Posted on August 3, 2026
FREEPORT, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District and Port Freeport recognized a major milestone in the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 28, 2026.
The federal navigation project deepens and partially widens the harbor channel, enhances the upper turning basin and eases the lower channel bend. The improvements provide greater vessel access, operating flexibility and navigation capability at one of Texas’ leading commercial ports.
The deeper, more capable channel will improve access for larger global vessels, reduce navigation constraints and strengthen the movement of energy products, vehicles, containers, chemicals, agricultural commodities, heavy equipment and other cargo.
“This project demonstrates what the Army Corps of Engineers excels at – converting public investment and strong partnerships into navigation capability that delivers lasting national value,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. George H. Walter, USACE Southwestern Division commander. “A deeper, more capable Freeport Harbor Channel strengthens Texas’ system of ports, expands access to global markets and reinforces the energy, commerce and supply chains that underpin America’s economic strength and national resilience.”
The ceremony brought together federal, port, congressional and maritime-industry leaders, including Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO; U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, representing Texas’ 14th Congressional District; Rob Giesecke, Port Freeport Commission Chairman; Col. David W. Dake, USACE Galveston District Commander, and Sang Yi, American Association of Port Authorities President and CEO.
“Delivering this project required years of disciplined engineering, construction and close coordination between the Galveston District, Port Freeport and the maritime community,” said Dake. “The result is safer navigation, greater vessel flexibility and lasting infrastructure that’ll serve Port Freeport, its customers and the surrounding communities for generations.”
Port Freeport ranks #17 in the nation by commercial tonnage and serves as an important gateway for energy, automotive, container, chemical, agricultural and industrial cargo.
“This milestone is more than the completion of a major infrastructure project; it represents years of vision, collaboration and commitment,” Saathoff said. “As the deepest port on the Gulf of America, Port Freeport is better positioned to serve our customers, strengthen America’s supply chains and create new opportunities that will benefit Texas and the nation.”
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