Port of Corpus Christi awarded $17m for first phase of terminal redevelopment

Port of Corpus Christi awarded $17m for first phase of terminal redevelopment


The US Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration has awarded a federal grant of over $17 million to the Port of Corpus Christi, to expand Oil Dock 3 – the first of four phases in the redevelopment of the Avery Point Terminal (Avery Point).

Avery Point, on the Corpus Christi Ship Channel’s Inner Harbour, is one of the Port of Corpus Christi’s most productive public oil terminals, (currently operating at over 84 per cent capacity). 

The four ship docks are more than 55 years old though, and as such “require major rehabilitation or reconstruction to safely and efficiently accommodate today’s modern vessel fleet”, Corpus Christi said in a statement. 

The projected necessary high utilisation prohibits the decommissioning and redevelopment without the creation of new berth capacity nearby, to accommodate existing (and growing) demand during the reconstruction.

US Senator John Cornyn said: “Access to safe and efficient infrastructure is critical as more people and goods come to Texas each day. I proudly supported the Port of Corpus Christi’s grant application, and I thank President Trump and Transportation Secretary Chao for supporting Texans in Corpus Christi.”

Barge berthing capacity will double at Oil Dock 3 (OD3) as a result of the $17.6 million grant. Located on the easternmost edge of the terminal, OD3 will have to accommodate 90 per cent of barge traffic currently calling on the other three Avery Point docks (docks 4, 7 and 11).

This will create enough surplus capacity at the other three docks to allow phased decommissioning and redevelopment of each without any disruption of operations, Corpus Christi said. It added: “The Port is committed to maintaining close coordination with all users of the Avery Point Terminal throughout the process to ensure continuity of operations.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said of the news: “As the Administration continues to invest in America’s infrastructure, this program will further modernize and improve the efficiency of our waterways.”

Total project cost is estimated at $22 million, with $17.6 million coming from the Port Infrastructure Development Grant and the remaining balance coming from the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Port of Corpus Christi has experienced record growth, primarily driven by the increase in American energy production and exports. The Port saw record tonnage in 2019, moving 122.2 million cargo tons.

For more information visit www.portofcc.com

17th February 2020