CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
Bringing future business and jobs to the Port of Corpus Christi was just one of the topics discussed Wednesday at the annual State of the Port luncheon at the Ortiz Center.
A packed crowd was on hand to hear Port Chairman Mike Carrell outline the latest developments and economic status of the port. To no one's surprise, Carrell said Eagle Ford Shale was one of the driving forces behind the port's current economic success.
"The Eagle Ford brings so much product to the water's edge, it puts us in the barge business frankly," Carrell said.
"We just wanted to be closer, familiar to Eagle Ford Shale," said Joseph Wendt, who is interested in the Port's future. "I knew it was having an impact. Now I know how much of an impact."
Right after the speech, a new U.S. Flag vessel entered the Port for the first time. The M/V Pennsylvania is one of two tankers recently bought by a domestic company, specifically to transport Eagle Ford Shale products.
