The MV Janet Marie is the second of two new ‘Ohana Class, 774-foot liquefied natural gas powered container ships built at AmFELS at the Port of Brownsville.

MV Janet Marie Delivered

Hawaii-based Pasha Group, together with AmFELS, Inc., on July 11, announced the delivery of the MV Janet Marie, the second of two new ‘Ohana Class, 774-foot LNG powered container ships built at AmFELS shipyard at the Port of Brownsville.

The new vessel joins Pasha Hawaii’s fleet serving the Hawaii/Mainland trade lane, as well as the company’s first ‘Ohana Class vessel, MV George III, which began service on August 17, 2022.

Photo Courtesy of OmniTRAX

Former Amazon global supply chain executive, Shariff Gonnella, has been named President of The Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway.

OmniTRAX Names

Shariff Gonnella

BRG President

OmniTRAX announced July 31, former Amazon global supply chain executive, Shariff Gonnella, to be President of the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway, LLC (BRG).

Gonnella's vast experience developing global infrastructure and international transportation strategies will help reshape the role that the Port of Brownsville plays in North America's port capacity.

The appointment follows announcements of major Brownsville area projects, including a state-of-the-art space port and the largest greenfield energy project in the history of the United States.

"The Port of Brownsville is excited to welcome Shariff Gonnella to our community," said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. "We are looking forward to continued collaboration with Shariff and our valued partners at OmniTRAX. Our team is committed to work together to bring economic growth to the port and the entire Rio Grande Valley."

Port Talk: Brownsville Named Finalist for Recycling USS Enterprise

Listen as Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano explains the significance of the announcement by the U.S. Navy and what it means for the port's future in this latest Port Talk.

Port Abilities: Brownsville Shines in International Trade

The Port of Brownsville plays a vital role in supporting diverse industries. In late July, Schaefer Stevedoring unloaded more than 10,000 metric tons of aluminum ingots from the MV Bariloche, which arrived from South Africa.



This aluminum is destined for the northeastern region of Mexico, where it will be used in the automotive industry.

August 2

BND Board Meeting

August 4

Coast Guard Day

August 16

BND Board Meeting

September 4

Labor Day - Port offices closed

September 6

BND Board Meeting

September 10-16

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 

September 11

Patriot Day

September 16

Mexican Independence Day 

September 20

BND Board Meeting

September 23

First Day of Fall

Coast Guard Hosts Maritime Security Exercise

Port of Brownsville Chief of Police William G. Dietrich participated in a maritime security exercise hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard held July 19, in Port Lavaca, TX.



Approximately 80 people from 33 agencies and five counties participated in the exercise, which consisted of simulated threats to maritime facilities and area bridges.

July 2023 Port Matters Issue

June 2023 Port Matters Issue

May 2023 Port Matters Issue