BROWNSVILLE — Saronic broke ground Wednesday, Sept. 30, on its Port Alpha shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, with Vice President JD Vance and Gov. Greg Abbott joining company and local leaders.
According to Saronic’s announcement published by the port, the project represents more than $3 billion in private investment. The initial site covers 835 acres, with an option for expansion to nearly 4,400 acres.
The company expects up to 10,000 direct jobs over the next decade, including skilled trades and technical positions. That is a long-term hiring projection, not a count of current jobs.
Saronic selected JE Dunn | Alberici Joint Venture to build the initial phase. Plans call for 1.2 million square feet of enclosed production space and facilities capable of building both crewed and autonomous vessels.
The first phase includes Landing Craft Utility vessels for the U.S. Navy. Saronic said it is working with state, county and regional educational partners on training and apprenticeship pathways.
The ceremony marks the project’s construction milestone; future production and employment depend on its development.
Source: Saronic announcement published by the Port of Brownsville, Sept. 30, 2026.
Featured photograph via the Port of Brownsville.
