Port of Corpus Christi – positioning to handle future fuels

The Port of Corpus Christi, a long-time leader in movements of traditional fossil fuels of crude oil and LNG is now an emerging hub for the hydrogen value chain.

The hydrogen value chain, which encompasses hydrogen as a fuel itself, but also refers to its role as a feedstock in producing other fuels for a wide range of industries – including, of course, the marine sector.

“The same attributes that underpinned our prominence in fossil energy position us for success in the hydrogen market,” was one observation from Jeffrey Pollack, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, at the Port of Corpus Christi, in a recent conversation with Seatrade Maritime News. He explained that as a landlord port, Port of Corpus Christi does not own or operate actual facilities but rather acts as a “facilitator”.

The Port is well positioned to take advantage of nascent trades in fuels of the future, notably ammonia and methanol. “When we look at the liquid terminals in the Inner Harbor with the channel draft of 54 feet, those are built to accommodate Suezmax crude carriers. If you look at the ultra-large gas carriers, which are likely to be the largest of purpose-built ammonia carriers, they are essentially in that same size class.”

He explained that the berths alongside the newly deepened channel, with different topside equipment, “could eventually accommodate the purpose-built ammonia carriers that eventually underpin that trade…for us, it’s a natural pivot.” More liquid terminals are on the way at Corpus Christi, with Pollack indicating that: “We do have new liquids terminals in multiple reaches of the Port for which we have permits in hand and an emerging line-of-sight for commercialization.”

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