The Port of Corpus Christi, the fourth largest port by tonnage and number one crude oil export port in the United States, today celebrates the men and women who serve the U.S. Merchant Marine industry as part of National Maritime Day, highlighting the vital contributions they make in facilitating global trade.
At various events throughout the day, each Port facility will host a small celebration for its employees. Later this evening Port staff will present gift bags to mariners at the Corpus Christi International Seaman’s Center. The Port has also placed ads commemorating National Maritime Day in local newspapers.
National Maritime Day was declared by Congress in 1933 to call attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and to honor the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners.
“The Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center is truly grateful for the partnership we have with the Port of Corpus Christi,” said Sharon Emerson, Executive Director. “Without this partnership, the Seamen’s Center would be hard-pressed to offer the same quality service to the thousands of foreign and domestic seafarers who visit our Port.”
America’s seaports support more than 23 million American jobs, annually generate more than $321 billion in federal, state and local taxes, account for over a quarter of the U.S. economy and handle more than 2.2 billion metric tons of international and domestic cargo.
“As stewards of maritime commerce, seafarers and the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine industry are integral to the economic prosperity of our nation,” said Sean Strawbridge, POCCA CEO.
