Photo: Two state-of-the-art Super Post-Panamax Gantry Cranes were delivered aboard a heavy-lift vessel, arriving at Port Freeport’s Velasco Container Terminal.
FREEPORT, Texas – October 6, 2025 – Port Freeport celebrated a major milestone in its 100th anniversary year with the arrival of two new Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes, enhancing the Port’s ability to handle some of the world’s largest container vessels and positioning it for continued growth in the Gulf Coast region.
Transported fully assembled aboard a heavy-lift vessel, the cranes were offloaded and secured to the docks in late September. Following installation and testing this fall, the state-of-the-art equipment will go into service, significantly increasing the Port’s cargo-handling capacity and improving operational efficiency.
“These cranes are a major investment in the future of Port Freeport and our community,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “They will help attract new business, create jobs, and expand revenues — all while maintaining our commitment to being a zero-tax port.”
Each crane stands over 300 feet tall, weighs more than 1,600 tons, and can reach across 22 containers wide, with a lift above dock level of nearly 179 feet. Equipped with advanced technology and enhanced safety systems, the new cranes mark one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in Port Freeport’s history.
“The arrival of these cranes, alongside the nearing completion of the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, represents a defining moment for the Port,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director and CEO of Port Freeport. “It’s a fitting way to launch our next century — strengthening our capacity, competitiveness, and commitment to the region we serve.”
The cranes are expected to be fully operational later this fall. To commemorate the milestone, Port Freeport will release a video documenting the cranes’ journey and installation on its website.
Port Freeport plays a key role in U.S. trade, ranking 6th in the nation for chemical exports, 14th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in container volume. According to a 2022 Texas A&M Transportation Institute study, the Freeport Harbor Channel supports 266,300 jobs nationwide and generates $157.3 billion in total economic output.
Major partners at Port Freeport include ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, BASF, Dole Fresh Fruit, Chiquita, Freeport LNG, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Volkswagen Group of America, among others.
For updates and to view the upcoming commemorative video, visit portfreeport.com.
About Port Freeport
Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Freeport is a deep-water port recognized as one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most efficient gateways for global commerce. With strong connections to the energy, chemical, and automotive sectors, Port Freeport drives economic growth across Texas and the nation through world-class infrastructure and innovative logistics solutions.
Media Contact:
Amanda Veliz
Public Affairs Manager, Port Freeport
979-233-2667 ext. 4306
veliz@portfreeport.com
