Vol. 9, No. 12 May 2025

Port of Brownsville Powers Regional Economic Growth

Serving diverse industries, the Port of Brownsville is a hub for international trade vital to the economies of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. Throughout fiscal year 2024, 28 million tons of cargo were transported via the port.

As a strategic gateway for international trade, the Port of Brownsville is key to the economies of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico.

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra, Port Director and CEO William Dietrich, and Director of Business Development & Marketing Guillermo Rico represented the port at RioPlex’s Texas Port to the Stars Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit, held April 10 in Houston.

RioPlex is a binational initiative aimed at consolidating sustainable economic development between the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas.

During the summit, Chairman Guerra was named to the RioPlex Board of Directors. In his remarks to an audience of prominent business and industry leaders, he underscored the port’s critical role in transforming the economic future of the region.

"In 2023 alone, the port’s economic impact study for the state of Texas reached a record breaking $12 billion, a 400% increase from 2019," said BND Chairman Guerra. "This is a direct reflection of our growing capacity, our strategic importance, and our commitment to driving sustainable growth with future generations in mind. As the largest land-owning public port authority in the United States, with over 40,000 acres, we are supporting economic growth for the benefit of our communities."

As a member of the Board of Directors, Chairman Guerra will contribute to developing strategies that enhance regional infrastructure and economic growth, reinforcing the port’s role as a vital trade hub.

The Port of Brownsville is the grantee for Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 which has ranked top three in the nation for 12 consecutive years for the value of exports. In 2023, FTZ No. 62 recorded a combined value of imports and exports totaling $10.2 billion.

The port’s handling of diverse commodities including steel, aluminum, petroleum products, wind energy components, and bulk agricultural goods, have made it a key player in North American trade and supply chains. In 2024, the port saw a record 28 million tons of cargo, according to unaudited reports. This represents an increase of 10 million tons compared to 2023.

Read Chairman Guerra’s Full Remarks

From left to right: Port Director and CEO William Dietrich; Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez; Moody Clinic CEO Jessica Cuevas; Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra; and Commissioner John Wood, pictured during a visit to the Moody Clinic on April 29.

BND Champions Children’s Health with Moody Clinic Donation

For over 70 years, the Moody Clinic has been a cornerstone of care in Brownsville, Texas, delivering high-quality rehabilitative services to children with special needs.

The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners toured the Moody Clinic on April 29, to gain deeper insight into the organization’s mission and impact.

BND Chairman Esteban Guerra, along with Commissioners John Wood and Ernesto Gutierrez, and Port Director and CEO William Dietrich, presented a $10,000 donation in support of the clinic’s ongoing work.

The Port of Brownsville is proud to contribute to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for families across the region and remains committed to supporting organizations that make a lasting difference in our community.

NextDecade signs 20-year deal with Aramco to supply LNG from Rio Grande facility

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

NextDecade Corporation has inked two deals with compatriot energy technology giant Baker Hughes–a framework agreement for the latter to work on the former’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal under development at the Port of Brownsville and a contractual services agreement for maintenance of the trains at the future facility.

Under the first deal, Baker Hughes is set to provide gas turbine and refrigerant compressor technology for the Rio Grande LNG facility, while the second entails performing maintenance work related to this equipment for trains 4–8 at the terminal.

Community Spotlight: Port Staff Supports Coastal Cleanup Efforts

On Saturday, April 26, Port of Brownsville staff volunteers participated in the Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Program Spring Cleanup at Boca Chica Beach.

From the harbor to the dunes, the Port remains committed to environmental stewardship and the preservation of local natural resources.

Port Abilities: Texas' Largest Artificial Reef

Did you know the RGV Reef is the largest artificial reef off the Texas coast?

The Port of Brownsville is proud to continue supporting Friends of RGV Reef in enhancing and restoring marine habitats, protecting marine life, boosting biodiversity, and contributing to sustainable fishing communities.

ABOUT PORT ABILITIES

Port Abilities is a video series produced by the Port of Brownsville highlighting the seamless capabilities of the port's marine terminals serving industries worldwide.

BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

Esteban Guerra

Chairman

Sergio Tito Lopez

Vice Chairman

John Reed

Secretary

John Wood

Commissioner

Ernesto Gutierrez

Commissioner