DP World and the Port of Corpus Christi are now in exclusive negotiations to potentially bring container operations to the Coastal Bend.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Port of Corpus Christi, long known as a major gateway for oil and gas, could soon expand into a new area of shipping.
DP World and the Port of Corpus Christi are now in exclusive negotiations to potentially bring container operations to the Coastal Bend. If finalized, the project would mark DP World’s first container terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Port leaders say the move would help diversify operations while continuing the port’s long-standing role in the energy industry.
“Oil and gas is not going anywhere. If anything that is going to continue to grow, but this gives us an opportunity to diversify,” said Kent Britton, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi.
Britton said discussions with DP World have been underway for more than a year.
According to Britton, DP World is one of the largest companies in the industry.
“DP World is huge, they’re the 7th largest container terminal operator in the world,” he said.
The company handles approximately 10% of global container traffic annually through its network of ports and terminals.
Britton said Corpus Christi stood out among other locations the company considered.
“They picked us over some other appealing locations. We’re really happy about that,” he said.
Port officials say one major factor was the completion of the Ship Channel Improvement Project last year, which deepened the waterway. Britton also pointed to other advantages.
“We’ve also had discussions about building an inland rail terminal out near Robstown, the higher draft clearance on the bridge,” Britton said.
In a statement provided to 3NEWS, DP World Americas Chief Operating Officer Morten Johansen said proximity to industrial and manufacturing markets, along with access to cross-border trade with Mexico, played a role in the company’s interest.
“Corpus Christi offers a unique combination of deep-water access, strong rail and highway connectivity, proximity to growing industrial and manufacturing markets, and access to cross-border trade with Mexico. Combined with the strong growth we’re seeing across Texas and the Gulf Coast, it presents an attractive opportunity to strengthen supply chain connectivity and provide customers with another efficient gateway option.” Officer Morten Johansen
Port officials say the project could bring jobs during both construction and long-term operations.
Britton said construction alone could create more than 1,000 jobs, with additional permanent positions after completion.
The proposed terminal would be located west of the Harbor Bridge.
“The warehouses that are on them will get torn down. The dock will get rehabilitated,” Britton said.
Officials say the project would still be smaller than major Gulf Coast container hubs like Houston.
“With the behemoth that is Houston because Houston is a giant operator on the world container stage or on the U.S. container stage, at least moving 4 million roughly containers a year. I think at the height of what we do here when we fully built this out, this might be moving a million containers a year,” Britton said.
Britton says the proposed partnership sends a message about future growth in the region.
“It’s just a great opportunity. It’s a continued reinforcement also that, you know, with a lot of the discussion that’s going on in the media, not just here locally, but at the state level and the national level about our water situation. Corpus Christi is not closed for business,” he said. “And I think this will just continue to reiterate to the business community that’s out there that’s really listening that there is still lots of opportunity.”
If negotiations move forward as planned, officials say the first containers could begin moving through the terminal by late 2029.