12/18/2017

Wind Turbine Cargo Keeps Growing at Port Corpus Christi

By the end of 2017, Port Corpus Christi is expected to reach a new wind turbine cargo milestone by handling more than 3,000 large wind turbine components including wind turbine blades and tower sections. In 2015 and 2016 the number of wind turbine components handled via Port Corpus Christi was 2,603 and 2,875 respectively.

Port Corpus Christi’s strategic location on the Texas Gulf Coast allows for excellent logistics solutions for wind power projects across the wind rich great plains of North America. Texas continues to lead the nation as the no. 1 wind energy industry state with over 20,000 MW of installed wind power capacity. In 2017 Wind Power surpassed coal fired power generating capacity in Texas.

The wind turbine cargo volumes handled via Port Corpus Christi have increased steadily over the past several years and are solid proof Port Corpus Christi is well equipped with all essential maritime and land-side facilities including an uncongested and easy access ship channel, berths, laydown areas, skilled labor, multiple highways and three North American Class-1 railroads. Coupled with its continued quest for improvement and excellence in customer service, the Port handles the multitude of wind turbine components from all major wind turbine manufacturers worldwide.

“Port Corpus Christi is proud to offer customized logistics solutions for the fast growing wind energy industry in North America. Port Authorities play an important role within the supply chain to help customers and users successfully execute major wind turbine projects”, says Jarl Pedersen, Port Corpus Christi Chief Commercial Officer. “We also recognize the continued innovation in the wind energy industry and need to make infrastructure investments allowing us to offer competitive solutions for transport of ever larger wind turbine components.”

The Port Corpus Christi Commission on December 12, 2017 approved a contract for construction of an additional 25-acre laydown yard for storage of wind turbine components and other breakbulk cargo. The first phase comprising a 10-acre laydown yard will be available by end the first quarter 2018 and the additional 15-acre laydown yard will be available within the following months.

Port Corpus Christi’s vision is to be the Energy Port of the Americas. Since August 2017, Port Corpus Christi has purchased 100% renewable electricity produced by wind power projects and other renewable energy projects in Texas.