FREEPORT, TX (October 17, 2018) – Port Freeport is pleased to announce the commencement of a new global liner service at Port Freeport. CMA CGM, a global container transportation and shipping company, commenced commercial cargo operations with their weekly Brazex service.
“We are proud to partner with the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in ocean transportation. Their extensive network of services allows Port Freeport access to major trade lanes worldwide, creating additional economic opportunities for the entire region,” stated Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO of Port Freeport.
CMA CGM’s Brazex service provides U.S. Gulf ports a direct link to and from Brazil. This service uses Kingston and Cartagena as hubs for full coverage to the East Coast of South America and for transshipment to other global services.
“We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with Port Freeport. This is the result of a great collaboration between CMA CGM, Port Authorities and Dow. We are key stakeholders for the Gulf Coast Port Region and developing a reliable and cost-efficient shipping operation close to our facilities is key to supporting Dow’s U.S. Gulf Coast growth plans,” said Mariano Gutierrez, Dow’s North America Integrated Supply Chain Director.
“I am pleased to see Dow’s Texas Operations take our relationship with Port Freeport to the next level. This represents a true triple win: a win for Dow, a win for Port Freeport and, most importantly, a win for the Brazosport community,” said Rich Wells, Vice President, U.S. Gulf Coast Operations and Site Director, Dow Texas Operations.
The CMA CGM service will provide global connections for shippers and make weekly calls to Port Freeport. The CMA CGM Group, founded by Jacques R. Saadé, is a world leader in maritime transport. Now headed by Rodolphe Saadé, from its base in Marseille, France, the CMA CGM Group is present in more than 160 countries through its network of over 755 agencies, with more than 34,000 employees worldwide.
With a young and diversified fleet of over 500 vessels, the CMA CGM Group serves over 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports. Port Freeport is pleased to now be among those ports served by CMA CGM and bring their level of expertise in maritime transport to Brazoria County and surrounding areas.
“Adding the CMA CGM service to Port Freeport aligns with our strategic initiatives for growth and expands our opportunity for global commerce. Port Freeport and CMA CGM share in the commitment to providing high quality customer service, and we look forward to a successful partnership for many years,” said Paul Kresta, Chairman of the Port Commission.
Nationally, Port Freeport is ranked 10th in chemicals, 26th in containers and 23rd in total tonnage. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves The Dow Chemical Company, Phillips 66, BASF, Tenaris, Vulcan Materials Company, Mammoet, Horizon Terminal Services, Freeport LNG, Riviana Foods, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Seaway Pipeline Company and Seaway Marine Terminal, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Hoegh Autoliners.
