Corps Awards Contract For Phase 2 Of Corpus Christi Channel Improvement
The Port of Corpus Christi has announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on April 8 awarded a $97.9 million contract to Texas-based Callan Marine Ltd. for completion of Phase 2 of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project.
The project will deepen and widen the ship channel from Harbor Island to 2.7 miles past La Quinta Junction, including Ingleside. Callan will deepen that portion of the ship channel from -47 feet (mean lower low water) to -54 feet. The company will also widen the channel to 530 feet and add 400 feet of barge shelves.
“This contract is vital for us to continue the deepening and widening of the existing Corpus Christi Ship Channel,” said Col. Timothy Vail, commander of the Galveston Engineer District. “The work will improve energy product transportation throughout at the Port of Corpus Christi by allowing larger vessels more efficient access, which will boost the economic competitive advantage and energy security of the United States for decades to come.”
According to the port, the deepening of the channel near Ingleside will directly benefit Buckeye Partners, Moda Midstream and Flint Hills Resources, three large crude export marine terminal operators located there.
Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge praised the progress of the channel-deepening project, which he said highlights the significance of the port as a global energy exporter.
“We are extremely appreciative of the Army Corps of Engineers for acknowledging the strategic national importance of executing the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project,” Strawbridge said. “As the largest export gateway for U.S.-produced energy destined for global demand markets, a deeper and wider ship channel will solidify the competitiveness of American energy on the world stage.”
The deepening and widening of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel has garnered significant funding, both from the port itself and the federal government. To date, the project has received close to $150 million in federal appropriations, with the port adding $150 million of its own cost-share funds to speed the project along.
Callan will deploy its newest and largest cutterhead dredge, the General MacArthur, for the project. The 32-inch dredge, constructed at C&C Marine & Repair near New Orleans, will mobilize in the next few weeks.
“Our mission is to provide top tier dredging services through quality performance, competitive pricing, safe work and professional relationship,” Callan Marine President Maxie McGuire said. “This award is particularly special to us because it demonstrates faith in the Callan brand and our years of experience. We are honored to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Galveston District and the Port of Corpus Christi on this project.”
The port estimates Phase 2 completion in early 2022, with improvements in the area of Ingleside by the fourth quarter of 2021.
