Posted on August 18, 2025
Raleigh — Efforts to resolve the critical channel maintenance issues at the Port of Morehead City reached a major milestone when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract for maintenance dredging.
The contract, awarded last week, is worth approximately $7.9 million and was awarded to Marinex Construction Company of North Charleston, SC. The contract calls for the removal of approximately 725,000 cubic yards of material from the channel.
“This work will maintain access to the Port of Morehead City, which is vital to supporting jobs and the economy of Eastern North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “I again thank U.S. Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and Rep. Walter Jones, as well as Transportation Secretary Tony Tata, for their quick action in securing funding to address this critical issue.”
The Corps of Engineers will be working with the contractor to establish a construction schedule as soon as possible.
“We appreciate Governor McCrory’s leadership and the teamwork from the Army leadership and the Corps of Engineers as we work toward a long term solution for Morehead City Port,” said Secretary Tata.
“Goods moving through the Port of Morehead City contribute nearly $1 billion to our state’s economy,” said Ports Chief Executive Officer Paul Cozza. “Our State support in ensuring the viability of the Port of Morehead City has been simply invaluable.”
The Morehead City Harbor has an authorized depth of 45 feet, but shoaling sand has limited the depth to about 34 feet. That makes it difficult if not impossible for some of the Port of Morehead City’s biggest customers to gain access to the facility. The Corps of Engineers last dredged the channel in May 2014.
