A port built for what’ s next
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS
amounts of project cargo for projects in the Texas hinterland,” Saathoff said.“ This is due to ample marshaling space on the terminal and highway connectivity that allows these large pieces to efficiently reach their destinations and avoid the congestion of the Houston metroplex.” Port Freeport also owns a large 200-acre parcel of waterfront property that is available for further industrial development.
“ The port will entertain large manufacturing projects that contribute to the growth of foreign waterborne tonnage handled at the port, if they’ re appropriate,” Saathoff said.
In Florida, the natural gas and LNG industries are foundational to Port Tampa Bay’ s mission and long-term strategy.
“ The port plays a key role in supporting regional energy reliability by serving as Central Florida’ s primary energy hub, supplying jet fuel and gasoline that account for more than 43 % of the state’ s demand,” said Raul Alfonso, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Port Tampa Bay.“ These fuels power transportation, industry and communities across the region and beyond.”
Maintaining this role requires a laser
Freeport LNG exported 17,218,133 short tons of LNG over 225 vessels in FY2025.
focus on resilience and preparedness.“ The port works closely with our tenants, service providers and publicand private-sector stakeholders to ensure continuity of operations, particularly during severe weather events and other disruptions,” Alfonso said.“ This collaboration helps safeguard fuel supply chains that are essential to Florida’ s economy and daily life.”
Similarly, construction and industrial cargo are major drivers of Florida’ s continued growth.
“ Port Tampa Bay provides the infrastructure and operational capacity to move large volumes of bulk and breakbulk materials safely and efficiently, supporting public infrastructure projects, private development and long-term economic expansion,” Alfonso said. n
email: nicole. rollender @ strandwritingservices. com
Freeport LNG Development, L. P.
A port built for what’ s next
There’ s strong momentum rising along the Mississippi River, and it’ s evident at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
Strategically positioned at the northernmost point of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Port Allen, La., the port plays a critical role in connecting America’ s heartland to the world. With deep Mississippi River access, extensive rail and highway infrastructure, and a growing network of tenants and partners, the facility supports freight movement and economic activity and is consistently ranked among the top US ports in total tonnage.
In 2025, that momentum took shape through significant private investment and infrastructure development. Among the key initiatives: construction is set to begin in 2026 on the port’ s northernmost deep draft berth, an expansion that will bring additional liquid bulk capacity online by 2027 or 2028. Engineering is also underway to add new rail and conveyance systems capable of exporting up to 1 million tons annually of an additional agricultural commodity. Meanwhile, fabrication has started on new hopper barge and grain-handling equipment to streamline barge-to-ship transfers at the port’ s grain elevator.
At every stage, the focus is on smarter logistics, better efficiency and stronger economic growth for the region.
From berth rehabilitations to modernized cargo handling systems to enhanced intermodal access, every infrastructure upgrade is a step toward meeting future global trade demands. With the US Army Corps of Engineers working to deepen the Mississippi River to a maintained 50-foot draft, larger ocean-going vessels will soon have improved access to the port, further supporting competitiveness and capacity.
Through long-term planning, strong public and private partnerships, and a sustained commitment to investment, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge continues to deliver what the industry needs today while building for what’ s next. n
48 Journal of Commerce | February 2, 2026 www. joc. com