The Freeport Harbor channel has reopened

Port Freeport at Port Condition RECOVERY. The Captain of the Port, Sector Houston-Galveston of the United States Coast Guard is permitting the Freeport Harbor Channel to open for vessel transits effective 12:00 p.m. September 22, 2020. Vessel transits will be daylight restricted and limited to vessels with draft of 34 feet or less until further notice. The Brazos Pilots, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are currently conducting surveys to confirm deeper drafting vessels can safely enter the channel and proceed to their designated berths. Port Freeport terminal gates remained open throughout Tropical Storm Beta.

“Port Freeport did not experience any damage to terminal facilities or equipment during the storm event, said Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO Phyllis Saathoff. “With the coordinated efforts of the Port staff, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Brazos Pilots and others, we are able to quickly resume vessel movements and operations within the Freeport Harbor Channel.”

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranked 6th in chemicals, 17th in foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers.  A 2019 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 279,780 jobs and has a total economic output of $149 billion. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., CMA CGM, Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Freeport LNG, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Horizon Auto Logistics, Liberty Global Logistics, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Mammoet, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, Tenaris, 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 announcement, please email or call Jessica Follett, Public Affairs.