Freight News, Sea

Port Freeport Upgrades Ahead of Expansion

[ March 20, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Port Freeport has completed a series of infrastructure projects totaling nearly US$30 million aimed at supporting the expansion of the Velasco Container Terminal and improving freight access at the Texas Gulf Coast port.

Port officials, state transportation representatives and local leaders marked the milestone with ribbon-cutting ceremonies recognizing projects that include Storage Area 5, the Terminal Access Project, and the East Fifth Street reconstruction and truck queuing project.

The improvements were funded in part through the Texas Maritime Infrastructure Program, the Texas Department of Transportation Rider 37 program and the Texas Seaport Connectivity Program.

According to port officials, the projects expand terminal capacity and improve truck circulation and roadway access to support container growth and cargo movement across the port complex.

The Maritime Infrastructure Program accelerated development of the 15-acre Storage Area 5, expanding container storage capacity inside the terminal. Separately, East Fifth Street was rebuilt, and a truck queuing area constructed to ease traffic flow and improve safety for cargo moving through the port.

Additional road improvements widened and rebuilt certain access routes to strengthen connectivity between port facilities.

Port officials said the upgrades are designed to improve operational efficiency and position the Velasco terminal for continued growth in containerized trade.

Port Freeport is a major export hub for crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks sixth nationally in chemicals, 14th in total foreign waterborne tonnage and 26th in container traffic, according to port data.

Tags: Port Freeport