Page 19 – Port of Brownsville

State of the Port: Port of Brownsville achieves record year in FY 2017

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A full house of regional stakeholders applauded Port of Brownsville officials during reports of record revenue and tonnage in 2017 at its annual State of the Port Address March 8.

“The state of the Port of Brownsville is strong and getting stronger,” said Brownsville Navigation District Vice Chairman John Reed. “As evidence, I offer two critical measures of success: total operating revenue and tonnage.”

The port’s total operating revenue reached nearly $24 million in unaudited total revenue, exceeding the previous high-water mark of $19.9 million set in 2015 by more than $4 million. On the annual tonnage side of the business, the volume of cargo handled at the port topped 10.3 million short tons, also a new record.

Reed cautioned the crowd of more than 230 the Port of Brownsville cannot afford to rest on its laurels and will work even harder to a

Impulsa México a Puerto de Brownsville

By SILVIA OLVERA/El Norte (Mexico)

Article published February 13, 2018

MONTERREY, México – Impulsados por México, especialmente por el sector acerero, el Puerto de Brownsville logró mover 10.3 millones de toneladas de mercancía durante el 2017, lo que representó un incrementó del 11 por ciento en relación al 2016.

Eduardo Campirano, director del puerto, describió que aunque se habla mucho en Estados Unidos de un déficit comercial con México, a Brownsville las cifras lo favorecen.

Refirió que el 90 por ciento de la operación está relacionada con México y un porcentaje similar les favorece en su balanza comercial.

De visita en Monterrey, a donde vino para reunirse con directivos del Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior Noreste, Campirano dijo que sin importar el destino del TLC, la relación con las empresas mexicanas y con las regiomontanas

NextDecade Completes Rio Grande LNG FEED Update

BROWNSVILLE – NextDecade Corporation announced Feb. 1 the completion of the front-end engineering and design (FEED) update package with CB&I for the proposed Rio Grande LNG project at the Port of Brownsville.

The update incorporates identified cost reduction and value improvement initiatives and reconfirms market-leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) cost estimates for three trains of $490 per ton with a target of $450 per ton. For two trains the EPC cost estimate improves to $535 per ton with a target of $500 per ton, the company said.

“Utilizing Air Products’ AP-C3MR liquefaction technology and GE rotating equipment to achieve optimal configuration and economies of scale, Rio Grande LNG stands out thanks to its proven project design allowing for low risk, highly competitive economics across multiple build scenarios,” said NextDecade CEO Matt Schatzman.

Nordic Pollux is Largest Cargo Ship at the Port of Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE – The Port of Brownsville set a record Jan. 31 when it received the M/V Nordic Pollux, the largest cargo vessel to ever call on the port to date.

The big tanker is the size of two-and-a-half football fields and almost longer than the combined height of three Statues of Liberty stacked atop one another, measuring 900 feet long and 157 feet wide – just three feet shy of the width of a football field! It’s the longest and widest ship to call on the Port of Brownsville.

The oil tanker made its way from Philadelphia to Brownsville where it loaded approximately 150,000 barrels of heavy naphtha.

Moving a ship this size into port took an experienced harbor pilot and three powerful Signet Maritime tugboats to precisely maneuver the behemoth vessel into place, bumping, pushing and pulling the Nordic Pollux to the Port of Brownsville’s Liquid Cargo Dock 5.

The Brazos

Port of Brownsville Earns Prestigious MarCom Award for 2017 Port Directory

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Port of Brownsville directory was recognized with a 2017 Platinum MarCom Award for its inaugural port directory in the government publications category.

MarCom Awards, an international creative competition, recognizes the outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communications materials and programs. Each year, the MarCom Awards receives more than 6,000 entries from across the globe, and entries are judged by industry professionals.

“On behalf of the commissioners, I congratulate the port’s marketing and communications team for their hard work and creativity, and for bringing a new level of transparency to the Port of Brownsville. This small group of individuals consistently demonstrate a high standard of excellence,” said John Wood, Brownsville Navigation District C

Port of Brownsville and Union Pacific Culminate Switchyard Relocation Project

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On Dec. 28, 2017, Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Wood signed final paperwork with Union Pacific Railroad to officially culminate a 44-year project to improve the region’s economic vitality, environment and social benefits by relocating two outdated railroad switchyards from downtown Brownsville to areas closer to the Port of Brownsville.

The benefit to regional residents is fewer railroad crossings. The advantage to the port is greater efficiencies for its growing number of railroad customers with increased volumes and speed of service. Now rail customers of the port and Union Pacific routinely partner with the Rio Grande International Railway to move tens of thousands of rail cars annually throughout the United States and into Mexico.

The Brownsville/Matamoros Railroad Relocation Demonstration Project began as part of the Federal Highway Act

Officials plan to break ground on East Loop project

BY NADIA TAMEZ-ROBLEDO/ The Brownsville Herald

Article published January 14, 2018

After more than three decades of incremental progress, Cameron County and Brownsville officials anticipate the first phase of a road construction project to divert commercial vehicle traffic away from International Boulevard will break ground this year.

Pete Sepulveda Jr., executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, said his office is working with the Port of Brownsville on a wetland mitigation plan for a two-mile stretch of road that will connect State Highway 4 to docks on Ostos Road.

Once approved by state and federal agencies, he said, construction of the road will take about one year and $10 million.

The port connector is the first phase of the larger State Highway 32 construction project, also called the East Loop, which will route commerc

Registration Open for Annual Port of Brownsville 5K1M Dock Dash

Pre-registration is open for the annual Port of Brownsville 5K1M Dock Dash scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2018.

The family-friendly run/walk event for adults and kids is free of charge. Pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt while supplies last.

The event is also the mid-point weigh-in for participants of The Challenge-RGV, an initiative by the University of Texas School of Public Health encouraging local residents to increase physical activity and live a healthy life.

To register, download form 2018 5K1M Dock Dash Registration Form and submit to info@portofbrownsville.com, or via fax to (956) 831-5006.

Port of Brownsville Inaugural Chairman’s Award Presented to International Shipbreaking Ltd.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas—The Port of Brownsville today presented International Shipbreaking Ltd. (ISL) with its inaugural Chairman’s Award in recognition of the company’s outstanding commitment to community, economic development, and representation of the port to trading partners around the world.

The Chairman’s Award will be an annual award to highlight the achievements of port tenants in the areas of business growth, leadership, job creation, customer service, innovation, safety, and community involvement.

“The Port of Brownsville succeeds when its tenants and users succeed,” said Brownsville Navigation Chairman John Wood. “The Chairman’s Award is an expression of appreciation and support for the efforts that our tenants put forth to make the port the leading economic engine of the Rio Grande Valley.”

Chairman Wood continued, “ISL demonstrates a strong sense of p

Port of Brownsville Foreign Trade Zone Ranks Second in the U.S. for Exports

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 (FTZ) at the Port of Brownsville ranks second in the nation for the value of exports during 2016, according to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board’s annual report to Congress released Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017.

Dorchester County, South Carolina, and Miami-Dade County, Florida are ranked first and third, respectively.

The port’s FTZ reported more than $2.8 billion in exported goods in 2016. Additionally, FTZ No. 62 ranked 25th nationally for the value of imports totaling more than $2.5 billion. The Port of Brownsville FTZ has consistently ranked in the top five nationally since 2012, and this marks the second time in two years that it achieved the nation’s number two ranking.

“The Port of Brownsville has made great strides in creating a sustainable economic engine,” said John Wood, Brownsville Navigation District Chair

GFOA Recognizes Port of Brownsville for Excellence in Financial Reporting

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For the sixth consecutive year, the Brownsville Navigation District has received the highest form of recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting for its 2016 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

“The Brownsville Navigation District financial team is committed to full financial transparency, as are the BND commissioners,” said John Wood, BND chairman. “We commend the team on their commitment to the district’s taxpayers and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented the award to Stephen B. Fitzgibbons, Port of Brownsville director of finance.

“I am proud to work alongside a team of professionals dedicated to the highest principles of government accounting,” said Mr. Fitzgibbons.

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, a

Port of Brownsville Signs MOU with Cameron County to Grow Economic Opportunity

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — As a catalyst for economic development and job growth, the Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cameron County to work together on business expansion opportunities.

“The Port of Brownsville and Cameron County have always enjoyed a cooperative working relationship when it comes to growing and strengthening the local and regional economy,” said John Wood, BND Chairman. “Activity at the Port of Brownsville has a $2 billion economic impact regionally, and Cameron County is working diligently to attract capital investment and industry. It makes sense that we would combine our efforts to improve the county’s economic viability.”

A 2015 economic impact study by Martin Associates, revealed activity at the port has an economic impact of $3 billion to the state of Texas.

Cameron County Judge Eddi

Port of Brownsville’s infrastructure development will strengthen its position

By MANIK MEHTA/American Journal of Transportation

Article published September 11, 2017

Port of Brownsville, located on the U.S.-Mexican border, is embarking on a $250 million infrastructure project that will deepen the port’s channel to 52 feet. The added depth is needed to keep Brownsville competitive and growing.

The Port of Brownsville in Brownsville, Texas, perched on the U.S.-Mexican borders, has deep interest in the flourishing trade between the United States and Mexico, and beyond in Central America, with the port having evolved to become a major trade channel between Texas and Mexico.

In order to further strengthen its position, the Port of Brownsville has embarked on major infrastructure development. The port is planning to increase its depth from 42 to 52 feet following the U.S. Congress’ approval in 2016.

“After years of plan

Port of Brownsville to Recognize Drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 10-16

BROWNSVILLE, Texas—The Port of Brownsville, along with the entire U.S. trucking industry, is beginning a weeklong recognition of professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day.

During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 10-16, truck drivers entering the port will receive tokens of appreciation from International Shipbreaking Ltd., Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and the port.

“This year, the Port of Brownsville is on track to see almost 90,000 truck movements,” said John Wood, Brownsville Navigation District chairman. “Our nation’s truck drivers deliver all of life’s essential goods like food and clothing as well as cargo used to build the infrastructure in our communities. And, U.S. ports are a dominant transfer point of those commodities and goods.”

According to the American Trucking Association,

Port of Brownsville Signs MOU with Mission EDC for Regional Economic Development

BROWNSVILLE, Texas—In its ongoing commitment to job creation and regional economic growth, the Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to collaborate on international trade opportunities with Mexico and other development projects. Through this alliance, both entities will work to connect and grow business between the Mission Business Park and the Port of Brownsville.

“The Port of Brownsville is one of the largest economic engines in the Rio Grande Valley,” said John Wood, BND Chairman. “As a link to the global marketplace, the port is well-positioned to assist in regional economic development. This agreement with Mission EDC further enhances our pledge to assist where we can to affect positive change for the Valley and its residents.”

A 2015 economic