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Houston

Energy
USHOU

LOW 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

Real-time AIS positions
Vessel positions at Houston
0 vessels · 0 anchored
anchoredunderwayOpen full map ↗

Tradeable Assets

Live prices · 5-min cache

How each asset relates to congestion at this port

Stocks

FLEX
Primary

Flex LNG

LNG shipping — Houston LNG tanker clustering is a leading NG indicator

$124.53

▲ 1.73%

GLNG
Primary

Golar LNG

LNG shipping + infrastructure · direct exposure to Gulf Coast export volumes

$51.07

▲ 0.45%

Futures

CL
Primary

WTI Crude (futures)

Houston crude export surges tighten domestic supply — directly bullish CL

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG
Primary

Natural Gas (futures)

LNG export demand at Houston translates directly to Henry Hub pressure

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB
Secondary

RBOB Gasoline (futures)

Refined product exports from Houston affect gasoline supply

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

ETFs

USO
ETF/Hedge

US Oil Fund ETF

ETF alternative to CL futures

$127.30

▼ 0.24%

UNG
ETF/Hedge

US Natural Gas ETF

ETF alternative to NG futures

$10.20

▲ 1.29%

XLE
ETF/Hedge

Energy Select SPDR ETF

Broad energy ETF — less precise but highly liquid

$61.03

▲ 0.16%

Current Snapshot

1d ago
⚠
Low confidence data— failover source (VesselAPI): counts only, not baseline-comparable

32

Total Vessels

24

Anchored

75%

Anchored %

2.8

Avg Dwell (hrs)

⚓
Floating StorageELEVATED

24 vessels anchored (75%)

Anchored vessels waiting to load exports — sustained elevation can signal production surplus or logistical constraint.

Congestion ScoreLOW · / 100
Low (0–30)Med (31–60)High (61–100)

Energy Fundamentals

EIA weekly · spreads calculated live

US 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

$5.74

BZ − CL

WIDE

Widening = logistics stress or US supply glut. Normal range $1–$5.

3-2-1 Crack Spread

$56.20

Refinery margin / bbl

STRONG

High = strong product demand, bullish for crude. Low = demand weakness.

CL
$82.14▼ 1.27%
BZ
$87.88▼ 1.16%
NG
$2.79▲ 0.83%
HO
$4.14▼ 2.68%
RB
$2.87▼ 8.45%

History

FLEX overlayDeep compare →

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

30-day vessel calls

13

Currently in port

187

Completed calls

2.8h

Avg dwell time

VesselClassArrivedDepartedDwell
ULTRA COURAGEunknown2026-08-052026-08-052h
LISA MARIEunknown2026-08-052026-08-052h
ADRIENNE M MOOREunknown2026-08-052026-08-052h
CAPT TROY J HOTARDunknown2026-08-052026-08-052h
CAPT FRANK GIBSONunknown2026-08-052026-08-052h
IZUMO HERMESunknown2026-08-052026-08-053h
CAPTAIN JERRY Ounknown2026-08-052026-08-053h
RIVER VIKINGunknown2026-08-052026-08-053h
ASHLEY ANNEunknown2026-08-052026-08-053h
DENNIS CHAMBERSunknown2026-08-052026-08-053h

Signal History

10 signals · 30 days
BULLISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BULLISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BEARISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BULLISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BEARISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BEARISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BEARISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BULLISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BEARISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →
BULLISH●○○ Single trigger

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

$82.14

▼ 1.27%

NG

$2.79

▲ 0.83%

RB

$2.87

▼ 8.45%

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

Track record →View detail →

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.