As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the U.S. in total tonnage.
Participation in wind energy component cargo from global markets since 2006 has made Port Corpus Christi a useful import facility for all major manufacturers, say port authoritites. The Port had a record-breaking volume year in 2012. However new wind energy market trends have created a reverse trade in 2013. On a Saturday in May, wind components destined for export markets were loaded at Port Corpus Christi for the first time.
Vessel carrier NYK-Hinode’s m/v Kuwana loaded 36 Mitsubishi wind blades destined for Japan at Port Corpus Christi’s cargo dock 9. The operation marks a first-time export opportunity for wind cargo components via the Port. The blades were staged at Mitsubishi’s laydown yard located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico and manufactured in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. In April, the blades were trucked from New Mexico to a Port Corpus Christi open storage area, located adjacent to Cargo Dock 9, to await export. “The Port anticipates additional wind cargo export opportunities within the upcoming months. We continue our commitment to better serve the logistics of wind energy markets,” said John LaRue, Executive Director, Port Corpus Christi.
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the U.S. in total tonnage. The Port’s mission is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45-ft deep channel, (with a channel improvement project permitted and authorized to 52 ft) the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system.
The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an Environmental Management System.
Port Corpus Christi
Filed Under: Blades, Construction, News
