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The decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) entered the Brownsville Ship Channel on Sunday, Feb.2, closing a chapter of naval service and beginning a new one at International Shipbreaking Ltd./EMR.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, February 10, 2025 – – Clear skies and fair weather welcomed spectators gathered along the shores of South Padre Island’s Isla Blanca Park on Feb. 2, to bid farewell to the storied USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as she entered the Brownsville ship channel for dismantling and recycling at International Shipbreaker Ltd.

Commissioned in 1968 and decommissioned in 2007, the JFK served t

Set to announce significant investment and job creation for the Rio Grande Valley

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, January 28, 2025 – The Port of Brownsville continues solidifying its reputation as a leader in international trade and logistics, proudly celebrating its longstanding partnership with Ternium, a leading steel producer in the Americas and long-term port customer.

On Monday, Jan. 27, Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented Ternium with a plaque to commemorate the company’s commitment and contributions to the port. Ricardo Prosperi, Ternium’s Global Trade President, and Cesar Jimenez, president of Ternium de Mexico, received the distinction “Charting a Course to Success”.

“The Port of Brownsville proudly recognizes Ternium for its longstanding business relationship with the port, which s

The Port of Brownsville serves as a vital multimodal logistics hub for cross-border trade, leveraging its strategic location as the only deepwater seaport on the U.S./Mexico border. It is a prominent shipper of steel, refined petroleum products, grain, aggregates, among other products supporting diverse industries located in 12 Mexican states.

The proximity to key markets allows the port to efficiently deliver goods and commodities to multinational manufacturing centers on both sides of the border, solidifying its role as a critical transshipment gateway. This helps the port stand out as the ideal location for nearshoring ventures, enabling companies to bring their manufacturing and logistics operations and close gaps in the supply chain.

Unmatched logistics including direct connectivity to USMCA interstate corridors, its closeness to border crossings—seven miles by truck and 13

Texas Ports contribute more than $713.9 billion in economic activity for the State accounting for 28% of Texas’ gross domestic product (GDP), further advancing Ports as a catalyst for state economic growth and job generation, according to a recent economic impact study by the Texas Ports Association (TPA).

TPA’s most recent economic impact study was conducted by Martin & Associates, using data from fiscal year 2023. Since the association’s last report, also conducted by Martin & Associates in 2018, Texas Ports experienced statewide growth in tonnage, revenue generated and job growth.

Total tonnage handled by public and private marine terminals increased by 130.3 million tons. As a result of this growth, 2.5 million jobs are supported by the 2023 marine cargo activity within the state of Texas, an increase of 728,741 jobs since 2018. Total economic value of the Texas m

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Monday, October 7, 2024 – The Port of Brownsville’s Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement (BIH) project made progress in September, securing a low interest $43 million loan from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) — a critical funding boost that brings the historic channel-deepening project closer to reality.

At the Texas Transportation Commission’s regular meeting, held Thursday, Sept. 26, the commission approved a $43 million Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund (SCIRF) loan to provide the Port of Brownsville revenue for its local share of qualified costs necessary to deepen the Brazos Island Harbor Channel. The commission approved $400 million in SCIRF loans for two projects near Beaumont and Brownsville. The funding is the result of a bill passed in the 88th Legislature and signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2023.

“On behal

Editor’s Note: This article is featured in the latest edition of the Port of Brownsville Directory. Click HERE to view directory or to request a copy.

The future of the Rio Grande Valley’s economy is anchored at the Port of Brownsville.  As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the port’s influence extends beyond Texas.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Annual Report features the port’s ascension to 50th position among 150 U.S. maritime ports for waterborne cargo. In 2022, the port handled 9.1 million tons of cargo, up from 8.9 million tons in 2021, moving from 55th to 50th place.

The port’s comprehensive logistical network comprised of rail, trucking lines, vessel and barge services and pipeline connectivity are key to the suc

BY WILLIAM DIETRICH/Port Director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville

On August 6, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals made a pivotal decision to revisit the approval of the Rio Grande LNG project. While this decision has been met with mixed reactions, it’s crucial to recognize this project’s significant benefits to South Texas.

The Rio Grande LNG project, led by NextDecade, not only complies with all regulatory requirements but also represents a substantial investment in our local economy and infrastructure. This project is poised to provide much-needed economic growth, job creation, and community development in an area that has long been economically underprivileged.

Being good stewards of the environment is important, and the Rio Grande LNG project has made this a top priority. NextDecade has emphasized the importance of doing this project right and being environme

BROWNSVILLE, Texas- Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port has rescinded Condition Zulu at the Port of Brownsville as of 8:20 a.m., today, September 11, 2024.

Routine port operations have resumed. The Harbor Master’s Office has begun vessel scheduling for all vessels.

All hazards are requested to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector/ Air Station Corpus Christi Command Center on VHF radio channel 16 or by phone at 1-800-874-2143.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas- Monday, September 9, 2024 – The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port has set the Port of Brownsville to Condition Zulu, suspending all vessel traffic. All movements require Captain of the Port approval.

The SH 550 gate and the gates to the Fishing Harbor remain open, observing regular hours of operation. Any gate closures due to inclement weather will be notified to all port tenants.

The Port continues to monitor the trajectory of Tropical Storm Francine and has prepared for any potential impacts the storm may have in our area. We are working closely with emergency management officials to determine any additional actions necessary to ensure public safety.

Stay tuned for further updates from port authorities and emergency management officials.

For storm updates and the latest weather advisories, please visit Read More

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Monday, September 9, 2024 –The Port of Brownsville’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) continues unlocking new opportunities for the Rio Grande Valley, serving as a strategic gateway providing convenient connectivity for global trade.

In its 85th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to Congress, published Aug. 28, the Port of Brownsville’s FTZ No. 62 ranked 3^rd in the nation for the value of exports at $7 billion. This is the 12th consecutive year FTZ No. 62 lands in the top three spots in the country. For the first time, FTZ No. 62 broke through the Top 20 list for the value of imports, ranking 14th with $3.2 billion worth of commodities imported.

“Our foreign trade zone is an indispensable asset that significantly bolsters the economic landscape of the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico,” said Port Director and CEO