Corpus Christi Port Hits Record Q1 Volumes on LNG Growth

The Port of Corpus Christi posted record first-quarter volumes, driven by a surge in LNG shipments as new export capacity ramps up along the Gulf Coast.

(P&GJ) — The Port of Corpus Christi reported its strongest first-quarter performance on record, driven by a sharp increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments as new export capacity continues to ramp up along the Gulf Coast.

Customers moved 54.5 million tons of commodities through the Corpus Christi Ship Channel in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the previous quarterly high of 54 million tons set in late 2024 and marking a 6.1% increase from the same period last year.

The growth was led by LNG volumes, which rose by 1.5 million tons, a 33% increase year over year, supported by commissioning activity at Cheniere Energy’s Corpus Christi Stage 3 project, including Train 5 reaching substantial completion in March.

Additional gains came from agricultural exports, refined products and other bulk liquids, each contributing higher volumes compared with the prior year. Dry bulk shipments also increased, driven by higher imports of iron ore, barite and cement.

Those increases were partially offset by a decline in crude oil shipments, which fell 5% year over year during the quarter, though exports rebounded later in the period amid shifting market conditions.

March volumes reached a record 19.9 million tons, up more than 10% from a year earlier, with increases across key commodities including crude oil, refined products and LNG. Crude oil exports exceeded 2.4 million barrels per day during the month, among the highest levels recorded for the port.

Port CEO Kent Britton said the increase reflects strong operational performance and the ability of exporters to respond to changing global market conditions.

“The higher shipment levels reflect how operators are responding to shifting market dynamics,” Britton said. “They also highlight the impact of long-term investments to expand and modernize the port’s infrastructure.”

The Port of Corpus Christi is one of the largest U.S. energy export hubs, handling crude oil, LNG and refined products shipments to global markets.