HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 – Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international energy, technology, and life sciences law firm, advised Saronic Technologies on its newly announced development, Port Alpha, a more than $3 billion next-generation shipyard planned at the Port of Brownsville.

The project represents one of the largest industrial investments in Texas and is expected to significantly expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity, with construction anticipated to begin later this year.

Baker Botts advised Saronic on key aspects of the project, including negotiation of a lease with the Port of Brownsville, state and local tax incentives, and construction-related matters. The firm’s incentives work included advising on property tax abatements under Chapter 312 and the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. Baker Botts also provided guidance on construction contracts for the landmark project.

Saronic is an Austin-based defense technology company that builds autonomous surface vessels for defense and commercial fleets. Port Alpha will sit on 835 acres at the Port of Brownsville, with room to expand to nearly 4,400 acres.

“Texas continues to encourage significant business investment through state and local incentive programs designed to enable long-term growth,” said Renn Neilson, a partner in Baker Botts’ State Tax practice. “We are proud to help clients navigate Texas’ legal frameworks as they invest at scale across the state.”

Baker Botts Lawyers/Offices Involved:
State and Local Tax: Renn Neilson (Partner, Houston); Ben Geslison (Partner, Houston); Fuyan Jin (Associate, Houston)

Real Estate: Chris Wilson (Partner, Houston); Daniel Kruger (Partner, Washington, D.C.); Hunter Quinn (Associate, Dallas); Lauren Thomson (Associate, London)

Energy Projects and Transactions: Jesse Nation (Senior Associate, Houston); Lucy Shoemaker (Associate, Houston)

Environmental: Paulina Williams (Partner, Austin); Derek McDonald (Partner, Austin); Katie Windle (Senior Associate, Austin)

Corporate: Travis Wofford (Partner, Houston)

ABOUT BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.