Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Port Freeport Unveils Cold Chain Facility

[ May 21, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Freeport Warehouse LLC and Port Freeport unveiled the new Cross-Dock No. 1 facility, with 80,000 square feet of chilled cross-dock warehouse located near Port Freeport’s Velasco Container Terminal.

Fresh Del Monte Produce, a leading vertically integrated producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables began weekly calls at the Texas port in June 2024.

The facility is designed to streamline refrigerated cargo handling and improve supply chain efficiency. It includes 84 bay doors, seven temperature-controlled rooms to maintain an unbroken cold chain, expanded staging areas to ease truck congestion, and supports Fresh Del Monte’s import operations – distributing bananas, pineapples, and plantains across Texas and nearby markets.

“This facility represents a strategic extension of our logistics network in the region,” said Raul Saca, senior vice president, global logistics at Fresh Del Monte. “Our collaboration with Port Freeport and North American Stevedoring enables us to enhance the service standards our customers expect – strengthening cold chain integrity, improving speed to market, and building the scale needed for future growth.”

North American Stevedoring Holding Co. provides specialized longshore operations for the Alaskan seafood industry and dedicated container handling and breakbulk services for the U.S. Southeast green fruit industries.

The new cross-dock facility gives Fresh Del Monte increased operational flexibility and efficiency, enhancing its ability to serve customers throughout the southern U.S. Since launching its weekly service to Port Freeport in mid-2024, the company has deployed modern, fuel-efficient vessels equipped to carry more than 600 refrigerated containers per voyage.

“We have a great deal of faith in Port Freeport and Fresh Del Monte and together we believe that this new atmosphere controlled cross-dock facility will ensure the highest quality Green Fruit services along the Gulf Coast,” said Andrew Murphy, CEO, North American Stevedoring Holding Co.

Tags: Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., North American Stevedoring Holding Co., Port Freeport