The mark consists of a special form with both design and literal elements. The top left quadrant of the round logo design is blue background and white outline of the upper bow and bridge of an ocean vessel. It also represents the left and upper segment of a five point star. The top right quadrant represents shipping containers with the two white layers against a blue background. The lower portion of the top right quadrant are red lines on white background that partially form the right an upper segment of the five point start. The lower left hand quadrant is red and white on a blue background. The outline represents the lower section of the bow of an ocean vessel. The lower right hand quadrant is red and white. Beneath the design is the literal element "PORT HOUSTON" ("PORT" is in red, "HOUSTON" is in blue) and beneath "PORT HOUSTON" is the literal element "THE INTERNATIONAL PORT OF TEXAS" (all in black).