Saronic selects Brownsville, Texas for $3B Port Alpha autonomous shipyard, world's most advanced

Published Jul 17, 06:49 PM UTC

Saronic, an autonomous vessel manufacturer, announced plans to build Port Alpha, a $3 billion shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, which the company claims will be the world's most advanced. The 835-acre initial site, expandable to 4,400 acres, will be capable of building vessels up to 850 feet long, with future potential for ships over 1,200 feet. Construction begins in 2026 with a 2028 opening. The project is expected to create up to 10,000 direct jobs and generate $264.5 billion in economic impact for Texas. The state provided an $80 million grant, and Cameron County approved a 95% tax abatement contingent on local hiring targets, despite local opposition. The announcement follows recent combat and rescue missions by Saronic's Corsair drone boats for the U.S. Navy. Port Alpha is part of a federal push to rebuild U.S. shipbuilding capacity to compete with China.