Successful VLCC test at Port Corpus Christi marks an historic occasion

May 30, 2017

The Euronav Anne, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) was successfully tested at the Oxy Ingleside Energy Center at Port Corpus Christi. This occasion marks the first time that a U.S. crude oil export facility has received such a large vessel.

The VLCC Anne enters the Corpus Christi Ship Channel at daybreak on Friday, May 26, 2017

Port Corpus Christi continues to set the benchmark for exporting U.S. produced crude oil. The port was the first to send an export load of crude oil following the lift of a forty year U.S. embargo on crude oil exports at the end of 2015 aboard the THEO T. An additional port record was set in April 2017 when 930,000 barrels of crude oil was loaded to the Suezmax Cap Romuald that sailed from Corpus Christi.

VLCC Anne arrives at Port Corpus Christi

The Permian Basin is the largest and fastest growing production area in the United States. With pipelines providing direct connections from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale to Port Corpus Christi the port is ideally positioned to serve as an export hub in satisfying the rising world demand for U.S. produced crude oil.

Port Corpus Christi is in the midst of a 10-year, $1 billion Capital Investment program. A major component of the program includes the Corpus Christi Ship Channel deepening and widening project. This project will enhance the existing -47 foot (MLLW) Corpus Christi Ship Channel depth to -54 foot (MLLW), expanding width to 530 feet, and installing barge shelves along the channel. Additionally, construction of the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere is underway to replace the aging Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge. Scheduled for completion in 2020, the bridge will provide increased air draft clearance to 205 feet.

Additional Coverage:

San Antonio Business Journal – Supertankers tested at Port Corpus Christi (SLIDESHOW)

Hellenic Shipping News – Massive tanker’s arrival in South Texas makes history

The Maritime Executive – Record Tanker Arrival in Gulf of Mexico

The Million Dollar Way (The Bakken Oil Blog) – VLCC At Corpus Christi – Successfully Tested – OXY

kiii-tv3 – Port of Corpus Christi receives Very Large Crude Carrier Anne

Ships & Ports – Port Corpus Christi welcomes its largest vessel to date

Houston Chronicle – Giant crude ship comes calling on Gulf Coast

PortNews – Port Corpus Christi receives the largest vessel to call on a Gulf of Mexico port

World Maritime News – Spotted: Port Corpus Christi welcomes its largest vessel to date

Turkish Maritime – Spotted: Port Corpus Christi welcomes its largest vessel to date

Lucianne – Massive tanker’s arrival in South Texas makes history