Port Freeport welcomes M/V Chiquita Horizon on inaugural U.S. call

Port Freeport welcomed the new build M/V Chiquita Horizon on September 19 at the Velasco Container Terminal. The vessel, carrying refrigerated containers, made its first U.S. port of call in Freeport before commencing an approximately 18-week rotation serving the U.S. Gulf region, and subsequently to be deployed in a European trade lane.

“Welcoming the Chiquita Horizon during our Centennial year is an honor and highlights Port Freeport’s role as a leading gateway for fresh fruit imports and international trade,” said Port Commission Chairman Rob Giesecke. “We commend Chiquita in their mission to deliver quality fresh fruits efficiently and sustainably to communities globally.”

The vessel’s call showcases the long-standing relationship between Chiquita Fresh N.A. and Port Freeport, which dates back to 1993. Chiquita's business helps solidify Port Freeport's position as a hub for fresh fruit in the U.S. Gulf. Recent channel improvements and terminal upgrades have enhanced the port’s ability to handle larger vessels and expanding cargo volumes, positioning it for sustained growth. These advancements and the strong industry partnerships will continue to make Port Freeport a vital economic engine for Brazoria County and the region.

The Horizon joins its sister vessel, the M/V Chiquita Harvester, which completed her maiden U.S. voyage earlier this year, signaling the company’s commitment to modernizing its refrigerated container vessels and reinforcing global trade routes. These next generation vessels are built with biofuel ready engines and advanced refrigeration technology for delivering fresher produce sustainably to international markets.

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks nationally as 6th in chemicals, 14th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion. Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.

Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operations and results. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email or call Amanda Veliz, Public Affairs Manager.