Keppel AmFELS is the recipient of the Port of Brownsville’s with its 2020 Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes Keppel AmFELS’s work reintroducing shipbuilding to both the state of Texas and Brownsville.

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez presented the award to Mohd Sahlan Bin Salleh, president and CEO of Keppel AmFELS, on Dec. 3. Keppel’s work has helped build the ship building industry locally, bringing approximately 1,400 full-time jobs to the community.

“For decades, Keppel AmFELS has not only brought new jobs and opportunities, but their skill and expertise has attracted new contracts and opportunities to residents of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Chairman Lopez. “For example, they are nearing completion of two 774-foot-long containerships that will soon join the U.S. merchant fleet, bolstering domestic trade while serving American interests and moving American-made goods. I am privileged to recognize the outstanding work they have and will continue to do for everyone who relies on the Port of Brownsville.”

Keppel AmFELS has been part of Brownsville since 1990. It diversified into shipbuilding as an outgrowth of its decades of experience in offshore oil rig fabrication, maintenance and repair.

The Chairman’s Award is an annual award highlighting the achievements of port tenants in the areas of business growth, leadership, job creation, customer service, innovation, safety and community involvement.