Brownsville Navigation District

The Brownsville Navigation District administers the Port of Brownsville, the only deepwater seaport located directly on the U.S./Mexico border. Established in 1936, the port is situated at the southernmost tip of Texas and plays a vital role in intermodal transportation and industrial development for the region. Unique among U.S. ports, it boasts approximately 40,000 acres, making it the largest land-owning public port authority in the nation. Operations at the port support diverse cargo types including refined petroleum products, steel, grains, windmill components, and project cargo for the space industry. The port's strategic location supports robust connections by road, rail, and sea, making it a critical gateway for trade with Mexico and global markets. Recent investments are driving significant expansion, with ongoing projects deepening the ship channel from 42 to 52 feet to accommodate larger vessels. The border location, coupled with versatile terminal operations and extensive storage facilities, positions the Port of Brownsville as a powerful economic engine for South Texas and a standard-setter within the Gulf Coast maritime sector.

Facilities

• 13 cargo docks
• 6 liquid cargo docks
• Over 1 million sq. ft. covered storage
• Over 3 million sq. ft. open storage
• 40,000 acres available for industrial development
• Turning Basin with 1,200 ft width
• Brownsville Ship Channel (42 ft current depth, 52 ft after expansion)

Operating Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (administrative); marine terminal operations may run 24/7 depending on scheduling and ship arrivals