Premier Gulf gateway
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS
distribution centers , will without a doubt continue to drive our import cargo base forward .”
Handling much of the area ’ s industrial and petrochemical products , Texas ’ s Port Freeport witnessed a major increase in roll-on / roll-off volumes , processing 162,000 automobiles in the last fiscal year and a record 950,000 tons of steel . Port Freeport is located approximately 60 miles south of Houston .
The port has seen “ a growing population and investments that are bringing more jobs throughout the state of Texas , and the demand for consumer goods and opportunities for exports and imports are going to continue to grow ,” Port Freeport CEO Phyllis Saathoff said .
Last spring , Volkswagen Group of America merged its marine and rail operations in the Gulf Coast with the opening of a new , 120-acre finished vehicle processing center at Port Freeport .
Del Monte also bolstered its investment , wrapping up a terminal retrofit in June that included the installation of 688 refrigerated container plugs .
Amid the rise in imports , ocean carriers have shored up container
services to the Gulf Coast . Zim Integrated Shipping Services included its first northsouth container service to the region with calls at Houston and Mobile , Ala . In November , Maersk announced plans to launch a new weekly container service between Port Tampa Bay and Cartagena , Colombia , beginning in Q1 2025 .
With cargo volumes expected to rise throughout the year , the Gulf Coast ’ s supply chain industry and ports are engaging in infrastructure projects and cargo movement strategies to meet
With cargo volumes expected to rise throughout the year , the Gulf Coast ’ s supply chain industry and ports are engaging in infrastructure projects to meet demand . heightened demand .
Port Houston is expanding its capabilities and adding container yards , roads , highways , docks , and equipment and rapidly expanding its container terminals to accommodate growth .
Premier Gulf gateway
Strategically located in Port Allen , LA , at the northernmost point of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway , the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is a key player in the national maritime industry . Situated on one of the world ’ s largest port systems , it offers excellent intermodal transportation with direct access to ship , barge , truck and rail . Known for handling diverse cargo and accommodating specialized requests , the port consistently ranks among the top US ports in total tonnage .
In 2024 , the port saw continued growth , driven by private-sector tenants enhancing their cargo-handling capabilities . Building on this momentum in 2025 , the port plans to add liquid bulk transfer capacity , rehabilitate a deep-draft berth , improve grain-handling conveyance at the grain elevator and modernize its oldest deepwater dock — all vital upgrades to support future growth .
A notable success is the containeron-barge service , launched in partnership with the Port of New Orleans in 2016 . This initiative has facilitated seamless movement of containerized cargo between the ports , leveraging the Mississippi River ’ s strategic advantages to enhance exports and streamline supply chains . Despite challenges such as low river levels in 2022 , the service has rebounded strongly , supported by the expansion of the port ’ s container storage yard to accommodate nearly 1,800 containers .
This partnership highlights the economic and strategic benefits of inter-port cooperation , enhancing competitiveness and efficiency . The forthcoming Louisiana
International Terminal ( LIT ) in St . Bernard Parish , led by the Port of New Orleans , will further boost container movement along the river . By significantly increasing Louisiana ’ s container handling capacity , this ambitious project is poised to create jobs , enhance trade capabilities and strengthen the state ’ s global economic position .
The Port of Greater Baton Rouge remains a cornerstone of industry and trade , driving innovation and collaboration that benefit the state and nation . n
54 Journal of Commerce | February 3 , 2025 www . joc . com