Vol. 10, No. 5 October 2025 | | Building the Future of Trade, Jobs, and Growth | | The Port of Brownsville continues to drive economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley, solidifying its position as a key player in global trade. With a commitment to innovation, the port is setting new standards in the maritime industry. As it embraces the future, the port remains a cornerstone of prosperity and progress for the region. | | |
At the southernmost point of Texas, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, the Port of Brownsville is driving a new era of growth and opportunity. Vessels, trains, and trucks traverse the port’s industrial landscape, signaling more than just cargo in motion. This is the economic engine driving the Rio Grande Valley’s economy.
As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville has become a gateway for trade, a magnet for investment, and a catalyst for opportunity across South Texas. Currently, more than $20 billion in projects are in the pipeline, promising to further transform the economic landscape of South Texas.
The Port of Brownsville continues to play a central role in the success of the region. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the port climbed to No. 41 among the nation’s 150 maritime ports for waterborne cargo, its highest ranking to date. In 2023, the port moved 11.2 million tons of waterborne cargo, up from 9.1 million tons in 2022.
| | Record-Breaking Turnout at Port's 2025 Dock Dash | |
The Port of Brownsville’s annual Dock Dash 5K/1M, held Saturday, Oct. 4, drew a record-breaking turnout of more than 700 participants, including runners, families, and community members.
Special recognition went to all participants who completed the race, as well as the Vela Middle School Drumline for helping set a spirited tone for the day.
This free event promotes wellness while bringing the community together to enjoy the sights and sounds of the port that works.
The event was made possible with the support of sponsors, including Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway/OmniTRAX, Bechtel Corporation, Gulf Stream Marine, Rio Grande LNG, The Port Clinic, and the Texas Shrimp Association.
| From left: Deputy Port Director Arturo Gomez; Brownsville Navigation District Vice Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez; Director of Business Development and Marketing Guillermo Rico; and Business Development Associate Ervey Gonzalez attend the Breakbulk Americas 2025 Conference in Houston. | Port Strengthens Trade Connections at Breakbulk Americas 2025 | |
The Port of Brownsville’s Business Development and Marketing team attended the Breakbulk Americas 2025 conference in Houston, Sept. 30–Oct. 2, joining Brownsville Navigation District Commissioners Sergio Tito Lopez and Ernesto Gutierrez, and Deputy Port Director Arturo Gomez.
As the leading trade event for project cargo and breakbulk logistics, Breakbulk Americas brought together industry leaders, shippers, and logistics professionals from across the region.
The port's delegation met with partners, explored new market opportunities, and highlighted the port’s capabilities in handling specialized cargo and facilitating cross-border trade.
Their participation reflects the Port of Brownsville’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, advancing trade infrastructure, and supporting economic growth throughout the region.
| Business Blooms at the Port's Business Park | |
The Port of Brownsville’s Business Park continues to attract major investment, with Westa Inc. developing a $20 million facility that includes a high-capacity flour mill and sunflower seed processing plant. The project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs and strengthen the region’s growing industrial base.
With unmatched logistical advantages and shovel-ready sites, the Port of Brownsville Business Park offers prime opportunities for companies seeking to expand or establish new operations in South Texas.
| Port Thanks Truck Drivers for Keeping Trade in Motion | |
The Port of Brownsville marked National Truck Driver Appreciation Week on Sept. 18 with an informational session at the Overweight Permit Office honoring the truck drivers, carriers, terminals, and partners who help keep goods moving safely and efficiently.
Major Omar A. Villarreal and Captain Robert Peña of the Texas Department of Public Safety shared public safety initiatives, while Tony Rodriguez, the port’s director of cargo operations and FTZ administrator, discussed overweight permits. Port Police Officer Ivan Botello highlighted safety measures at the port.
The port records over 450,000 truck movements annually transporting steel, refined petroleum products, aggregates, project cargo among other commodities.
As the region’s leading logistics hub and a key platform for cross-border trade, the Port of Brownsville recognizes the essential role of truck drivers in sustaining commerce and driving economic progress.
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BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS
Esteban Guerra
Chairman
Sergio Tito Lopez
Vice Chairman
John Reed
Secretary
John Wood
Commissioner
Ernesto Gutierrez
Commissioner
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PORT OF BROWNSVILLE ADMINISTRATION
William Dietrich
Port Director & CEO
Port Administration
Contact Us:
Ph: 956.831.4592 / 800.378.5395
Fax: 956.831.5006
www.portofbrownsville.com
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October 15
BND Board Meeting
October 15-16
ETYL Monterrey
October 29-31
COMCE event in Querétaro
October 31
Halloween
November 1
All Saints Day
November 2
All Souls Day
November 5
BND Board Meeting
November 11
Veterans Day – Port Offices Closed
November 19
BND Board Meeting
November 27
Thanksgiving Day – Port Offices closed Nov. 27-28
| ConocoPhillips Secures 1Mtpa LNG Supply from Rio Grande LNG | Editor's Note: This article was originally featured at ainvest.com | |
ConocoPhillips has signed a long-term agreement to lift 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the Rio Grande LNG project at the Port of Brownsville.
The deal is subject to NextDecade making a positive FID on Train 5 and will utilize ConocoPhillips' OCP CryoSep technology for heavy hydrocarbon removal. This adds to ConocoPhillips' growing LNG supply network, following a prior agreement for 5 MTPA from Port Arthur LNG Phase 1.
The agreement, which is subject to NextDecade achieving a positive final investment decision on Train 5, highlights ConocoPhillips' strategic expansion in the LNG market.
Under the terms of the agreement, ConocoPhillips will lift LNG over a 20-year period on a free-on-board basis. The deal marks a strategic move for ConocoPhillips, as it seeks to bolster its growing LNG supply network. This new agreement complements ConocoPhillips' existing supply portfolio, which includes a prior agreement for 5 MTPA of LNG from Port Arthur LNG Phase 1.
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