Gulf Coast gateway for trade
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS
Port Freeport
The energy and chemical sector accounts for 70 % of Port Freeport ’ s vessel arrivals .
These ports have proven to be vital links in the nation ’ s economy , with eight of the top ten ports in terms of tonnage located along these coasts .
Gulf Coast ports in particular have gained favor for efficient movement of goods , enhanced equipment and increased driver availability . Proactive preparation for the 2016 Panama Canal expansion proved to be another advantage , as channel deepening and widening projects and additional wharves and equipment expanded ports ’ ability to serve larger vessels .
Handling approximately 90 % of the waterborne petrochemical supply chain , Gulf Coast ports play an important role in various segments of the economy . Plastics and chemical feedstocks are used in healthcare , agriculture , auto manufacturing , building and construction , aerospace and defense , semiconductor chips and more .
As a diversified port on the Gulf Coast of Texas , Port Freeport serves a robust
Gulf Coast gateway for trade
Situated at the heart of a thriving petrochemical and energy hub , Port Freeport serves Brazoria County through the Texas Gulf Coast ’ s shortest deepwater channel . Private industry investments in Brazosport and surrounding areas have surged due to the strategic presence of the Freeport Harbor Channel . As a state navigation district and local channel sponsor , port operations contribute over 266,000 direct , indirect and induced jobs , generating $ 157.3 billion in annual economic impact statewide .
Port Freeport is an economic powerhouse , ranking 5th among Texas ports , 15th among US ports in total foreign waterborne tonnage and 10th nationally in export tonnage . Over the past decade , the port has achieved remarkable growth , moving forward with strategic initiatives that strengthen its standing . Recent infrastructure developments include the completion of Berth 8 , a 927-foot dock extension with an 85-foot ro / ro platform at Velasco Container Terminal , and Phase 2 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development , which added four ladder tracks to the port ’ s railyard .
In partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation ( TxDOT ), Port Freeport recently launched the Velasco Terminal Access Project , which will widen and pave roads , establish a truck queueing area , and enhance gate access to the Velasco Terminal . Supported by over $ 22 million in TxDOT grants , including funding for the access project , these upgrades are on track for completion between 2024 and 2025 . Additionally , the $ 295 million Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project is set for completion by Q4 2025 , solidifying the port ’ s infrastructure for safe and efficient maritime commerce .
Port Freeport ’ s state-of-the-art facilities include a multipurpose container terminal , ro / ro terminal and breakbulk terminal , all designed to meet the high standards of its global clientele . In recent years , Volkswagen Group of America and Del Monte Fresh Produce North America have invested over $ 130 million in port facilities , reinforcing Port Freeport ’ s reputation for exceptional service and customer satisfaction .
Discover how Port Freeport ’ s advanced infrastructure , growthfocused partnerships and prime location can drive success for your business along the Gulf Coast . n
For more information about Port Freeport , please visit www . portfreeport . com or call 800-362-5743 .
48 Journal of Commerce | December 2 , 2024 www . joc . com