FREEPORT, Texas (December 11, 2025) – Port Freeport marked a historic milestone this month, commemorating 100 years of maritime service, economic growth, and community partnership with two signature Centennial events. The Port hosted an official Centennial Celebration on December 4, followed by Community Port Tours on December 6, giving residents a rare opportunity to explore Port operations up close.
The formal celebration gathered elected officials, maritime industry leaders, port tenants, employees, and community partners to reflect on Port Freeport’s evolution into one of Texas’s most strategically important deep-water ports. Speakers highlighted a century of transformational growth and the Port’s continued role as a powerful economic engine 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 weekend continued with Community Port Tours, where hundreds of residents explored marine terminals, cargo operations, and critical infrastructure supporting global trade and local industry.
“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.”
Both events underscored Port Freeport’s guiding values—anchored in service, propelled by people, and driven by opportunity—while reinforcing its importance as a regional economic catalyst. The Port supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs and generates billions annually through global trade, manufacturing, and logistics.
Port Freeport also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public engagement, ensuring that community members remain closely connected to the Port’s mission and its long-term economic impact.
As Port Freeport enters its second century, leadership remains focused on strategic infrastructure investment, sustainable operations, and strengthening its position as a premier gateway for international commerce.
Port Freeport ranks as a national leader in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and is:
- 6th in the nation for chemical exports
- 14th in total foreign waterborne tonnage
- 26th in container volumes
According to a 2022 Economic Impact Study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs nationwide and $157.3 billion in total economic output.
Port Freeport serves a robust portfolio of global customers, including Alliera, ACL, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita, Dole, Dow, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte, Ford, GM, Glovis, Grimaldi, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, the U.S. Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.
For questions or comments, please contact Amanda Veliz, Public Affairs Manager, at (979) 233-2667 ext. 4306 or veliz@portfreeport.com.
