PORT FREEPORT MARKS 100 YEARS WITH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY PORT TOURS

FREEPORT, TX (December 10, 2025) – Port Freeport commemorated its 100th anniversary with two signature Centennial events celebrating a century of maritime service, economic growth, and community partnership. A formal Centennial Celebration was held on Thursday, December 4, followed by Community Port Tours on Saturday, December 6, welcoming the public for a rare behind-the-scenes look at Port operations.

The Centennial Celebration brought together elected officials, maritime and logistics leaders, community partners, port tenants, and employees to honor the Port’s evolution into one of Texas’s most strategically significant deep-water ports. The program reflected on transformational milestones while highlighting the Port’s continued role as an economic driver for Brazoria County and the State of Texas.

“For 100 years, Port Freeport has stood as a cornerstone of opportunity for Brazoria County and for Texas,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “This Centennial is more than a celebration of history; it is a testament to the leadership, workforce, and vision that transformed this Port into a globally connected economic powerhouse. As we enter our next century, the Commission remains committed to responsible growth, infrastructure investment, and unwavering service to our community.”

The Centennial continued Saturday with Community Port Tours, offering residents a firsthand look at marine terminals, cargo operations, and critical infrastructure. Hundreds of community members registered to participate, gaining insight into the complex systems that facilitate global trade, support regional industry, and sustain thousands of local jobs.

“These tours gave our community an opportunity to see their Port in action,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director and CEO of Port Freeport. “Port Freeport belongs to this community. Every vessel movement, infrastructure project, and investment directly supports families, businesses, and our regional economy. Our Centennial is not only about honoring our past, but it’s also about preparing boldly and responsibly for the future.”

Together, both events reinforced the Port’s guiding principles of being anchored in service, propelled by people, and driven by opportunity. As one of the region's key economic drivers, Port Freeport supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs and generates billions of dollars annually through global trade, manufacturing, and logistics.

The Centennial events also reflected the Port’s continued commitment to transparency, education, and public engagement, ensuring the community remains closely connected to the Port’s mission and its role in shaping the region’s economic future.

As Port Freeport enters its second century of service, the Port remains focused on strategic infrastructure investment, sustainable operations, and strengthening its position as a premier gateway for global commerce, while remaining firmly rooted in the community it proudly serves.

           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.

Contact: Amanda Veliz, Public Affairs Manager

Phone: (979) 233-2667 ext. 4306

Email: veliz@portfreeport.com