News

Corpus Christi, TX, USA – Post Hurricane Hanna recovery efforts continue at the Port of Corpus Christi following the Category 1 hurricane’s landfall to the Texas Gulf Coast. The U.S Coast Guard (USCG) reopened the Corpus Christi Ship Channel without restrictions today, following extensive review of hydrographic surveys by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the daylight-only transit restrictions imposed yesterday have been lifted as outlined in the latest Marine Safety Information Bulletin 57-20 Update 4, issued by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Air Station Corpus Christi. Vessel traffic remains one-way on the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

The Corpus Christi Ship Channel closed to all vessel traffic on Friday, July 24, as the storm was bearing down upon South Texas. Following an impressive three-day only closure of the ship channel, the USCG Captain of the Port rescinded Port Condition Zulu, effective 4:30 p.m. on July 26, 2020, and approved the restricted opening of the Intracoastal Waterway from the Corpus Christi Ship Channel north to the Colorado Ricer Locks. The first vessel arrived at the Inner Harbor soon after on July 27.

“At the core of everything we do is our dedication to the safety of our employees, stakeholders and surrounding communities. Our close collaboration with local, state and federal partners enabled the Port of Corpus Christi to weather this storm with zero injuries and minimal impact to commerce,” said Charles W. Zahn, Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chairman.

Impact to the Coastal Bend consisted primarily of power outages. Port facilities, including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Security Command Center and Harbormaster’s Office maintained continuous uninterrupted operations, and no injuries or environmental incidents were sustained. The Port of Corpus Christi never lost power; nor were operations ever disrupted. With the daylight only transit restrictions removed, deep draft vessels can use the Corpus Christi Ship Channel day and night and are able to provide for the energy needs of our nation and our allies.

“The immediate response to Hurricane Hanna and seamless coordination by our Port of Corpus Christi Incident Management Team truly was a Herculean effort,” said Sean Strawbridge, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi. “This team is battle-tested and lives in readiness mode. Reopening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel one day after landfall bespeaks the commitment of The Energy Port of the Americas™ not only to our customers but to the markets around the world who depend on them for energy products.”

About Port Corpus Christi

As a leader in U.S. Crude Oil export ports and a major economic engine of Texas and the nation, Port Corpus Christi is the 3^rd largest port in the United States in total revenue tonnage. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a 36-mile, soon to be 54-foot (MLLW) deep channel, Port Corpus Christi is a major gateway to international and domestic maritime commerce. The Port has excellent railroad and highway network connectivity via three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstate highways. With an outstanding staff overseen by its seven-member commission, Port Corpus Christi is “Moving America’s Energy.” www.portofcc.com

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Click for PCCA News Release – Vessel Restrictions Lifted – Hanna 07.27.20