CHIQUITA FRESH NORTH AMERICA AND PORT FREEPORT SIGN LEASE AGREEMENT

FREEPORT, TX (JULY 02, 2024) – Port Freeport is pleased to announce the execution of a lease agreement with Chiquita Fresh North America, marking a milestone in their ongoing partnership. Effective June 13, 2024, the parties have agreed to a 5-year lease term with an option to extend for an additional 5 years.

“We are extremely excited about the continued partnership with Chiquita,” remarked Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO of Port Freeport. “This agreement solidifies the commitment between Chiquita and Port Freeport, a relationship that dates back to 1993.”

Chiquita’s ongoing commitment to Port Freeport is a testament to the steadfast determination by the Port to continually improve operationally efficiency and safety through the expansion and modernization of Velasco Container Terminal at Port Freeport. 

“Port Freeport has established itself as the green fruit capital of the U.S. Gulf and continues to improve its infrastructure to support customer growth so they can efficiently deliver their product to the Texas market and beyond,” said Port Commission Chairman Ravi Singhania. “The resounding economic impact of the agreement with Chiquita will be continuously felt locally, in the Brazosport area, throughout the Greater Houston Region, across the State of Texas and the United States.”

Chiquita’s import volumes continue to grow at Port Freeport. This agreement allows Chiquita to move forward with installation of an additional 50 reefer plugs in their leased premises to accommodate their growth.  Chiquita also provides connections for local manufacturers to export their products to Central America.

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks nationally as 6th in chemicals, 15th 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, Liberty Global Logistics, 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 operation and results. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email or call Tricia Vela, Public Affairs Assistant.

Contact: Tricia Vela, Public Affairs Assistant

Phone: (979) 233-2667 ext. 4330

Email: vela@portfreeport.com