Vol. 9, No. 1 June 2024

Port of Brownsville Climbs to Top 50 Ranking for Cargo Movement in U.S

Traffic at the Port of Brownsville recorded robust vessel activity in 2023 with 2,561 vessel calls, signaling a 46% increase from the previous year’s total of 1,754, according to unaudited reports.

The Port of Brownsville’s record-breaking streak continues as it rose to 50th position in the nation among 150 maritime ports for the movement of waterborne cargo, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2022 Annual Report.


Throughout 2022, the port’s waterways handled 9.1 million tons of cargo marking an increase from 2021’s 8.9 million tons. The new numbers pushed the port from the 55th position to 50th on the list.


This upward trend continued throughout 2023 as total cargo tonnage at the port rose to 17.8 million tons, up 17% from 15.2 million tons in 2022, according to unaudited reports for FY 2023. Waterborne cargo accounted for approximately 12.3 million tons while non-waterborne cargo totaled 5.5 million tons.


Leading commodities at the Port of Brownsville include steel, liquid bulk products, wind energy components, and a variety of aggregates. Traffic at the port recorded robust vessel activity in 2023 with 2,561 vessel calls, signaling a 46% increase from the previous year’s total of 1,754.



“Climbing to the 50th position of our nation’s top maritime ports is a major accomplishment. These larger cargo volumes mean big business for the region and the State of Texas,” said Interim Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. “As we anticipate continued growth, we are committed to enhancing our infrastructure and expanding future opportunities at the port.”


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From left to right: Commissioner, Place 1, Ernesto Gutierrez, Commissioner, Place 3, John Reed, and Commissioner, Place 5, Sergio Tito Lopez, took the oath of office following their victories in the May 4, 2024, BND General Election.

BND Commission Names Esteban Guerra Chairman

Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Commissioner Esteban Guerra, was unanimously reappointed chairman of the BND Board of Commissioners during the board’s regular meeting held Wednesday, May 15, 2024.


During the meeting, Commissioner, Place 1, Ernesto Gutierrez, Commissioner, Place 3, John Reed, and Commissioner, Place 5, Sergio Tito Lopez, took the oath of office following their victories in the May 4, 2024, BND General Election. Lopez and Reed were reelected to a fifth term on the board while Gutierrez begins his first term after replacing former Commissioner Ralph Cowen, who chose not to seek reelection. State District Judge Arturo Nelson administered the oath to Lopez and Reed, while State District Judge Ricardo M. Adobbati administered the oath to Gutierrez.



Lopez will represent the BND as Vice Chairman and Reed as Secretary of the Board after being unanimously appointed to serve on the executive board alongside Guerra. Assistant secretaries John Wood and Gutierrez complete the board.

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Port Talk: Bustling Economic Hub

Exciting developments are underway at the Port of Brownsville. Listen to Interim Port Director and CEO William Dietrich as he details shipbuilding projects at the port, job outlooks at Rio Grande LNG, SpaceX collaboration, steel operations growth, and record-breaking metrics with KURV 710 AM.

Powered by People, Driven by Growth

On May 16, the Port of Brownsville celebrated its 88th anniversary. Since commencing operations in 1936, the port has been a beacon of economic progress, enhancing the quality of life in South Texas. The bustling port activity fuels economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Scholarship Recipients Tour Port

In recognition of their academic achievements, Port of Brownsville Scholarship recipients, their families and school administrators toured the Port of Brownsville on May 11.


This year the port awarded $1,000 scholarships to 32 graduating seniors attending schools within the Brownsville Navigation District.


The scholarship program affirms the port's commitment to develop the workforce of tomorrow and enhance quality of life by empowering local students to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS


Esteban Guerra

Chairman


Sergio Tito Lopez

Vice Chairman


John Reed

Secretary


John Wood

Commissioner


Ernesto Gutierrez

Commissioner

PORT OF BROWNSVILLE ADMINISTRATION


William Dietrich

Interim Port Director & CEO


Port Administration


Contact Us:

Ph: 956.831.4592 / 800.378.5395

Fax: 956.831.5006

www.portofbrownsville.com

CALENDAR

June 5

BND Board Meeting


June 14

Flag Day

 

June 16

Father’s Day

 

June 19

BND Board Meeting


June 21

First Day of Summer


July 4-5

Independence Day-Port offices closed

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