The Promises Made Today Are The Promises Kept Tomorrow

Founded in 1923 in Virginia by T. Parker Host, Sr., the company began as a ship agency built on deep port knowledge, trusted relationships, and a commitment to service. From the beginning, HOST developed a culture of hands-on expertise, accountability, and responsiveness—principles that continue to define the company more than a century later.

Under second-generation leadership, HOST expanded beyond its original port, growing alongside the evolution of U.S. port infrastructure. By the 1980s and 1990s, the company had established a strong East Coast presence, becoming the largest ship agency in Virginia and Maryland.

Adam Anderson joined HOST as a boarding agent in 1998, beginning his career on the front lines of port operations. Over time, he assumed increasing leadership responsibility, becoming president in 2011 and helping guide the company into its next phase of growth.

With the acquisition of Navios Ship Agency in 2011, HOST expanded its presence across the Gulf Coast while broadening its operational capabilities. During this period, the company managed third-party stevedoring and terminal operations along the East Coast, building the expertise that would support future terminal ownership. HOST added the Drax Biomass Terminal in 2014, the Louis Dreyfus grain elevator in 2017, acquired the former Avondale Shipyard in 2018, and expanded its terminal portfolio with United Bulk Terminals in 2019.

Despite launching operations at Avondale just before the COVID-19 pandemic, HOST continued investing in the site's transformation, reintroducing it as Avondale Global Gateway in 2023. In 2025, HOST became the nation's largest tramp ship agency through the acquisition of Transmarine, expanding its network to the West Coast and Hawaii, followed by the acquisition of Impala Burnside—now Ascension Bulk Terminal—further strengthening its terminal operations platform.

As investment in energy, manufacturing, and advanced infrastructure accelerates across the United States, HOST continues to grow alongside the industries it serves. Avondale Global Gateway continues to welcome new customers, tenants, and cargo while expanding its capabilities, as HOST invests in the infrastructure, partnerships, and expertise that will help power the next generation of American industry.