Freeport Ship Channel Readying for Larger Ships

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, the U.S.-based provider of dredging services, as well as environmental and remediation services, has received a dredging contract valued at over USD 30 million to widen the entrance and jetty channels of the Freeport Ship Channel near Freeport, Texas.

Approximately 4.5 miles of channel will be widened by 200 feet, enabling larger ships to safely navigate the 600 feet-wide channel. A portion of the dredged material is planned to be beneficially used to nourish the coastline in Quintana, TX. Work on the project is scheduled to commence in October 2014.

Some of the largest petrochemical and plastics production complexes in the world are located at Port Freeport and are expected to benefit from the economic efficiencies that the wider channel will provide, contributing to job retention and creation as well as greater opportunities for the local community, Great Lakes said in their release.