LNG shipping + infrastructure · direct exposure to Gulf Coast export volumes
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
Futures
WTI Crude (futures)
Houston crude export surges tighten domestic supply — directly bullish CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
Natural Gas (futures)
LNG export demand at Houston translates directly to Henry Hub pressure
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RBOB Gasoline (futures)
Refined product exports from Houston affect gasoline supply
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
ETFs
US Oil Fund ETF
ETF alternative to CL futures
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
US Natural Gas ETF
ETF alternative to NG futures
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
Energy Select SPDR ETF
Broad energy ETF — less precise but highly liquid
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
Current Snapshot
32
Total Vessels
24
Anchored
75%
Anchored %
2.8
Avg Dwell (hrs)
24 vessels anchored (75%)
Anchored vessels waiting to load exports — sustained elevation can signal production surplus or logistical constraint.
Energy Fundamentals
EIA weekly · spreads calculated liveUS Crude Stocks
424,410k
bbls
+17.4M
BUILD
US commercial crude stocks — build = bearish, draw = bullish
Cushing Stocks
22,566k
bbls
+1.6M
BUILD
WTI delivery hub — high stocks suppress futures price
Brent-WTI Spread
$5.83
BZ − CL
Widening = logistics stress or US supply glut. Normal range $1–$5.
3-2-1 Crack Spread
$56.33
Refinery margin / bbl
High = strong product demand, bullish for crude. Low = demand weakness.
History
Congestion score · grey band = 7d normal range · Vessel count (dashed) · FLEX price (purple)
Lead-lag: over the last 30 days, Houston congestion led FLEX by 1 day · r = +0.68 (strong positive) · 10-day sample, directional not predictive
Port Throughput
13
Currently in port
187
Completed calls
2.8h
Avg dwell time
| Vessel | Class | Arrived | Departed | Dwell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULTRA COURAGE | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 2h |
| LISA MARIE | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 2h |
| ADRIENNE M MOORE | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 2h |
| CAPT TROY J HOTARD | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 2h |
| CAPT FRANK GIBSON | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 2h |
| IZUMO HERMES | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 3h |
| CAPTAIN JERRY O | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 3h |
| RIVER VIKING | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 3h |
| ASHLEY ANNE | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 3h |
| DENNIS CHAMBERS | unknown | 2026-08-05 | 2026-08-05 | 3h |
Signal History
8d ago
Houston Congestion Spike: Bullish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 85 is 2σ above same-hour baseline (avg 52). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bullish read on FLEX (currently $126.71, +11.9% 5d). Note: the asset has already moved in this direction over the past week, so part of the move may be priced in.
Triggered By
Congestion score 85 is 2σ above same-hour baseline (avg 52)
Trade Idea
Long FLEX (currently $126.71, +11.9% 5d) while congestion holds above 85 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (8d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds above 85 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (52) within 48h, or FLEX falls below $122.91
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
FLEX
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
closed
GLNG
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
closed
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ Much of the move may already be priced in. An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
9d ago
Houston Congestion Spike: Bullish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 85 is 1.8σ above same-hour baseline (avg 51). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bullish read on FLEX (currently $113.75, -4% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 85 is 1.8σ above same-hour baseline (avg 51)
Trade Idea
Long FLEX (currently $113.75, -4% 5d) while congestion holds above 85 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (9d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds above 85 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (51) within 48h, or FLEX falls below $110.34
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
FLEX
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
closed
GLNG
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
closed
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
11d ago
Houston Vessel Drop: Bearish energy
Houston shows Vessel count 33 is 1.8σ below same-hour baseline (avg 88). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bearish read on CL (currently $91.3, +0.6% 5d).
Triggered By
Vessel count 33 is 1.8σ below same-hour baseline (avg 88)
Trade Idea
Short CL (currently $91.3, +0.6% 5d) while vessel count holds below 33 into the next poll; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (11d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Vessel count holds below 33 into the next poll
Invalidation
vesselCount reverts toward baseline (88) within 48h, or CL rises above $94.04
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
13d ago
Houston Congestion Spike: Bullish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 86 is 2.3σ above same-hour baseline (avg 53). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bullish read on FLEX (currently $111.91, -12.5% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 86 is 2.3σ above same-hour baseline (avg 53)
Trade Idea
Long FLEX (currently $111.91, -12.5% 5d) while congestion holds above 86 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (13d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds above 86 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (53) within 48h, or FLEX falls below $108.55
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
FLEX
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
closed
GLNG
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
closed
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
17d ago
Houston Congestion Relief: Bearish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 18 is 2.6σ below same-hour baseline (avg 51). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bearish read on CL (currently $90.75, -2.4% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 18 is 2.6σ below same-hour baseline (avg 51)
Trade Idea
Short CL (currently $90.75, -2.4% 5d) while congestion holds below 18 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (17d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds below 18 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (51) within 48h, or CL rises above $93.47
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
18d ago
Houston Congestion Relief: Bearish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 25 is 2.3σ below same-hour baseline (avg 50). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bearish read on CL (currently $90.75, -2.4% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 25 is 2.3σ below same-hour baseline (avg 50)
Trade Idea
Short CL (currently $90.75, -2.4% 5d) while congestion holds below 25 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (18d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds below 25 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (50) within 48h, or CL rises above $93.47
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
20d ago
Houston Congestion Relief: Bearish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 14 is 2.4σ below same-hour baseline (avg 46). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bearish read on CL (currently $90.17, -4.1% 5d). Note: the asset has already moved in this direction over the past week, so part of the move may be priced in.
Triggered By
Congestion score 14 is 2.4σ below same-hour baseline (avg 46)
Trade Idea
Short CL (currently $90.17, -4.1% 5d) while congestion holds below 14 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (20d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds below 14 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (46) within 48h, or CL rises above $92.88
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ Much of the move may already be priced in. An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
24d ago
Houston Congestion Spike: Bullish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 87 is 3σ above same-hour baseline (avg 46). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bullish read on FLEX (currently $119.25, -12.2% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 87 is 3σ above same-hour baseline (avg 46)
Trade Idea
Long FLEX (currently $119.25, -12.2% 5d) while congestion holds above 87 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (24d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds above 87 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (46) within 48h, or FLEX falls below $115.67
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
FLEX
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
closed
GLNG
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
closed
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
28d ago
Houston Congestion Relief: Bearish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 30 is 2σ below same-hour baseline (avg 52). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bearish read on CL (currently $91.47, -1.7% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 30 is 2σ below same-hour baseline (avg 52)
Trade Idea
Short CL (currently $91.47, -1.7% 5d) while congestion holds below 30 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (28d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds below 30 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (52) within 48h, or CL rises above $94.21
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
29d ago
Houston Congestion Spike: Bullish energy
Houston shows Congestion score 71 is 2.1σ above same-hour baseline (avg 50). This typically leads energy markets by 5-10 days, supporting a bullish read on FLEX (currently $132.25, +0.6% 5d).
Triggered By
Congestion score 71 is 2.1σ above same-hour baseline (avg 50)
Trade Idea
Long FLEX (currently $132.25, +0.6% 5d) while congestion holds above 71 for 2+ consecutive polls; target a 3-7 days hold as port data typically leads energy by ~5-10 days.
Any prices referenced are as of the signal time (29d ago) — check the live tape before acting.
Entry
Congestion holds above 71 for 2+ consecutive polls
Invalidation
congestionScore reverts toward baseline (50) within 48h, or FLEX falls below $128.28
Horizon
3-7 days
Affected Assets
FLEX
$124.53
▲ 1.73%
closed
GLNG
$51.07
▲ 0.45%
closed
CL
$82.42
▼ 0.94%
NG
$2.79
▲ 0.80%
RB
$2.88
▼ 8.17%
USO
$127.30
▼ 0.24%
closed
UNG
$10.20
▲ 1.29%
closed
XLE
$61.03
▲ 0.16%
closed
⚠ An OPEC+ guidance change or macro demand shock could override this port-level signal.
Systematic signal · rule-based engine
About Houston
Why does Houston port congestion matter for traders?
Leading U.S. energy export hub for LNG, crude oil, and refined products. Closely tied to WTI crude (CL), natural gas (NG), and RBOB gasoline (RB). Tanker surges signal strong export demand and are bullish for energy ETFs.
Which stocks, futures, and ETFs are correlated with Houston?
HarborSignal tracks FLEX, GLNG, CL, NG, RB, USO, UNG, XLE against Houston vessel activity. Port flows tend to lead these markets by roughly 5–10 days.
How is Houston congestion measured?
Vessel positions are collected hourly from AIS transponder data. A congestion score is derived from vessel count and the anchored ratio, then z-scored against a 30-day same-hour baseline to flag anomalies.