Callan Marine is nearing completion of a crucial infrastructure project that will transform the Corpus Christi Ship Channel into the most advanced waterway along the entire U.S. Gulf Coast, stretching from Texas to Florida. This project holds immense significance as the Port of Corpus Christi serves as the largest U.S. energy export gateway and ranks as the third largest seaport in terms of total waterway tonnage. The Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project (CCSCIP) has been a nearly thirty-year endeavor, consisting of four phases that involve the monumental task of deepening and widening the channel. As we move into 2025, the Port of Corpus Christi and its partners can finally glimpse the project's completion on the horizon. 

The Corpus Christi Ship Channel has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The channel was first dredged in the 1920s, and the Port of Corpus Christi was officially opened in 1926. Since then, the port has grown to become one of the largest and most important ports in the United States. The area surrounding the port is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of birds, fish, and marine mammals. 

In 1990, Congress authorized a study to explore the feasibility of expanding the Corpus Christi Ship Channel by widening and deepening the waterway. Following extensive planning, the project moved into the construction phase in 2017. The first three phases involved dredging work to enhance approximately 11.9 miles of the shipping channel, successfully widening it from 400 feet to 530 feet and deepening it from 47 feet to 54 feet. Texas-based dredging companies Callan Marine, Ltd. and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, LLC accomplished this task. Recently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) awarded Callan Marine, Ltd. the contract to complete the final multimillion-dollar contract for Phase 4 of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project (CCSCIP). This phase is expected to be completed in early 2025, resulting in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel becoming the most improved waterway along the U.S. Gulf Coast. 

As separate efforts continue to advance to deliver a higher-clearance Harbor Bridge over the Inner Harbor entrance to the port, Callan Marine has completed the dredging on the final stretch of the project--the Inner Harbor reach. Roughly five million cubic yards of the dredged material is being utilized in the construction of beneficial use sites for wildlife and erosion control, by providing 395 acres of sacrificial erosion protection along with the construction of a 2,000-foot breakwater that will tie into the planned 4,000-foot breakwater in the Nueces Delta. The project also aims to nourish degraded habitats by converting 206 acres of open water into an estuarine marsh. An additional 120 acres of intertidal living shoreline was created to provide shoreline protection and prevent road overtopping. To support local economic and commercial entities, a separate 200-acre industrial use site was also developed.  

For this vital and sensitive project, Callan Marine collaborated with International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), choosing an ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer with a sheeting clamp for the template and sheet pile work, essential for the massive earth retention wall. The ICE® 44B also features robust hydraulic hoses that provide optimal performance and reliability during the construction process. Also recognized for its highest frequency and driving force in its class, the 44B was used alongside an ICE® I-36 and ICE® I-46 Diesel Hammer to drive 24-inch pipes and H-piles to tip, ensuring the secure installation of the deep foundation needed to support the structure. 

Additionally, the port and the ship channel have played a crucial role in the energy sector, as it is a major hub for the export of oil and gas, and the improvements made through the CCSCIP will enhance the port's capacity to handle larger vessels and increased cargo volumes, further solidifying its position as a key energy export gateway. 

Callan Marine and the entire CCSCIP team has made great progress so far, not only for the Port of Corpus Christi but for the entire Coastal Bend region, bringing many opportunities for future economic prosperity and growth.  

The Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project is a monumental achievement that enhances both the economic and environmental landscape of the region and stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teams involved, representing a significant milestone in U.S. infrastructure development. Amazing work by this fantastic team of professionals! International Construction Equipment Inc. (ICE®) appreciates the opportunity to be a part of this historic infrastructure project and hopes to continue to provide the equipment and excellent service our clients expect. 

Learn more about the ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer and ICE® I-Series Diesel Hammers

Media Contact-   
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Vice President
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
The Hose Company  
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com/info@hydraulichose.com