FREEPORT, TX - On March 12th, Port Freeport Commissioners awarded Tenaris and Jetco Delivery with “The Environmental Stewardship Award”. The award recognizes both partners for their utilization of the Freeport heavy-lift corridor (HLC) as part of their operations.
“The Port Commission is proud to recognize our partners that support the vision of positive economic impact while improving the quality of life and creating jobs in our local communities,” said Port Commission Chairman Paul Kresta. “The entire community benefits from fewer trucks on the road and reduced emissions.”
The commencement of operations at the Tenaris plant in Bay City has brought over 700 jobs to the community. The use of the heavy-lift corridor for transporting steel pipe and bars from Port Freeport to Tenaris offers a 40% reduction in the number of trucks required. Since Jetco Delivery and Tenaris began utilizing the HLC in July 2018, over 6,500 permits have been issued resulting in an approximate 2,600 trucks being taken off the road. Based upon analysis from the Houston Galveston Area Council, use of the corridor also results in 2.1 million pounds of CO2 reduction per year and approximately 4.5 tons of NOx per year. Permit fee revenue is used to help fund highway maintenance through the Texas Department of Transportation.
“We applaud the vision and effort demonstrated by Port Freeport, Tenaris and other stakeholders to establish the HLC. Jetco Delivery is proud and thankful to be a participant, said Jetco Delivery CEO Brian Fielkow. “The HLC is proof that you can efficiently deliver greater amounts of cargo with fewer trucks as long as you have the properly trained employees, correct equipment and an unconditional commitment to safety as a nonnegotiable core value. Everybody wins.”
The Freeport heavy-lift corridor was established 8 years ago by Texas House Bill 1305 which was authored by Speaker Dennis Bonnen and supported by Senator Joan Huffman. In 2015, House Bill 1321 expanded the corridor to include two additional roads in Freeport and four additional roads in Sweeny.
Port Freeport Director of Economic Development and Mobility, Michael Wilson, was also presented The PORT Award for his role in overseeing the implementation of the heavy-lift corridor. Wilson has not only helped facilitate several partnerships that utilize the heavy-lift corridor, but also assisted in the deployment of an electronic permitting system.
“The coordination between Port Freeport and its partners, coupled with the support of our state legislators, has resulted in a winning outcome for all stakeholders,” said Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO Phyllis Saathoff. “The heavy-lift corridor is an innovative solution that has a positive impact on the economic and environmental vitality of our region.”
Nationally, Port Freeport is ranked 10th in chemicals, 26th in containers and 19th 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.
