Vol. 10, No. 9 February 2026

Cargo Dock 3 Reconstruction Project Moves Forward

The Port of Brownsville continues to make strong progress on the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, with demolition now 95 percent complete, marking another significant milestone in the modernization of infrastructure along the port’s turning basin.

Originally built in the 1940s, Cargo Dock 3 served the port for nearly nine decades. Its reconstruction is critical to meeting modern safety and operational standards and to supporting larger vessels following the deepening of the Brownsville Ship Channel to 52 feet. The $40 million project is funded through a partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Maritime Division and the Brownsville Navigation District, including an $11.5 million Maritime Infrastructure Program grant awarded in 2023 as part of TxDOT’s historic $240 million statewide port investment.

With demolition nearing completion, pile driving has begun, marking a major step forward in building the foundation of the new dock. Russell Marine is performing specialized welding services, and procurement of 495 coated steel piles, has been completed to support long-term durability. Existing concrete from the original dock is being repurposed as bank protection material, reinforcing the port’s commitment to sustainable construction practices.

Following pile installation, construction will continue with concrete decking and pavement, with project completion anticipated in 2027. Cargo Dock 3 is a key component of the Port of Brownsville’s long-term turning basin improvement plan and will enhance cargo-handling capacity, efficiency, and safety, supporting continued economic growth for the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and international trade partners.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Visits Port to Highlight Binational Trade

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson, left, and Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra are pictured at the Port of Brownsville Administrative Office on Feb. 10.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Port of Brownsville welcomed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson for a tour of the port with Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra. The visit spotlighted the port’s critical role as a gateway for U.S.–Mexico trade and its strong, longstanding partnership with Mexico.

Joining Ambassador Johnson were Mary Virginia Hantsch, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros; Carlos J. Guizar, Assistant to the Ambassador and Strategic Communications Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico; and Jake Stevens, Political and Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros.

Together, the delegation discussed cross-border commerce, supply chain connectivity, and the Port of Brownsville’s continued role in supporting secure, efficient international trade and economic growth on both sides of the border.

Manson's Frederick Paup Departs Port

Editor’s Note: This article is originally featured at www.manson.com

The newest addition to the Manson Construction Co. fleet, the hopper dredge Frederick Paup, departed the Seatrium AmFELS shipyard at the Port of Brownsville on Jan. 27, setting sail for Mobile, AL.

Representing Manson’s single biggest investment since its founding in 1905, the Frederick Paup, designed in collaboration with Hockema Whalen Myers Associates, Inc. of Seattle, WA, and built by Seatrium AmFELS at the Port of Brownsville is the largest self-propelled hopper dredge in the United States.

The 15,150-cubic-yard hopper dredge was designed and constructed with next-generation capabilities, increased speed and capacity, advancements in safety, and enhancements in fuel efficiency—proudly positioning Manson at the forefront of maritime innovation.

Texas LNG Assembles Bank Group to Lead the $5.7B Financing Package

Texas LNG announced a significant milestone in assembling a debt financing package of $5.7 billion for the construction of Texas LNG at the Port of Brownsville. The project remains on schedule for an early 2026 Final Investment Decision (FID).

Texas LNG has assembled a group of leading financial institutions with deep experience in financing global infrastructure projects. These institutions will lead the financing upon satisfaction of certain conditions, with Initial Coordinating Lead Arrangers underwriting $750 million each, for a total senior facility of $5.7 billion, which will comprise a senior construction facility and a revolving working capital & Letter of Credit facility.

Texas LNG has received interest in excess of $10 billion, paving the way for a strong syndication process after FID.