Saronic's Port Alpha Breaks Ground With LCU-1700 Backlog, Open To Building Navy Modules

Saronic broke ground on Port Alpha in Brownsville, Texas, as it prepares to build US Navy LCU-1700 landing craft and potentially larger ship modules. The utility craft can move troops, vehicles, and up to 170 tons of cargo directly to beaches or unimproved shorelines; production is expected to begin in 2028, with initial deliveries planned for 2029. The company sees the site as flexible maritime capacity, but broader Navy module work remains an opportunity rather than a confirmed award under the existing landing-craft backlog. Execution will test whether a new entrant can expand industrial capacity while meeting Navy cost, quality, and schedule requirements.