Port Freeport | Ports in Texas

As of April 8, 2020, Port Freeport is maintaining regular service levels and normal terminal operations. All terminals along the Freeport Harbor Channel are operational and conducting business as usual.

In accordance with exemptions provided in the Stay Safe at Home Order issued by Brazoria County, Texas effective March 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., Port Freeport and Freeport Harbor Channel operations are considered essential transportation and logistics services and will continue to operate as normal. Preventative measures are in place to protect the health and safety of Port, terminal, and transportation workers and the community.

Port Freeport’s Administration Building is closed to the public until further notice beginning Friday, March 27, 2020, to protect the well-being of our employees, their families and the community. A remote work environment is now in place for a portion of the administrative staff where possible.

Information regarding any changes to operations at Port Freeport will be distributed via the Port’s website, the Port’s emergency notification system and other means as needed.

Considering the health and safety of our workforce and the need for business continuity supporting the efficient movement of commerce, Port Freeport is working closely with, and following instruction from, the United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, the Center for Disease Control, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the County Health Department. Information regarding any changes to operations at Port Freeport will be distributed via the Port’s website, the Port’s emergency notification system and other means as needed.

Preventative measures have been put in to place at Port Freeport following the direction of the CDC and state and local health departments:

Enhanced routine daily cleaning to include disinfecting all surfaces on a continuous basis, including elevator buttons, stair handrails, counter surfaces, and seating
Additional hand-washing stations have been placed throughout the Port
Informational posters provided by the CDC are posted throughout all Port facilities
Flyers regarding preventative measures are being distributed at gates of entry
Social distancing is encouraged for all employees and all individuals entering the Port
Meetings are being held by phone when possible
Encouraging remote work environment where possible

Anyone that exhibits any symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider or the Brazoria County Health Department and self-isolate to limit exposure to others.

We appreciate everyone’s commitment to the health and safety of our workforce and community. We will continue to closely monitor and respond to COVID-19 and support any decisions and directions of our federal, state and local agency partners to protect the health and well-being of our community.

VESSEL OPERATIONS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with the U.S. Coast Guard monitor and track all foreign and domestic vessels entering the US from foreign ports. CBP monitors not only the vessel but crew and passengers. CBP monitors crew and passengers specifically coming from certain countries both directly and their recent travel history (i.e did that ship/crew/passenger enter a specific country within the past several stops). CBP can prohibit the crew or certain individuals from departing a vessel in port due to their history of entries/exits.

In a Public Information Notice (PIN) from CBP released on March 23, 2020, all maritime crew will be remanded to their vessels until further notice. To view the PIN in its entirety, please click HERE. In addition, on March 31st, CBP released a PIN regarding Temporary Vessel Entrance and Clearance Procedures, click HERE to view.

CBP will work with carriers on a case-by-case basis on temporary shore leave requests for such reasons as but not limited to humanitarian, shore side business critical to the safe operation of the vessel, legal, medical, etc.

Due to evolving travel restrictions worldwide, this activity is subject to change on short notice.

The USCG also follows regulations regarding vessels destined for U.S. ports:

Per 42 CFR 71.21, vessels destined for a U.S. port are required to report to the CDC any sick or deceased crew/passengers during the 15 days prior to arrival at a U.S. port. Guidance to vessels on reporting deaths and illnesses to the CDC can be found at: https://go.usa.gov/xdjmj. U.S. flagged commercial vessels are also advised to report ill crew members in accordance with the requirements of each foreign port called upon.
In addition, the USCG, in partnership with the Center for Disease Control, is following strict protocol to manage the effect of the COVID-19 in the maritime community.
- Maritime Safety Information Bulletins:
  - March 16, 2020 - Novel Coronavirus - Update (Change 3)
  - March 13, 2020 - Vessel Reporting Requirements for Illness or Death
  - March 25, 2020 - Maritime Operations during a Stay-At-Home Order
  - March 27, 2020 - Maintaining Maritime Commerce and Identification of Essential Maritime Critical Infrastructure Workers
  - March 31, 2020 - Hazardous Condition Attestation
  - April 3, 2020 - COVID-19 TWIC Operations

In addition to regular communication with CBP and USCG, our Director of Security/Emergency Response and Safety Coordinator are participating in the weekly State Health Services Department conference calls and the national CDC conference calls to monitor the situation.

We will continue to closely monitor this matter and support any decisions and directions of our area, state and federal agency partners to protect the health and well-being of our community.

Links for additional information:

Center for Disease Control

World Health Organization

Texas Department of State Health Services

Brazoria County Health Department

Brazoria County COVID-19 Information Line

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order for Individuals

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order Public Reference Guide for Businesses and Other Organizations

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order Reference Guide - Examples of Nonessential Businesses during a Public Health Emergency

International Longshoremen's Association Local 30

Map of Cases of COVID-19 in Brazoria County