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Body of Second Lao Victim Brought Home After Bangkok Pub Fire

A picture of rescue team transferring the body of second victim from pub fire in Bangkok to her home. (Photo by 1623 Rescue)

The body of the second Lao national who died following the deadly fire at Pub Ladprao in Bangkok has been returned to Laos, after Thai and Lao rescue teams worked together to bring her home on 17 July.

According to the 1623 Rescue Team, the victim was Viengphone Chindavong, an 18-year-old from Vientiane Capital, who died in hospital from injuries she sustained in the fire.

Thaksin Kounnasane of the 1623 Rescue Team said “the repatriation began on the evening of 16 July, when the body departed Bangkok. It arrived at the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai the following morning, where Thai rescue workers handed it over to their Lao counterparts”.

Thaksin said “The body was then transported to Viengphone’s home in Na Nad village, Naxaythong district, Vientiane Capital. Some of her relatives travelled with the convoy from the border, while her parents and other family members waited to receive her at home”.

Viengphone is the second Lao victim to be repatriated following the tragedy. Two days earlier, the body of Phonepaseut Poungppany, 21, from Outhoumphone district, Savannakhet province, was returned to Laos through the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan before being taken to his hometown.

The fire broke out at Pub Ladprao in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on 12 July. According to the latest update from Thai authorities on 16 July, the disaster claimed 33 lives and left 71 people injured. Fourteen people remain in critical condition, 13 sustained moderate injuries, while 44 others have since been treated and discharged from hospital.

Thai authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, including possible electrical faults, fire safety violations, and whether the venue had adequate emergency exits.

Citi Hosts AI Day for Secondary School Students in Hong Kong

Empowers Hong Kong’s next generation of innovators to responsibly apply AI to drive social impact

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Citi Hong Kong hosted an AI Day for the winners and finalists of the SEED Foundation IdeaPOP! 2026 social innovation competition earlier this month. The full-day event brought together Citi AI mentors and AI entrepreneurs to guide students on turning their ideas into real-world social solutions.

Aveline San, CEO and Head of Banking at Citi Hong Kong said the AI Day was designed to help students translate innovative ideas into real-world applications, with a strong focus on human-centered design and the responsible use of AI, bringing their purpose-driven ideas one step closer to real-world impact.

With the help of Citi AI mentors and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of AI advisory platform JobsTaylor, student teams from six secondary schools worked on concept testing, building app prototypes and applying AI to enhance user experience. The Citi mentors also shared their own experience in using AI to raise productivity and address business pain points at work.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi, who served as a judge at the pitch competition final commended the students for their creativity, energy and passion for driving positive change. She encouraged them to stay curious, embrace feedback and build on their ideas beyond the competition as they continue their innovation journey.

In a fireside chat moderated by Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong, the students also had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO of Fano Labs who shared his entrepreneurial journey, experience in navigating the startup ecosystem, as well as advice on dealing with challenges and setbacks.

Organized by the SEED Foundation, the IdeaPOP! program has engaged over 3,000 students in Hong Kong since its inception in 2022. Participants have developed more than 750 technology-based solutions aimed at addressing local societal needs.

Click HERE to download the photos

Photo 1:Aveline San, Citi Hong Kong’s CEO and Head of Banking(middle in the front row) hosted an AI Day for students at Citi’s office alongside Citi AI mentors, Ken Lo, SEED Foundation CEO (left in the front row) and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of JobsTaylor (right in the front row) guiding students on turning their ideas into real-world social solutions.


Photo 2: Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi (right), Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO forFano Labs (middle) and Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong (left)exchanged ideas on the art of pitching and entrepreneurial mindset with student teams during the workshop. Dr. Wen shared his own entrepreneurial journey as well as advice on navigating the startup ecosystem and mastering investor pitches.

Hashtag: #Citi

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Lao Police Arrest Two Nationals in Cross-Border Heroin Investigation

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

Two Lao nationals have been arrested in Laos as part of a growing cross-border heroin trafficking investigation that began after a Thai Airways flight attendant was arrested in Australia over alleged drug smuggling, Thai authorities announced on 15 July.

The suspects, identified only as Sayan and Nan, are accused by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of helping run a drug trafficking network that allegedly smuggled heroin from Laos into Thailand before sending it to Australia and Taiwan. A third Lao suspect, Oun, remains at large.

Thai authorities said Lao police arrested Sayan and Nan through cooperation between the two countries. They will be prosecuted in Laos because they are also wanted in connection with major drug cases there, while the investigation continues in both countries.

Flight Attendant’s Arrest Sparked Investigation

The investigation began on 25 June, when Australian Border Force officers arrested a 26-year-old Thai Airways flight attendant at Melbourne Airport after allegedly discovering 1.8 kilograms of heroin hidden inside the linings of two elephant-embroidered tote bags in her luggage. The drugs were valued at about USD 350,000.

The woman, who has denied knowing the bags contained drugs, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted under Australian law. Her first court appearance is scheduled for 14 September.

Thai investigators traced the bags through a network of intermediaries, including individuals who allegedly delivered the luggage to the flight attendant’s condominium in Bangkok, disposed of packaging, coordinated couriers, and recruited her through social media. Australian police have also identified the intended recipient in Melbourne by the nickname “Dear.”

Network Extended Beyond Passenger Luggage

Later on, Thai authorities intercepted five international parcels between 30 June and 2 July containing a combined 24.38 kilograms of heroin concealed inside handicrafts, silk clothing, coffee sachets, and winter jackets bound for Australia and Taiwan.

Investigators traced the shipments to courier outlets in Loei province, opposite Laos’ Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province.

On 3 July, Thai authorities arrested a Thai-Lao couple accused of transporting heroin across the Mekong River. Their statements led investigators to Sayan, Nan, Oun, and a Thai suspect, prompting Thai courts to issue arrest warrants on 10 July.

According to the DSI, a two-to-three-year investigation found the network allegedly smuggled heroin across the Mekong into Thailand, concealed it inside fabric and bag linings, and shipped it through private courier companies while coordinating operations via Line and Facebook.

Authorities have now issued six arrest warrants, with five suspects in custody across Thailand and Laos, while efforts to locate Oun continue.

Escape to China’s Mysterious Guizhou and enjoy a cool 23°C summer retreat.


GUIZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Direct flights now connect Malaysia and Guizhou, complemented by visa-free policies between China and Malaysia. Travelers can easily reach Guiyang from Kuala Lumpur in four hours and stay for up to 30 days per visit. With its cool climate, convenient transport, and favorable policies, Guizhou is becoming a preferred summer holiday destination for more Malaysian tourists. Guizhou is also building an international tourism product system centered on “summer retreat + ecology + culture.”

Escape to China's Mysterious Guizhou and enjoy a cool 23°C summer retreat.
Escape to China’s Mysterious Guizhou and enjoy a cool 23°C summer retreat.

Link: Guizhou in July

In midsummer July, Malaysian travel operators and cultural tourism influencers visited Guizhou, China, a renowned summer retreat, as if stepping into another season. Known as the “Green Karst Kingdom” and a “Natural Air Conditioner,” Guizhou has a mountainous area coverage of 92.5% and an average summer temperature of just 23°C. Beyond its cool climate, Guizhou offers a hidden-gem experience where spectacular landscapes meet diverse cultures, leaving every visitor amazed.

Link: https://youtu.be/nL7ayiYqB-k?si=nfasDLnhaBIFgkqB

Spectacular Landscapes at Every Turn

From the lush peak forests of Wanfenglin to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall; from the emerald waters of Xiaoqikong to the cloud-covered summit of Mount Fanjing; and to the world-record Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge spanning a deep gorge, every landscape in Guizhou is worth a stop. A Malaysian travel influencer remarked, “Before departure, I had only heard that Guizhou was a summer retreat. After visiting, I realized the surprises go far beyond 23°C.”

Cultural Experiences Full of Surprises

Visitors can enter distinctive villages and try intangible cultural heritage crafts such as Miao embroidery and batik; gather around a long-table banquet to taste local specialties such as sour soup fish and spicy chicken; explore cool hidden landscapes within a World Natural Heritage site with children through waterfall play and paddleboarding; or venture deep into ancient caves for an underground adventure. From heritage crafts to nature exploration, Guizhou offers family-friendly experiences for everyone to enjoy.

A Spontaneous Trip Made Easy

This summer, reserve a ticket for Mysterious Guizhou, and begin your “summer escape plan.”

Explore more of Mysterious Guizhou: www.guizhoutravel.com

Hashtag: #Guizhou

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

VARON Shares Summer Respiratory Wellness Tips and Introduces Seasonal Savings on Oxygen Solutions

LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Summer is a season for outdoor activities, family gatherings and travel, but rising temperatures, humidity and changing air conditions can create challenges for individuals focused on respiratory wellness. VARON is sharing practical tips to help oxygen users stay prepared, comfortable and confident while enjoying the activities that matter most.

For people who use supplemental oxygen, planning ahead can make summer routines easier. From outdoor walks and family visits to road trips and vacations, choosing the best oxygen concentrator and preparing for changing weather conditions can help support a more active lifestyle.

Understanding Summer Conditions and Breathing Comfort

Hot temperatures can make outdoor activities feel more demanding. Planning activities during cooler parts of the day, taking regular breaks and staying hydrated are simple ways to stay comfortable during warmer months.

Humidity and seasonal air changes can also affect outdoor comfort. Checking local weather conditions, choosing suitable environments and preparing necessary supplies before leaving home can help individuals make informed decisions about daily activities.

For those who travel or spend more time outdoors during summer, portable oxygen concentrators can provide greater flexibility. Lightweight designs, rechargeable batteries and easy-to-use features allow users to maintain their routines while having access to their prescribed oxygen support.

Practical Summer Tips for Oxygen Users

To enjoy a more comfortable summer, oxygen users can consider:

  • Planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day
  • Taking regular rest breaks when needed
  • Keeping indoor spaces cool and well-ventilated
  • Checking oxygen equipment and battery levels before outings
  • Preparing backup power options for longer activities or travel

Having reliable equipment ready can provide additional confidence for everyday errands, family visits and seasonal adventures.

VARON Highlights Portable Oxygen Solutions for Active Living

VARON offers a range of portable and home oxygen concentrators designed to support different lifestyles. With lightweight designs, battery options and practical features, VARON oxygen solutions are created for users who want greater flexibility at home and on the go.

A featured summer option is the VARON VP-8G Super Bundle, designed for users who value mobility and extended usage. The all-in-one package includes:

  • VP-8G Oxygen Concentrator with standard accessories
  • One extra battery
  • Battery charging dock for separate battery charging
  • Car charger

The VP-8G Super Bundle helps users stay prepared for daily errands, outdoor activities, travel and seasonal walks with additional power and essential accessories included.

The bundle is available for a limited-time offer.

VARON Summer Sale Offers Seasonal Savings

To help customers prepare for summer respiratory wellness, VARON is offering limited-time savings across its product range:

Customers can explore VARON’s portable and home oxygen concentrators while taking advantage of seasonal savings designed to make oxygen support more accessible.

Enjoy a More Comfortable Summer

Summer is a time for connection, exploration and meaningful experiences. With thoughtful preparation, healthy routines and reliable oxygen solutions, individuals can continue enjoying outdoor activities, travel and everyday moments with greater confidence.

Check Official VARON Website

About VARON

VARON develops portable and home oxygen concentrators designed to provide convenient respiratory support solutions worldwide. Through practical designs, reliable performance and user-focused technology, VARON helps customers find oxygen solutions that support mobility, comfort and everyday living.

Media Contact:
VARON Oxygen Concentrator
Email: support@varoninc.com 
Website: https://varoninc.com/

Telix Completes Patient Enrollment in TLX591-Px (Illuccix®) Japan Phase 3 Study

  • Completed enrollment of 105 patients in Phase 3 registration study of TLX591-Px (Illuccix®) for prostate cancer imaging in Japan.
  • The study data will be used to support a New Drug Application (NDA) for TLX591-Px in Japan.

MELBOURNE, Australia and TOKYO, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX: TLX, NASDAQ: TLX, “Telix”) today announced completion of patient enrollment in the pivotal Phase 3 registration study of TLX591-Px (Illuccix®, Kit for the preparation of 68Ga-PSMA-11[1]) for prostate cancer imaging in Japanese patients.

Illuccix Japan[2] is a Phase 3 prospective, open-label, multicenter study designed to evaluate the detection efficacy and safety profile of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT[3] in Japanese patients with biochemically recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer following prior radical prostatectomy. The primary objective of the study is to compare the sensitivity of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT with conventional imaging modalities, including CT and bone scintigraphy, for the detection of metastatic lesions. Secondary objectives include evaluating diagnostic performance for local and distant lesions, safety and tolerability, and the impact of imaging findings on clinical management decisions.

Telix is preparing an NDA for submission in Japan, with clinical data from the Phase 3 local study intended to support the application. In parallel, Telix’s application for Conditional Approval is under review by the Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). If granted, Conditional Approval will enable an expedited NDA review process while the final study clinical dataset is prepared.                           

Completion of enrollment represents a significant milestone for the study and advances Telix’s registration strategy for Illuccix® in Japan, one of the world’s largest nuclear medicine markets. The study complements Telix’s early access and broader prostate cancer portfolio activities in Japan, including named patient use for TLX591-Px[4] and patient enrollment in the Phase 3 ProstACT Global study of TLX591-Tx (lutetium (177Lu) rosopatamab tetraxetan)[5] in advanced prostate cancer.

David N. Cade, MD, Group Chief Medical Officer, Telix, said, “Completion of patient enrollment into this pivotal Phase 3 study was rapid and represents a significant step towards the registration of Illuccix in Japan. We are grateful to the patients, investigators and dedicated study teams across the 11 sites for their commitment to this important study. Together, our goal is to expand access for Japanese men to the benefits of PSMA-PET imaging and thus improve outcomes for men in Japan living with prostate cancer.”

About Prostate Cancer in Japan

The Asia Pacific region comprises approximately one-third of the world’s male population and includes many nations whose populations are ageing or increasingly adopting a more affluent, ‘Western-style’ lifestyle, the two main demographic trends driving increasing cancer incidence rates. Consequently, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing in many parts of the region. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Japanese men with more than 104,000 new diagnoses each year, and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death with over 14,000 deaths annually[6].

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX: TLX, NASDAQ: TLX) is a commercial-stage global radiopharmaceutical company, advancing targeted theranostics to improve outcomes for people with cancer across the patient journey. Theranostics pairs a precision diagnostic with a targeted therapy to both diagnose and treat disease. 

Telix’s commercial franchise is anchored by its prostate cancer imaging portfolio: Illuccix® (kit for the preparation of gallium-68 gozetotide injection), commercially available in 22 countries including the U.S. and Gozellix® (kit for the preparation of gallium-68 gozetotide injection), Telix’s next-generation PSMA-PET imaging agent approved by the U.S. FDA. The Company’s late-stage therapeutic pipeline includes three assets in pivotal-stage trials – TLX591-Tx (lutetium-177 (177Lu) rosopatamab tetraxetan) in prostate cancer, TLX101-Tx (131I-iodofalan) in recurrent glioblastoma, TLX250-Tx (177Lu-girentuximab) in kidney cancer, complemented by a deep pipeline of next generation assets.

Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with operations across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.telixpharma.com or follow Telix on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Telix Contacts

Investor Relations

Annie Kasparian

Annie.kasparian@telixpharma.com

Charlene Jaw

Charlene.jaw@telixpharma.com

Media

Eliza Schleifstein

Eliza@schleifsteinpr.com

Legal Notices

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.  

You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, or on our website.

The information contained in this announcement is not intended to be an offer for subscription, invitation or recommendation with respect to securities of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) in any jurisdiction, including the United States. The information and opinions contained in this announcement are subject to change without notification.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any information or opinions contained in this announcement, including any forward-looking statements (as referred to below), whether as a result of new information, future developments, a change in expectations or assumptions, or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or opinions expressed in the course of this announcement.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “outlook”, “forecast” and “guidance”, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Telix’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect Telix’s business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix’s business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress, completion and results of Telix’s preclinical and clinical trials, and Telix’s research and development programs; Telix’s ability to advance product candidates into, enroll and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for Telix’s product candidates, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; Telix’s sales, marketing and distribution and manufacturing capabilities and strategies; the commercialization of Telix’s product candidates, if or when they have been approved; Telix’s ability to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials at reasonable costs for its products and product candidates; estimates of Telix’s expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix’s financial performance; developments relating to Telix’s competitors and industry; the anticipated impact of U.S. and foreign tariffs and other macroeconomic conditions on Telix’s business, including as a result of war or other geopolitical conflicts; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix’s product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix’s actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Trademarks and Trade Names. All trademarks and trade names referenced in this press release are the property of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) or, where applicable, the property of their respective owners. For convenience, trademarks and trade names may appear without the ® or ™ symbols. Such omissions are not intended to indicate any waiver of rights by Telix or the respective owners. Trademark registration status may vary from country to country. Telix does not intend the use or display of any third-party trademarks or trade names to imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from those third parties.

©2026 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. All rights reserved.

[1] TLX591-Px (Illuccix®), Telix’s first generation PSMA-PET imaging agent, has been approved in multiple markets globally, excluding in Japan where use is investigational only.
[2] Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: JRCT2031250473.
[3] Positron emission tomography/computed tomography.
[4] Since January 2024, Telix has supported the Japanese version of compassionate use of TLX591-Px in Japan through site-requested supply, consistent with local regulation.
[5] ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06520345.
[6] Global Cancer Statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN survey. Published August 2024.

 

Ohmyhome Ltd Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Notification Regarding Minimum Bid Price Deficiency

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ohmyhome Ltd. (NASDAQ: OMH, “Ohmyhome” or “the Company”), a data- and technology-driven digital marketing company delivering multi-channel marketing and content solutions for advertisers, today announced that on July 13, 2026, the Company received a notification letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that based on the closing bid price of the Company for the period from May 28, 2026 to July 10, 2026, the Company no longer meets the continued listing requirement on the Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Listing Rules 5550(a)(2), to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share. 

The notification has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on Nasdaq. Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), Nasdaq has provided the Company with an 180 calendar days compliance period, or until January 11, 2027, in which to regain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirement. If at any time during this period the closing bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares is at least $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written confirmation that the Company has regained compliance with the bid price requirement.

In the event that the Company does not regain compliance by the end of the initial compliance period, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar days extension, should the Company meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and is able to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. 

The Company is currently evaluating available options to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules and intends to take appropriate measures to timely regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. The Company will continue to monitor the closing bid price of its Class A ordinary shares and, if necessary, consider all available alternatives to achieve compliance within the applicable compliance period.

About Ohmyhome

Ohmyhome Ltd. (Nasdaq: OMH) is a data- and technology-driven digital marketing company delivering multi-channel marketing and content solutions for advertisers. The Company provides digital marketing strategy, content creation, campaign execution, and performance monitoring services designed to help clients strengthen their online presence and engage target audiences across digital channels.

For more information, visit: www.omsw.net

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

For more information Investor Relations: ir@omsw.net

Saronic to Build Port Alpha, America’s Next Generation Shipyard, in Brownsville, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saronic today announced it has selected Brownsville, Texas as the future home of Port Alpha, its next-generation shipyard designed to help restore American maritime strength and significantly expand the nation’s shipbuilding capacity.

A rendering of Port Alpha, Saronic's next-generation shipyard coming to Brownsville, Texas — a $3B+ investment to rebuild American shipbuilding at scale.
A rendering of Port Alpha, Saronic’s next-generation shipyard coming to Brownsville, Texas — a $3B+ investment to rebuild American shipbuilding at scale.

The announcement marks a major milestone in Saronic’s mission to restore U.S. shipbuilding capacity at scale. First introduced as a vision for the future of maritime manufacturing, Port Alpha now moves from concept to reality through a planned investment of more than $3 billion that aims to establish one of the most advanced shipyards in the world, built for software-defined shipbuilding and autonomous maritime systems.

The project is expected to generate more than $160 billion in regional economic impact for Cameron County and $264.5 billion for the State of Texas, while creating up to 10,000 direct jobs. This makes Port Alpha one of the largest economic development projects in modern Texas history. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, with Port Alpha expected to open for operations in 2028.

The timing is pivotal. In one of his first actions in office, President Trump issued an Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, followed by federal initiatives such as the SHIPS for America Act and the Maritime Action Plan that call for a generational rebuild of the American shipbuilding industry. These efforts recognize that economic security and national security are inseparable, and that restoring U.S. shipbuilding capacity is essential to both. Port Alpha will expand domestic production capacity and strengthen the nation’s ability to meet commercial and defense requirements while closing the widening shipbuilding gap with foreign adversaries.

“America’s maritime future depends on our ability to build again,” said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic. “Port Alpha is our commitment to that mission. Built from the ground up to deliver ships at a speed and scale not seen since World War II, this investment is about more than constructing a shipyard. It is about rebuilding the industrial capacity, workforce, and manufacturing advantage required to ensure American maritime leadership for decades to come. The state of Texas and city of Brownsville give us the foundation to turn that vision into reality.”

Following a year-long nationwide search evaluating sites across the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, Brownsville was selected after a rigorous review of workforce availability, infrastructure readiness, land scale, logistics, and expansion potential. Initially situated on 835 acres at the Port of Brownsville, with the opportunity to expand to nearly 4,400 acres, Port Alpha will encompass a shipyard and manufacturing facility capable of producing vessels up to 850-ft. Future site expansion could support the production of vessels over 1,200 ft. The site provides hundreds of acres of waterfront access, deepwater channel connectivity, multimodal logistics infrastructure, and room for long-term expansion—everything required to anchor a next-generation shipbuilding hub.

“Today marks history with the announcement of the most advanced shipyard in the entire world,” said Governor Abbott. “When this shipyard gets fully built out, there will be about 10,000 employees. Saronic is going to be providing about $750 million in annual paychecks to Texans. That’s game-changing for the population of Texas. As Governor, I’m proud that Saronic calls Texas home.”

Over the next decade, Port Alpha is expected to create up to 10,000 high-quality direct jobs spanning skilled trades such as welding and machining to advanced roles in robotics, software engineering, and naval architecture. The project aligns with national calls to rebuild the maritime workforce pipeline, creating new opportunities for skilled workers at the intersection of shipbuilding and advanced technology. Saronic will collaborate with the State of Texas, Cameron County, and local educational institutions – from regional technical colleges to leading State universities and institutions – to develop workforce training and apprenticeship programs designed to sustain long-term industrial growth and position South Texas as a center of excellence for advanced maritime manufacturing.

Port Alpha builds on Saronic’s expanding shipbuilding footprint. In early 2025, the company acquired a shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, where it is investing $300 million to add 300,000 square feet of production capacity. That facility will continue producing Saronic’s 180-foot Marauder autonomous vessel, which was designed and launched in less than one year. Together, these facilities represent a multi-billion-dollar private capital commitment to restoring American shipbuilding capacity, advancing autonomous maritime systems, and strengthening the nation’s industrial resilience.

More than a shipyard, Port Alpha represents a new model for American shipbuilding—combining advanced manufacturing, software-defined production, and autonomy at unprecedented scale. To sustain that edge, Saronic is forging strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers, emerging shipbuilding technology providers, and premier suppliers, ensuring that the latest capabilities continuously strengthen and inform Port Alpha’s production architecture alongside Saronics’ in-house expertise. In doing so, Port Alpha embodies the transformation envisioned in national maritime strategy, one that leverages technology to strengthen deterrence, resilience, and operational flexibility. As construction advances, Saronic will continue working with federal, state, and local partners to establish the industrial foundation required for the next generation of maritime power in America.

Contact: press@saronic.com