The Energy Port of the Americas
The Port of Corpus Christi has been in operation since 1926 and has become the nation’s largest energy export gateway and the third-largest export port for crude oil in the world. The Port boasts a 54-foot-deep channel, three Class I railroads – BNSF, CPKC, and UP – and a location adjacent to connecting Texas highways Interstate 37 and Highway 181. With all these assets at our disposal, our mission is and always will be to leverage commerce to drive prosperity for Corpus Christi and the coastal bend.
Port Vision Statement
To be the energy port of the Americas.
Port Mission Statement
Leverage commerce to drive prosperity.
Our SEAPORT Values
Safety
Empowerment
Accountability
Preparedness
Optimism
Respect
Teamwork
History and Highlights
1920
U.S. Congress authorizes Corps of Engineers to conduct feasibility study for a deep water port.
1921
Study commences. Major Adams recommends Corpus Christi to Roy Miller, a port builder.
1922
After going through election, the Port of Corpus Christi was born
1923
U.S. Congress authorized channel construction of 25 ft in depth and 200 ft bottom width.
1925-1926
The channel is dredged.
1926
Port Corpus Christi opens with statewide celebration. First Port business was Aransas Compress Company – cotton.
1928
With the need for two more docks to handle increasing business, the Port goes to the public with additional $1.5M in bonds.
Early 1930s
The channel was deepened to 30 feet for maneuvering basin inside the breakwater (for better passage through the narrow Bascule Bridge). First industry comes to Corpus Christi – Southern Alkali Corporation. Oil fields first discovered in the area. Industrial Canal completed (mile and a half channel extension to Avery Point, the location of Southern Alkali Corporation’s new plant). First refinery, Taylor Refining Company, comes to Port, leading to construction of more oil docks.
Mid 1930s
Major shift from cotton to petroleum and petroleum products. Channel and turning basin deepened again to 32 ft.
1938
Extension of channel to Tule Lake is authorized
1947
Corn Products Refining Company joins Port business near Avery Point as Coastal Bend becomes known for its grain and sorghum production. A new channel is dredged and the need for a grain elevator arises.
1950s
Port Corpus Christi’s “Bascule Bridge Bottleneck” comes to a head due to volume of ship and vehicular traffic, leading to its removal
1951
Reynolds Metal Company announces intention to construct aluminum reduction plant at the Port
1952
Port channel across the bay is widened from 200 to 400 ft
1953
Grain elevator construction begins in 1952 and officially opens in 1953 after a cost increase due to the Korean conflict.
1958
Dredging of channel extension to Tule Lake, approved in 1938, is completed. Channel extended through Driscoll Foundation lands, turning basin, and oil docks constructed at Viola for Suntide Refining Company, located west of Tule Lake Basin
1959-1961
Grain elevator is so successful that it requires two rounds of enlargement
1968
Lightning strike causes explosion in grain elevator, damaging the headhouse and killing a night watchman
1969
After one year of repair, the grain elevator is back in operation
1970
Hurricane Celia badly damages Aransas Compress, the very first facility built at the Port. Owners intend to shut it down unless it can be sold.
1971
Revenue bonds issued to purchase damaged compress and put it back into operation for public use
1973
Dredging begins on first channel section extending from Gulf to Ingleside cutoff to La Quinta
1975
Dredging commences to give La Quinta 47 ft. depth
1978
Dredging begins to extend this channel depth from La Quinta to one-mile outside of breakwater at Corpus Christi
1980
Bonds issued again to enlarge the compress facility and it’s renamed as Corpus Christi Public Compress
1981
Grain elevator experiences another explosion, causing major damage and several deaths/injuries. Reconstruction begins.
1983
Grain elevator reconstruction is completed and dedicated as the William E. Carl Terminal. San Patricio County representative added to the Port Commission.
1985
Dredging commences on Inner Harbor. Foreign Trade Zone #122 is established.
1988
Homeport / Naval Station Ingleside Opens
1989
Dredging of the channel from the Gulf to Viola Turning Basin to 47 ft., approved by Congress in 1968, is completed – giving Corpus Christi the deepest waterway of any Port in the Gulf at that time.
Late 1980s-Early 1990s
Port enacts diversification efforts to attract new cargoes like steel products, project cargoes, military equipment cargoes, and more.
1990
CITGO Refinery Opens
1994
Marion Luna Brem is first woman appointed to the Port Commission
1995
Flint Hills Resources Opens
2000
Solomon P. Ortiz International Center Opens
2003
Historic MOU is signed with Cuba. And the first military equipment shipment leaves to Iraq
2004
Gulf Compress relocates to La Quinta. Port Police & Security is established.
2005
Whataburger Field Opens on port property
2006
Wind turbines & components begin moving through the port.
2007
The Port’s Environmental Management System obtains ISO 140001 certification. The Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor opens.
2008
The Tule Lake Lift Bridge is demolished.
Late 2000
Diversification efforts pay off after renovations to Northside and Southside General Cargo Terminals, making the Port ideal for handling a more diverse array of cargoes
2010
The Port hosts tall ships from Chile, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States. The event, Sail South Texas 2010, was three days of cultural celebration for the community.
2011
TPCO breaks ground! And M&G Chemicals announces a new facility in Corpus Christi!
2011
La Quinta Channel Improvement Project receives federal funding in May and breaks ground in September.
2012
The Port signs a sales agreement with Oxy Ingleside for the former U.S. Naval Station Ingleside Property
2014
voestalpine breaks ground in La Quinta
2015
Cheniere receives all necessary permits to begin construction of LNG facility on La Quinta.
2015
Phase I of the Nueces River Rail Yard is complete.
2015
First U.S. Crude Oil Export in 40 years sails out of Corpus Christi on December 31, 2015
2016
Harbor Bridge Replacement Project moves forward with commitment from Port. Groundbreaking on August 8.
2016
Groundbreaking for Oil Dock 15 – 1,100-foot dock with 52-foot depth
2016
Panama Canal Expansion opens June 2016.