Dear Readers,
As the Port Director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, I am honored to share the exciting progress happening at our port.
Leading the Rio Grande Valley's economy, the port remains committed to expanding its diverse industries through quality services and thoughtful planning.
With complete confidence, I can guarantee the best is yet to come.
The Port of Brownsville is positioned to grow its significance in Texas, Northern Mexico, and beyond with its infrastructure expansions to enhance cargo handling capabilities, business development opportunities and increasing cargo volumes.
In 2023, the port's car total cargo tonnage rose to 17.8 million tons, a 17% increase from 2022. Operations at the port are steadily mounting, with annual cargo tonnage consistently growing.
As a vital hub for commodities such as steel, liquid bulk products, wind energy components, aggregates, among others, the port recorded an increase in vessel activity throughout 2023, with 2,561 vessel calls a 46% rise from the previous year's total of 1,754.
This contributed to the port reaching 50th position among 150 maritime ports in the nation for waterborne cargo, as reported by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Our estimates show that the Port of Brownsville will continue rising through that list in years to come.
Building upon the successes of this year, the port's future is brighter than ever. I look forward to sharing these achievements alongside our community and stakeholders as we move into a new age of economic prosperity.
Thank you for your support.
William Dietrich
Port Director and CEO
Port of Brownsville
Editor's Note: The above letter was penned by William Dietrich, port director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville. The letter first appeared in the new Port of Brownsville Directory.
