Corpus Christi $139m channel dredging contract awarded

The four-phase infrastructure project will increase the Corpus Christi Ship Channel depth from 14.3m Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) to 16.4m MLLW and widen it to 161.5m, with an additional 121.9m of barge shelves.

Estimated completion for the third phase of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project is June 2023.

Phase 3 will extend west of the La Quinta Junction through the Chemical Turning Basin in the Port’s Inner Harbour. GLDD completed the first phase of the CIP on time in March 2020, deepening and widening the waterway from the Gulf of Mexico to Harbour Island. In April 2020, the Phase 2 contract was awarded to Callan Marine Ltd. and is currently under construction.

“The Texas Coast has a vibrant natural eco-system, and our coastline provides vast economic, social and environmental benefits to the nation,” said US Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District Commander Col. Tim Vail. “The enhanced channel will also improve safety and efficiency by allowing two-way traffic, and a safer passthrough for deep-draught vessels.”

The CIP is a long-anticipated collaboration between the Port of Corpus Christi, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the federal government. To date, the port has provided $161.5m for its portion of the total project cost share, with the federal government appropriating $296.3m thus far in funding.

Related:Crude oil shipments boost Port of Corpus Christi to 2020 tonnage record

“The Port of Corpus Christi applauds the US Army Corps of Engineers for continuing to move expeditiously on this nationally vital waterway project,” said Sean Strawbridge, CEO for the Port of Corpus Christi.

“Advancing the third phase of this historic initiative in developing critical coastal navigation infrastructure reinforces our nation’s importance in serving the global energy markets, and certainly solidifies the Port of Corpus Christi’s position as the largest energy export gateway in the United States. We welcome Great Lakes Dredge and Dock back to the project and have every confidence they will complete the work on time and on budget, “he added.

 “We are proud to partner with the USACE, Galveston District, the Port of Corpus Christi and local officials in the execution of Phase 3 of the Corpus Christi deepening project,” said Lasse Petterson, CEO for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company. 

“Great Lakes’ proven experience in this type of project, our high safety standards and our expertise in minimizing environmental impact in the areas we work will support our goal of completing this project safely, on time and within budget.”