Tropical storm Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening again to a tropical storm.

The Port of Corpus Christi, the U.S.’ largest energy export gateway, took precautions in accordance with the 2024 Hurricane Readiness Plan prior to Beryl’s arrival. The Port Authority has yet to update on damages caused by Beryl.

Corpus Christi is located some 208-miles from Houston. The city’s port began operations in 1926 and is strategically located near major Texas oil and gas production, and the Permian Basin in particular is a key beneficiary.

“Life-threatening storm surge inundation will continue this afternoon along the coast of Texas from Port O’Connor to Sabine Pass, including the eastern portion of Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay,” the National Hurricane Center announced July 8 in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“Beryl’s trek inland will bring flooding rains and gusty winds through the Mid-Mississippi Valley and into New England this week,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Port of Corpus Christi users were told by the Port Authority to adhere to requirements for marine safety set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)  on July 7.

The USCG Captain of Sector Port Corpus Christi (CoTP) set Port Condition Zulu from the Colorado Locks to the U.S. Mexico border, including the Port of Corpus Christi, effective 8:00 a.m. on July 7. “Under this condition, all vessel movement and cargo operations are restricted,” the Port Authority said.

Port of Corpus Christi moves large tonnage

The Port of Corpus Christi has five multi-purpose cargo docks for break bulk cargo, and it boasts being the largest port to handle wind energy components on the U.S. Gulf Coast (USGC), where it has six near-dock laydown yards.

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The port also features 45 acres of open storage space with direct access to deepwater, railways and highways where it has two bulk docks: one with a 34-ft draft and another with a 47-ft draft. The port has connectivity with three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstate highways.

The Port of Corpus Christi and its customers recently moved 48.9 million tons (MMton) through the Corpus Christi Ship Channel in the first quarter of 2024, the Port Authority said in an April 19 press release.

Importantly, the port moved 203 MMton  in 2023, up 8.1% compared to 2022, according to Port Authority data. Of the total volumes, crude oil exports were 126.1 MMton in 2023, up 12.5% compared to 2022.

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