Port Freeport announced that the new build M/V Chiquita Horizon made its first U.S. port call on September 19 at the Velasco Container Terminal. The vessel, carrying refrigerated containers, is scheduled for an approximately 18-week rotation serving the U.S. Gulf region before deployment on a European trade lane.
According to Port Commission Chairman Rob Giesecke, "Welcoming the Chiquita Horizon during our Centennial year is an honor and highlights Port Freeport's role as a leading gateway for fresh fruit imports and international trade."
© Port Freeport
The arrival reflects the long-standing relationship between Chiquita Fresh N.A. and Port Freeport, which began in 1993. Chiquita's operations contribute to the port's role in handling fresh fruit shipments in the U.S. Gulf. Recent channel improvements and terminal upgrades have expanded the port's capacity to handle larger vessels and cargo volumes.
The Chiquita Horizon joins its sister vessel, the M/V Chiquita Harvester, which made its maiden U.S. voyage earlier this year. Both vessels are designed with biofuel-ready engines and refrigeration systems intended to support international produce transport.
Port Freeport is also a major U.S. export hub for crude oil and natural gas liquids. Nationally, it ranks sixth in chemical exports, fourteenth in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and twenty-sixth in container traffic.
A 2022 economic impact study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reported that the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs nationwide and contributes an economic output of $157.3 billion.
© Port Freeport
The port serves a wide range of companies across different sectors, including 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 FreeportFor more information:
Amanda Veliz
Port Freeport
Tel: +1 979 233 2667
Email: [email protected]
www.portfreeport.com
