PROVIDING SOUTH TEXAS WITH DIRECT DEEP-DRAFT ACCESS TO GLOBAL MARKETS

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Calhoun Port Authority Announces Routine Maintenance Dredging of the Matagorda Ship Channel

Port Lavaca, Texas — 06/04/2026 — The Calhoun Port Authority (CPA) announces that routine maintenance dredging of the Matagorda Ship Channel will soon be underway. We are expecting work to start in the next 2-3 weeks. This recurring work, performed every 12 to 18 months, is essential to maintaining safe, reliable navigation for commercial vessels and public users of the waterway.

The dredging is contracted and funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of its ongoing responsibility to maintain federally authorized navigation channels. Orion Marine Group has been selected by USACE as the dredging contractor for this cycle.

Maintenance dredging activities will involve dredges, support vessels, anchor spreads, and both floating and submerged pipelines operating within the federal channel and adjacent basins. Mariners transiting the area are advised to:

• Use caution and maintain a safe distance from dredging equipment
• Operate at no wake or minimum safe speed near the dredge
• Monitor VHF Channel 16 and working Channel 3 for passing arrangements
• Avoid crossing pipelines unless cleared by the dredge operator
• Follow all posted markers, buoys, and lighting

“This is normal, scheduled maintenance that ensures the Matagorda Ship Channel remains safe and fully operational for the industries and communities that depend on it,” said the Calhoun Port Authority. “We appreciate the cooperation of all mariners during this important work.”

Dredging operations will continue throughout the project window, with updates provided as needed.

For more information, please contact:
  Calhoun Port Authority, Operations Office
  361-987-2508
  ops@calhounport.com
  www.calhounport.com

The Calhoun Port Authority serves as a gateway to world markets for the Texas mid-coast region. The port plays a vital role in supporting Texas chemical manufacturing industries and in building a stable economic foundation for Calhoun County. It is served by the Matagorda Ship Channel and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Primary cargo loads handled at our port location include chemicals, petrochemicals, crude oil, agricultural fertilizer and much more. A key part of this mix also includes very high-value chemicals produced by area industries and sold for export to markets around the world. In addition, our facilities are well-suited to accommodate break bulk cargo, heavy equipment, dry bulk materials and just about any load that needs to travel safely and efficiently by ship or by barge.