The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded a US$92 million construction contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, which will deepen and widen the Corpus Christi Ship Channel (CCSC).
As part of the Channel Improvement Project (CIP), Great Lakes will increase the depth at the entrance of the ship channel from -47 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) to -54 feet MLLW, as well as extending the CCSC into the Gulf of Mexico.
In November 2018, the USACE announced that it would provide an extra $59 million in funding to the CIP under its Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Work Plan, bring the total federal appropriations to $95 million.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Port of Long Beach, discusses supply chain efficiencies in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Charles W. Zahn, Chairman for the Port of Corpus Christi Commission, said: “The award of this first dredging contract is without a doubt the most important development we will see in 2019.
“Building critical infrastructure for the energy sector is our primary mission and will allow larger vessels access to much needed export facilities, safely and responsibly.”
Sean Strawbridge, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi, also commented: “We commend the Army Corps of Engineers for progressing the highly anticipated Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project.
“The selection of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to perform on this first contract is an extraordinary step forward in positioning the United States as the largest exporter of energy in the world.”
Best wishes for a prosperous new year from the .#energyportoftheamericas. pic.twitter.com/idMOl6oDp4
— Port Corpus Christi (@PoccaPort) December 31, 2018
Sean Strawbridge discusses how America's energy is being moved in a recent Port Technology technical paper
In its 128-year history, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has worked on high-profile projects that include the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill cleanup and the deepening of the Port Miami harbour.
Lasse Petterson, Chief Executive Officer for the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, stated: “As the largest dredging company in the US, we have a long and successful history working in Texas.
“We congratulate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Corpus Christi for their success in getting this important project underway.”