Watco to operate short line at Corpus Christi port

Watco and the Port of Corpus Christi have signed a new 10-year contract that calls for Watco to operate the port's short line.

Watco’s newly created Texas Coastal Bend Railroad (TCBR) will begin operating a 63-mile line at the port in August, Watco officials said today in a press release. It will be the holding company's 47th short line.

"As one of the largest rail and port terminal operators in North America, we see the potential for growth, expansion and economic development in the region," said Watco Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb. "We look forward to building our partnership through the years."

The port has allocated significant capital in recent years to upgrade its rail infrastructure, including a $12 million expansion near the port’s Bulk Materials Terminal that will be completed later this year.

"The port has seen its rail business more than double over the past few years, and with this agreement and expanding infrastructure, (it) is well positioned to drive continued growth for the Coastal Bend region," said Clark Robertson, the port's chief operating officer.

In addition to being the nation’s leading export gateway of U.S.-produced energy via the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, the port moves a range of commodities through its rail system. Those include wind turbine components, agricultural commodities, refined fuels and military cargo, Watco officials said.

The port's railroad system connects to BNSF Railway Co., Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific Railroad.