Maritime Economic Development: Corpus Christi
Port Corpus Christi Leases 41 Acres to Howard Energy Partners
The Port of Corpus Christi has committed to a long-term business relationship with Maverick Terminals Corpus LLC, a subsidiary of Howard Energy Partners, a midstream provider with assets in the Eagle Ford Shale region of South Texas. The 30-year lease agreement was approved unanimously on July 18 by the port commissioners for approximately 41 acres on the north side of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel in the Inner Harbor.
The company plans to design, construct and operate a rail terminal, and a petroleum and petroleum products storage facility on the leased property. It also intends to connect the facility with its proposed Dos Aguilas pipeline to Monterrey, Mexico. As part of the lease agreement, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority will design and construct a new oil dock.
Oil Dock 20 will initially serve Mexico’s transportation fuel demands by rail with an estimated target of at least two to three unit trains per week. Once the Dos Aguilas pipeline is permitted, constructed, and in-service, significantly more volume is anticipated. Further, the Oil Dock 20 is targeting crude exports to international markets and will be able to accommodate Suez-max tankers.
"Port Corpus Christi has secured its position as the number one crude oil export port in the United States. This major investment from Howard Energy Partners represents a shining example of why the Port of Corpus Christi is the Energy Port of the Americas," said Charles W. Zahn, chairman of the Port Corpus Christi Commission.
"This lease marks a strategic and significant expansion of our terminal network, not only for refined products but for crude oil. We are excited about the opportunities for further development, and look forward to continuing to expand our relationship with the Port of Corpus Christi," said Brad Bynum, Howard Energy Partners co-founder and president.