Port of Brownsville Advances Expansion with More Than US$40 Billion in Energy Projects and New 15-Meter Channel

The Port of Brownsville continues to strengthen its expansion strategy with more than US$40 billion in energy projects and the upcoming deepening of its navigation channel to 15 meters, reinforcing its role as a key energy, logistics, and industrial platform along the U.S.–Mexico border.

During The Logistics World Summit & Expo 2026, held in Mexico City, Guillermo Rico, Director of Business Development and Marketing at the Port of Brownsville, outlined the port’s current positioning as a strategic node for the energy, logistics, and industrial sectors in the cross-border region between the United States and Mexico.

“The port has continued to evolve, becoming an increasingly strategic energy hub. We started many years ago with terminals for refined products and all types of fuels, and today we have close to 11 million barrels of storage capacity,” he explained.

Energy projects drive growth

The port’s expansion has been fueled by high-impact energy projects, particularly in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment.

“Two years ago, projects began to liquefy natural gas and export it to Europe. The first plant, Rio Grande LNG, involves an investment of US$32 billion, while the Texas LNG project adds another US$8 billion. Both are moving forward strongly,” Rico said.

These developments are joined by the First American Refinery project, which further reinforces the port’s energy profile and helps consolidate its relevance in the Gulf of Mexico.

“This positions us strategically, at the level of ports such as Corpus Christi or Houston. We have continued to grow and consolidate this sector, and everything indicates that we will keep strengthening our role as a key energy port,” he added.

Regional impact and job creation

The momentum at the Port of Brownsville is generating an impact that extends well beyond the port itself.

“This growth strengthens industrial development not only for the port or Cameron County, but for the entire Rio Grande Valley region and even northern Tamaulipas, including Matamoros,” Rico noted.

At present, the Rio Grande LNG project is generating around 5,000 jobs, with 70% filled by local talent from the region, reflecting its direct contribution to cross-border economic development.

Industrial diversification and new strategic projects

Although energy remains one of its main pillars, the port is also advancing a broader diversification strategy.

“We do not want to be only an energy port. We are incorporating sectors such as shipbuilding, strategic federal government projects related to critical minerals, and other initiatives that cannot yet be announced,” he said.

In total, the port currently has more than 18 active projects under development, pointing to sustained growth across multiple industrial segments.

Logistics infrastructure as a competitive advantage

One of the main factors supporting this expansion is the modernization of port infrastructure.

“Soon, our navigation channel will reach a depth of 15 meters, which will significantly increase our logistics competitiveness and strengthen short- and medium-term growth expectations,” Rico explained.

This upgrade will allow the port to handle larger vessels, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce its integration into global supply chains.

A key nearshoring node between Mexico and the United States

The Port of Brownsville also plays a strategic role in the nearshoring landscape, particularly in the productive integration between Mexico and the United States.

“We are a key point. A large share of the steel entering Mexico comes through the Port of Brownsville, where it is transformed into raw materials for industries such as automotive or industrial equipment,” Rico said.

The port also provides industrial infrastructure for companies seeking to move closer to the U.S. market.

“We have industrial park space and facilities for Mexican companies that want to be closer to their customers in the United States. We already have cases such as a metalworking company installed at the port producing pipe under nearshoring schemes,” he added.

Productive integration with Mexico

Mexico remains central to the port’s operations and long-term strategy.

“We facilitate the movement of raw materials for Mexican industry and support the development of highly productive and efficient value chains. At the same time, we offer space for growth within the U.S. market,” Rico said.

Currently, 90% of the port’s maritime movements are tied to Mexico, underscoring its role as a binational logistics platform.

“At the Port of Brownsville, we work for Mexico. That is why we are present at this event, promoting our capabilities and seeking new clients that require our services. We will continue working hand in hand with Mexico,” he concluded.