Corpus Christi marks milestone as federal, state, and local leaders waved to passing ships on June 2, celebrating the near completion of the transformative Ship Channel Improvement Project. Ultimately, the moment marked 35 years of planning and teamwork, achieving a historic milestone for the Port and Coastal Bend region.
What the Project Entails
The project deepens the channel to 54 feet and widens it from 400 to 530 feet. Additionally, barge shelves were added to enhance navigation safety for the increasing traffic of large vessels and barges.
Consequently, the expansion enables VLCCs and other large vessels to navigate smoothly, improving efficiency and reducing export costs significantly.
Boosting Trade and Growth
“This is probably the most significant thing the port has done,” said Kent Britton, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi. “We’ve gone from talking about being the energy port of America to leading in that space.”
Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves. Port officials say the improvements will cut transportation costs by about $200 million annually, as fewer ships carry more cargo.
Moreover, the Port seized the opportunity after the U.S. lifted the ban on crude oil exports in 2015. What began as an export volume of under 100,000 barrels per day grew to 2.4 million barrels daily in 2024. Moreover, combined with proximity to Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, this surge attracted $65 billion in regional investment.
Breaking Down the Project Phases
Since receiving funding in 2018, the multi-phase project has steadily advanced:
• Phase 1: Dredging from the Gulf of America to Harbor Island.
• Phase 2: Extended to west of La Quinta Junction.
• Phase 3: Continued to Chemical Turning Basin.
• Phase 4: Now deepening to Viola TB, set to finish by mid-2025.
In the meantime, additional maintenance and dredging will ensure the full 54-foot depth is maintained throughout the channel.
Federal Partnership and Support
In partnership since 2017, the federal engineering agency contributed $450 million to the $625 million investment, significantly advancing the project. Meanwhile, the Port added a capital contribution of $180 million. Over time, the Port has invested approximately $1 billion in infrastructure to enhance customer experience and economic growth.
At the June 2 ceremony, port leaders credited years of advocacy and D.C. visits for securing crucial federal funding.
Praise for Public and Private Support
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar highlighted bipartisan efforts that secured the final $157 million in FY 2023 to complete the project. Furthermore, he emphasized the Port’s strategic value to national and global commerce.
Moreover, this port links South Texas to the world—supporting energy exports, military operations, small businesses, and global markets, Cuellar said. “With the $625 million channel improvement project completed, we are ready to lead the world into the next generation of trade.”
Corpus Christi: A Global Energy Leader
Omar Garcia stated the Port of Corpus Christi is now America’s top crude oil exporter and third-largest globally, after Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
When reflecting on the past, Garcia noted that when he joined the Port in 2018, Corpus Christi ranked fourth in total waterborne tonnage. Thanks to this ambitious infrastructure project, the Port has soared to the forefront of global energy and trade.
Looking Ahead
As the final phase nears completion, Corpus Christi further strengthens its economy and expands global energy trade. In doing so, Corpus Christi marks milestone as it transforms into a key hub for international commerce and energy distribution.