Port of
Corpus Christi, Texas, customers set a new high mark in annual tonnage during
2023, moving more than 200 million tons of goods through the Corpus Christi Ship
Channel for the first time in its history.
The 203 million tons moved last year
was an 8.1% increase from the prior year. The new record primarily can be
attributed to a jump in crude oil exports to 126.1 million tons in 2023, a
12.5% increase compared to 2022. The Port of Corpus Christi also saw a nearly 13.5%
increase in agricultural commodities to a little over 2.2 million tons, as well
as a slight increase in refined products to 42.5 million tons. A record volume
of liquefied natural gas (LNG)—16.3 million tons—moved through the Corpus
Christi Ship Channel in 2023, as well.
“The reaching of this newest milestone in the
Port of Corpus Christi’s lengthy history is a testament to the strength and
commitment of our customers, who supply much-needed goods to our trading
partners around the world,” said Kent Britton, CEO for the Port of Corpus
Christi.
“Closing out 2023 on such a strong note sets the right tone as we go into 2024,
which we expect to be another solid year for our customers.”
“On behalf of my fellow Port of Corpus Christi
commissioners, I congratulate our customers and staff for achieving this
incredible milestone in 2023,” said David Engel, chairman of the Port of Corpus
Christi Commission. “We remain committed to investing in our infrastructure to
ensure our customers are able to continue and expand their success, which will
allow for further economic development in South Texas.