Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Port of Brownsville proudly announces M&M Mooring as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented the award to owner Mark Clive at the annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon held Dec. 4, at the Rancho Viejo Conference Center in Rancho Viejo, Texas.
”M&M Mooring has been a trusted partner of the Port of Brownsville for nearly three decades, providing essential maritime services with professionalism, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to safety,” said Guerra. “While transformative investments are reshaping our region, the dedication of smaller, homegrown businesses that keep this port moving has strengthened our maritime community. It is essential that we continue to support these vital operations.”
For more than 27 years, M&M Mooring has been a cornerstone of port operations, delivering expert line-handling and steamship agency services under the stewardship of owner Mark Clive. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a multi-generational, family-driven company that plays a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient vessel movements at the port.
Line handling, the precise, high-stakes process of securing cargo vessels and tankers to port docks requires teamwork, technical skill, and deep operational knowledge.
“It’s not for everybody,” Clive says. “Safety is priority number one. We make sure every line is handled correctly, every crew member knows their role, and every vessel can load or discharge cargo efficiently.”
In addition to line handling, M&M Mooring is a licensed and bonded steamship agency, managing vessel documentation, customs coordination, and port fees for foreign-flagged ships.
The company’s legacy is deeply rooted in family and community. Inspired by his father, Jesse Clive—who worked at the former Texaco terminal at the Port of Brownsville. Mark built M&M Mooring with the intention of creating opportunities. Today, the company includes second-generation employees whose families have served the port for decades.
Throughout his career, Clive has witnessed the evolution of port activity, from shifts in petroleum and steel cargo to the arrival of LNG and specialized tankers. In response, M&M Mooring has expanded its capabilities and invested in new technologies, including heavy-duty line-hauling trucks and more.
“We’re preparing for future growth, creating new jobs, and ensuring the port remains competitive,” Clive said. “Word of mouth is huge in this business. When agencies across the Gulf Coast need reliable service, they call M&M Mooring, and that reputation has grown over decades.”
Since 2017, the Brownsville Navigation District has proudly recognized outstanding companies at the Port of Brownsville with the Chairman’s Award. The annual recognition highlights the achievements of port tenants in business growth, leadership, job creation, customer service, innovation, safety, and community engagement.
As M&M Mooring enters its next chapter, Clive’s philosophy remains unchanged: “When you love what you do, you’re going to be good at it. And when you’re good at it, people trust you. That’s how you build a business that lasts.”
