Corpus Christi Ship Channel Restrictions Lifted

Vessel restrictions at Corpus Christi Ship Channel have been removed allowing for the full 47-foot draft of the ship channel to open to vessels.  

In addition, the daylight only transit restriction imposed during post-Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts was removed on Wednesday, September 27.

The restrictions have been lifted following an extensive review of hydrographic surveys by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Vessel traffic remains one-way on the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.  All other restrictions have been lifted,” Corpus Christi Port Authority said.

“With the daylight only transit restrictions removed, deep draft vessels can use the Corpus Christi Ship Channel day and night and are able to provide for the energy needs of our nation and our allies,” the authority added.

The Corpus Christi Ship Channel closed to all vessel traffic on August 24 as Hurricane Harvey was bearing down on the Texas coast. Following a record six-day closure of the ship channel, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port approved the restricted opening of the waterway.

The first vessel arrived at the Inner Harbor soon after on August, 31.

Post-Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts continue at the port following the Category 4 Hurricane’s devastating strike to the Texas Coast. 

Port Corpus Christi is the number one exporter of crude oil in the nation.