Port Freeport
Port Freeport has continued to make improvements to its facilities while implementing its Strategic Master Plan. Prodjects currently underway are: Construction of Dock A (750 ft. dock) is nearing completion · The expansion of an open storage yard was completed · Port Freeport has experienced tremendous growth in truck traffic. On average 6000 trucks per month are visisting Port Freeport for pick up and delivery of cargo. · The port’s mobile container crane apron work area expansion has been completed · Port Freeport has widened its access channel to allow for the passage of 100,000 dwt ships · Port Freeport’s deep berthing area has been deepened to 70 ft. This area has become a preferred site for specialized cargo business sucha as heavy lift pieces and drill rigs Port Freeport is a niche port and is always willing to cater to our clients specific needs. Port Freeport has established Foreign Trade Zone #149 and is currently working on expanding this general purpose zone to areas in the northern parts of Brazoria County. Port Freeport Tonnage Statistics Tonnage 747,839 Domestic Tonnage 164,555 Total Tonnage 912, 934 During FY 1999-2000 annual ship calls were 164. There has been a 27.6% increase in barge calls for Port Freeport. Currently, Dole Liner Express is the only liner service to and from Central America with stops in Freeport. The primaryimport cargo is bananas and other fruits form Central America. Port Freeport is now recognized asn the nations top banana port of the Gulf Coast. Port Freeport is a thriving port with all the necessary components to be a full service port. Port Freeport’s 45 foot deep, 400 foot wide and 3.5 mile long channel quickly brings in vessels up to 80,000 dead weight tons from the Gulf of Mexico to the harbor. Port Freeport is currently implementing an aggressive expansion program that has dredged our deep berthing area to 70 feet and we are now actively working toward the extension of “A” dock to 750 feet. The port has a Gottwald 280 multi-purpose mobile crane, which has the capacity to perform twenty-five container, moves per hour or be outfitted to handle lifts in excess of 100 tons. Port Freeport has continued to acquire equipment and proceed with expansion plans to provide enhanced services to its clientele. Contrary to some larger Gulf ports, Port Freeport still offers personal, tailor-made service to its customers. In addition, Port Freeport has on site warehouse and transit shed space in excess of 400,000 square feet. Foreign Trade Zone #149 is active at Port Freeport. The FTZ permits unique incentives to Port Freeport’s clientele. An active FTZ may allow for the deferral, reduction or possible elimination of duties. Port Freeport maintains an inventory of developable properties that could meet most any needs of its’ clients. In 1999, Port Freeport handled more than 872,000 metric tons of neo-bulk, breakbulk, containers and liquid bulk commodities. Port Freeport is truly a multi-purpose port. Dole Fresh Fruits, Chiquita Brands, Inc and American Rice are a few of the companies that call Port Freeport Home.