The Port of Corpus Christi is poised to become an even greater influence in the world of trade with record-breaking levels of export tonnage and the addition of LNG vessel fueling stations, according to a port news release. Courtesy photo

The Port of Corpus Christi is poised to become an even greater influence in the world of trade with record-breaking levels of export tonnage and the addition of LNG vessel fueling stations, according to a port news release. Courtesy photo

The Port of Corpus Christi is proving its moniker, the "Energy Port of the Americas," with more record-breaking tonnage reports for liquefied natural gas and crude oil for the first half of 2021. Energy is not the only record cargo reported. It also had a 42 percent year-over-year increase in agriculture commodities.
In the first six months of the year, 80.5 tons of cargo made its way through the port, 4.7 percent over the same period in 2020. 
In addition, second-quarter reports show that 43 million tons of cargo moved through the port, a 2 percent increase from the previous quarterly record set in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“As global economies continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing strong demand for energy-related products originating in Texas,” said Sean Strawbridge, chief executive officer of the Port of Corpus Christi. “Our customers play a vital role in both feeding and fueling the world, and we are proud of their accomplishments in producing and moving these essential goods to high-demand centers.”
The port is also making news in other ways.
In May, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Stabilis Solutions to facilitate the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
LNG-powered vessels are becoming increasingly prominent among the world's fleet of container ships. The LNG fuel benefits port customers in both efficiency and emissions reductions compared to diesel combustion engines. 
With this partnership and the increasing availability of LNG as a marine fuel at the port, the new partners hope to attract more LNG-capable vessels and encourage conversions to LNG power. 
“The Port of Corpus Christi Authority sees LNG fueling of marine vessels as an important step toward our broader commitment to decarbonization and improved air quality,” Strawbridge said.
As stated in the MOU, the Port of Corpus Christi will provide suitable access to dock space for shore-to-ship fueling operations for LNG vessels. Stabilis will deploy its existing fleet of mobile cryogenic assets, including LNG transportation and distribution equipment, from its LNG production plant in South Texas to support LNG fueling operations.