By M.T. Burkhart

CORPUS CHRISTI, Tex. — In early August, Watco’s newest short line, the Texas Coastal Bend Railroad, began providing service on 63 miles of track within the Port of Corpus Christi.

During the ribbon-cutting on Aug. 2, two locomotives in a two-tone blue and black scheme with the Port of Corpus Christi logo across the long hood were unveiled, part of a roster of five locomotives that will serve customers. The port moves a range of commodities including wind turbine components, agricultural commodities, refined fuels and military cargo.

“We look forward to building our relationship with Port Corpus Christi and partnering with customers to create long-term value while investing in continuous infrastructure improvements,” Dan Smith, Chief Executive Officer for Watco, said in a release.

The Port of Corpus Christi is also served by BNSF, Union Pacific and KCS. Founded in 1983, Watco grew from one locomotive into a portfolio of shortlines, terminals, ports, and repair facilities.