Hurricane Harvey Impact to the Port Post Storm Recovery Status of Ship Channel
Aug 29, 2017
Corpus Christi, TX, USA – As the Port of Corpus Christi Authority continues its Hurricane Harvey response efforts, it has fully transitioned to into Post Storm Recovery in accordance with its 2017 Port Hurricane Readiness Plan. The Corpus Christi Ship Channel (Ship Channel) remains closed as the United States Coast Guard is maintaining condition Zulu for all areas of the Ship Channel. However the US Coast Guard has issued a modified Zulu status for the Inner Harbor to allow for vessels with up to 20 feet draft to operate.
The Port of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center, Security Command Center and Harbor Master’s Office continue to operation round the clock and have maintained continuous 24 hour operations throughout this event.
The Port of Corpus Christi is in close coordination with federal, state, and regional agencies including the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard to expedite hydrographic surveys of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to identify shoaling areas as a result of the hurricane. Surveying efforts have been hampered by weather conditions, but as weather improves, it is anticipated the remaining areas of the Channel which require surveys will be completed in the next 48 hours. Power has been restored to most PCCA facilities.
Corpus Christi and La Quinta Ship Channels STATUS:
- The Corpus Christi and La Quinta Ship Channels is not obstructed by the incident with drill vessel Paragon I
- U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is currently conducting the survey of the channel
- USACE will advise if any obstruction or shoaling findings and will proceed with dredging if needed
- USACE will notify the USCG when job is completed
- USCG will certify approval to officially opening the navigation channels
- PCCA Inner Harbor is open with limited 20ft draft only for tugs and barges
- PCCA continues working toward achieving normal business operations by September 4th.
Port personnel are working round the clock in assessing facility damage and have recalled all Tier 2 employees. It is anticipated that all remaining Tier 3 employees will be recalled in the next few days.
Port Police and security teams are maintaining all primary security access control points and are on patrol at all inner harbor facilities. They are also supporting recovery operations at Ingleside and Port Aransas. The Port Police Department has received no reports of any vandalism or burglaries during this weather event. Access questions, security related issues, emergencies or spills should continue to be reported to the Security Command Center via normal channels. Phone: 361-882-1182 or email portpolice@pocca.com.
The Harbor Master’s Office and Engineering Department is continuing to support coordination efforts for possible obstructions in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel near Port Aransas with the US Coast Guard Incident Command Post. The USCG and USACE have representatives in the Port EOC to assist with coordination efforts.
About Port Corpus Christi
As a major economic engine of the South Texas Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the 4th largest port in the United States in total tonnage. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a 36 mile, 47 foot (MLLW) deep channel, Port Corpus Christi is a major gateway to international and domestic marine commerce. The Port has excellent rail and highway network connectivity via three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstates. With an outstanding staff overseen by its seven member commission, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “Moving America’s Energy.” http://www.portcorpuschristi.com/
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