Port Freeport Welcomes Höegh Sunrise During Inaugural Call
Port Freeport welcomed the Höegh Sunrise during its inaugural call on Wednesday, July 1, celebrating another milestone in the Port’s longstanding partnership with Höegh Autoliners. Members of the Port Freeport Commission joined Executive Director and CEO Phyllis Saathoff, representatives from Höegh Autoliners, Mitsubishi Motors North America and AMPORTS, along with the Master of the Höegh Sunrise, to commemorate the occasion with an inaugural plaque presentation at Port Freeport’s Berths 1 and 2.
Members of the Port Freeport Commission, Executive Director and CEO Phyllis Saathoff, representatives from Höegh Autoliners, Mitsubishi Motors North America and AMPORTS, along with the Master of the Höegh Sunrise, commemorate the vessel’s inaugural call to Port Freeport with a plaque presentation at Berths 1 and 2 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Photo courtesy of Port Freeport.
The arrival of Höegh Sunrise highlights Port Freeport's ongoing role as a major gateway for the automotive industry and emphasizes the strength of its partnership with Höegh Autoliners. In fiscal year 2025, a total of 198,475 vehicles were shipped through Port Freeport, demonstrating the growth of the port’s automotive business and the strong partnerships that facilitate vehicle imports and exports along the Texas Gulf Coast. As global shipping continues to evolve, Port Freeport is dedicated to investing in infrastructure and operational capabilities that support its customers and the future of maritime commerce.
“Today’s inaugural call reflects the strong relationship Port Freeport has built with Höegh Autoliners over the past decade and their continued confidence in Port Freeport,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “On behalf of the Port Freeport Commission, we are proud to celebrate this milestone and the lasting partnership that continues to strengthen our region’s economy and support the continued growth of international trade through Port Freeport.”
Port Freeport and Höegh Autoliners have partnered since 2015 to enhance automobile movement through the Gulf Coast. The arrival of Höegh Sunrise, the fifth vessel in Höegh’s Aurora Class, further strengthens this longstanding collaboration while supporting regional commerce and expanding opportunities for international trade.
With a capacity of up to 9,100 car equivalent units (CEUs), Aurora Class vessels are among the largest and most environmentally advanced pure car and truck carriers in the world. Certified as ammonia-ready and methanol-ready, they are designed to support the future of more sustainable deep-sea shipping while transporting conventional, electric and high-and-heavy vehicles.
“The inaugural call of Höegh Sunrise marks another exciting milestone for Höegh Autoliners and reflects the strength of our partnership with Port Freeport,” said Jazmieka Smith, Key Account Manager, Höegh Autoliners. “As we continue introducing our Aurora Class vessels, we’re proud to work with partners who are investing in the infrastructure and capabilities needed to support the next generation of automotive logistics and more sustainable deep-sea shipping.”
Port Freeport’s continued investments in infrastructure, including the completion of the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, have enhanced navigational safety and expanded the Port’s ability to accommodate larger, next-generation vessels. These improvements position Port Freeport to meet the evolving needs of its customers while supporting continued growth in global maritime trade.
“Welcoming Höegh Sunrise demonstrates how Port Freeport’s continued investments in infrastructure are positioning the Port to serve the next generation of vessels and the evolving needs of global trade,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport Executive Director and CEO. “We are committed to operational excellence and providing customer-focused service, supporting jobs and the communities we serve.”
As Port Freeport continues to expand its capabilities and strengthen strategic partnerships, it remains focused on providing safe, efficient, and reliable service to customers while supporting economic growth throughout the region. Port Freeport looks forward to welcoming future Aurora Class vessels and continuing its successful partnership with Höegh Autoliners for years to come.
The Höegh Sunrise is docked at Port Freeport’s Berths 1 and 2 during its inaugural call on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Photo courtesy of Port Freeport.
Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks 6th nationally in chemicals, 13th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 4th in the State of Texas by the same measure. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion. Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Höegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Liberty Global Logistics, Linde, MEGlobal, Mitsubishi Motors, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.