About

NEW ORLEANS – Today, during the 36th annual event in partnership with the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO), Michael A. Thomas, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission, gave the 2024 State of the Port Address, “Delivering Louisiana’s Future -Together,” to nearly 250 community, business and elected leaders.

Thomas highlighted advancements across four lines of business - cargo, rail, industrial real estate, and cruise – emphasizing notable progress in the development of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) and substantial investments in critical maritime infrastructure that are positioning Louisiana as the next generation leader in global trade.

“As we chart our course, strategic coordination among Louisiana ports and businesses is critical for solidifying our future on a global scale,” Thomas said. “We must move beyond the parochial, unilateral decision-making that has only led to missed opportunities in the past and work together to move Louisiana onward and forward.”

Geopolitical Landscape:

Thomas spoke about change in leadership and direction at Port NOLA and NOPB, as well as the current geopolitical landscape. From foreign conflicts to economic fluctuations and environmental challenges, Thomas noted that each development resonates through the global supply chain, shaping the environment in which the maritime industry must operate.

As stewards of maritime trade, Thomas stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, adaptive, and proactive in navigating dynamic currents. “Finding, training, and retaining a more diversified workforce is not merely a moral imperative; but also, an economic necessity,” said Thomas. “By investing in training programs, mentorship initiatives, and more inclusive policies, we can cultivate a workforce that reflects the richness of our global community and prepares us to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”

Driving Economic Prosperity:

With Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s establishment of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, Thomas noted that Port NOLA has a strong advocate for public investments that will strengthen port and waterway infrastructure. By developing and implementing a strategic plan and investment program that directly benefits Louisiana ports, Port NOLA’s capacity to drive economic growth and connectivity will continue to prosper.

He also highlighted the leadership of the five Lower Mississippi ports - The Port of Greater Baton Rouge; Port of South Louisiana; Port of New Orleans; St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District and Plaquemines Port, Harbor and Terminal District - jointly funding an in-depth cargo market analysis for the entirety of the Mississippi River Ship Channel to gauge current market conditions and identify both challenges and opportunities.

“Driving economic prosperity by maximizing the flow of international trade and commerce begins with collaboration,” said Thomas. “Collaboration leads to innovation, which leads to opportunity, which will lead to the Louisiana we all envision in the future.”

Infrastructure:

Thomas spoke about significant port investments over the last five years that include more than $300 million in capital projects to both support and attract customers:

• $140 million investment to install four new ship-to-shore gantry cranes at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal, which increased the annual terminal capacity to 1 million containers.
• $120 million to rehabilitate breakbulk terminals, bridges, and industrial properties to attract more diverse cargo customers and bring relief to commuters with less bridge down time; and
• $25 million for paving at the Nashville and Napoleon terminals to ensure that Port NOLA can continue to efficiently serve container, breakbulk, and project cargo for decades to come, and more.

Thomas reported that Port NOLA continues to realize the benefits of its alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt railroad and connection to six Class I railroads. “At this pivotal moment, we are offering customers more integrated marine and rail solutions,” said Thomas. “We’re bringing more jobs to our region through commercial development and driving the economy.”

Investments in the port’s rail gateway include $18.2 million in improvements and expansions that have effectively doubled storage capacity and improved fluidity:

• Increased storage capacity of the France Road Railyard to accommodate an additional 220 rail cars.

• Added capacity at the Kingfish Yard in Jefferson and Claiborne Yard in Orleans parishes by installing five new tracks and increased storage to house an additional 205 cars; and

• A $3 million investment in the new Transloading Industrial Park that enables efficient, multi-modal shipping options, while also creating opportunity for new market.

**Unmatched Intermodal Gateway:
**Thomas also spoke about Port NOLA's role as a leading intermodal gateway, one of continuous growth and innovation, marked by robust partnerships, strategic investments, as well as dedication to enhancing both services and connections. He highlighted Port NOLA’s strategic alliances and prime location, which has led to impressive growth:

Intermodal TEU cargo has increased 7% year-over-year;

Container-On-Barge TEU volumes surged 36%;

Despite weather disturbances in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico that led to disruptions in container vessel schedules, our overall container volumes have risen 6% year-over-year;

And empty containers have also risen 14% year-over-year, providing critical support for exporters to efficiently load cargo and meet growing demand.

“Through our intermodal capabilities, we not only bridge land and water transportation, but also support economic vitality across Louisiana and beyond, unlocking further opportunities for progress in the years to come,” said Thomas.

Vital Economic Engine:

Thomas reported on a record-breaking year for cruise business, in which cruise line partners continue to show confidence in our market, with nearly 1.3 million cruise passenger movements projected:

• Carnival committed for at least five more years of two year-round vessels and celebrated its seven millionth traveler from Port NOLA;

• Norwegian Cruise Line renewed for five more years with additional sailings and a new ship, the Norwegian Getaway;

• Disney returned in January for their season with the Disney Magic;

• Royal Caribbean returned with a new vessel, the Brilliance of the Seas;

• And river cruises continue to excel with American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruises.

“And with New Orleans as the host of Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, the Crescent City and Port NOLA’s cruise offerings will be spotlighted for a global audience,” said Thomas.

Harbor Police Department (HPD)

During the address, Thomas spoke about HPD, which has been recognized and rewarded in a multitude of ways from promotions to awards to funding support:

• HPD joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State of Louisiana and officials from 18 local law enforcement agencies in Operation Clean House to ensure our community and citizens are safe;
• Three veteran officers were promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.
• Lt. Peter Brito was the named Maritime Humanitarian of the Year by Global Maritime Ministries;
• Chief Melanie Montroll was honored by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives as the first female HPD police chief;
• HPD’s $500 thousand-dollar proposal with the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Program was approved to support on-going community policing efforts;
• $1 million grant award as part of a FEMA Port Security Grant to invest in physical and TECH upgrades that will enhance HPD’s surveillance network and provide critical equipment to help in their response to emergency incidents.

“In every measure, HPD stands as a cornerstone of safety and security at the Port, exemplifying unwavering dedication and excellence,” said Thomas.

Inclusive, Equitable, and Environmentally Responsible:

Diversity initiatives that engage the small business community to provide opportunities for mentorship and growth were also addressed.

Port NOLA is the first agency to partner with the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center on the SEB ConnectApp, a resource that provides small and emerging businesses with real-time insights into contracting and business opportunities. The port is also leading the way in partnering with Central Bidding, by offering complimentary memberships to certified small businesses to ensure transparency, competitive pricing, and accessibility for all potential vendors.

“And over the past three fiscal years, there has been nearly $55 million in small business spending—a milestone of which we’re incredibly proud,” said Thomas.

Port NOLA is also committed to being a clean port, while balancing the needs of industry stakeholders, neighbors, and natural resources:

• Awarded a $7.1 million dollars from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant program to reduce emissions and support workforce development initiatives that create pathways for the thousands of jobs anticipated in the coming years;
• Awarded $1 million dollars from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for implementing a sustainability management plan, to pursue Envision certification and further support workforce development.

“These investments reflect Port NOLA’s unwavering commitment to growing the small business community, as well as to sustainable development that serves our industry, empowers our workforce and protects our environment for generations to come,” said Thomas.

Opportunities for All Louisianians:

Additionally, Thomas spoke about Port NOLA’s diverse workforce, strong culture of employee retention and satisfaction and commitment to workforce development:

• 62 new team members hired and 29 promoted so far in 2024;
• Port NOLA was tapped by the City of New Orleans to lead a sector partnership that will convene maritime, transportation, trade, and logistics businesses throughout Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes to help navigate and provide solutions to regional workforce and business issues;
• Port NOLA will build on partnerships with Nunez Community College, Delgado Community College, the University of New Orleans, and other community organizations to introduce students to the diverse career paths available in maritime and logistics.

Thomas said: “Together, we can build a skilled, diverse workforce that will drive the industry forward and contribute to the long-term success of Port NOLA. By investing in our youth today, we are ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for our community and economy.”

Delivering Louisiana’s Future-Together:

Thomas emphasized the significant progress made in developing a new, state-of-the-art container facility to accommodate vessels of all sizes. The Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) is a transformative project that will bring prosperity to the region for generations to come, including 18,500 new direct and indirect well-paying jobs to Louisianans, and more than $1 billion in total new state tax revenue by 2050.

“Louisiana’s future economic stability depends on our ability to meet current and future shipping needs. And with LIT, that future is bright,” said Thomas.

He spoke to the historic commitments made in support of LIT that clearly reflect confidence from the highest level of government and global maritime leaders in the port’s ability to deliver this new terminal including:

• $300 million in landmark INFRA and MEGA grants, the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in USDOT history;

• $180 million by Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Legislature;

• $50 million in state funding secured to support construction of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor;

• $500 million in bond funding from Port NOLA;

• And $800 million from New Jersey-based Ports America and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company through Terminal Investment Limited (TiL).

Thomas concluded his address with the following: “2025 will be a year of building and investing in a trade-based economy…we will cultivate stronger relationships and enhance collaboration with all those who work on the river, creating a cohesive maritime industry ecosystem. We will continue to work alongside LED, GNO Inc., the New Orleans Business Alliance, JEDCO, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and other partners to grow business in our region.

We will continue to invest in educational programs that serve as catalysts for robust careers.  We will create thousands of well-paying jobs. We will foster long-term economic growth for our region and state. Together, we will solidify Louisiana’s position as the next generation leader in global trade. We will Deliver Louisiana’s Future, together.”

NEW ORLEANS- Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) appointed global maritime expert Beth Ann Branch President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), effective Dec. 1, 2024. Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. She replaces Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr., who served as Port NOLA’s Acting President & CEO / Acting CEO of NOPB and moved key strategic initiatives, like the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal, forward during this transitional period.

"After a comprehensive national search, it became clear that Beth Ann Branch is the visionary leader needed to help move Port NOLA and Louisiana forward," said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. "Her deep understanding of the commercial landscape and her track record of fostering rapid economic growth will ensure that our State remains a critical player in the global supply chain. With Beth at the helm, we’re poised to strengthen our State’s role as the premier trade and commerce gateway to the Nation.”

Branch joins Port NOLA from the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she has served as Chief Commercial Officer since 2021. Prior to that role, she led business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland's maritime division. Throughout her tenure at both locations, Branch spearheaded strategic initiatives that resulted in record container volumes, significantly boosting throughput and operational success.

"Beth Ann Branch is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide our next phase of growth," said Mike Thomas, Chairman of Port NOLA and NOPB. "Her extensive experience, strategic mindset and proven ability make her uniquely qualified to take on this critical role. As we continue to advance transformative projects, Beth's leadership will be essential in positioning the Port as a leading force in international trade and a key driver of economic prosperity for our region."

The national search was conducted by the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Branch was selected from a competitive pool of candidates for her extensive maritime experience and proven leadership in driving economic growth. Former Port NOLA and NOPB Chairman Joseph Toomy was essential in overseeing the search process:

"Beth brings an extraordinary depth of maritime expertise and international trade experience to the Port of New Orleans," said Toomy. "Her forward-thinking vision will be instrumental in advancing key strategic initiatives that are critical to our long-term success. Under Beth's leadership, we are confident that the Port will reach new heights and drive sustainable growth for both the region and the international trade community."

Additionally, Branch worked in various leadership positions at Maersk for 18 years in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York and global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“I am truly honored to join the Port NOLA and NOPB teams,” said incoming Port NOLA President & CEO and NOPB CEO, Beth Ann Branch. “Port NOLA plays an essential role in driving economic growth for our region and state, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation in global commerce. Together, we will pave the way for more opportunities, creating jobs and driving the economy. I’m eager to work with leaders at all levels as we continue to invest in infrastructure and secure long-term prosperity for Louisiana.”

In addition to her experience in the maritime industry, Branch has 10 years of experience in program development and administration in the nonprofit sector, including location oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development grant in Eastern Europe. Beth received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced it will receive $1,040,583 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Port Security Grant Program. This funding will be used to upgrade both physical infrastructure and technology within the Harbor Police Department’s (HPD) surveillance network, as well as to acquire essential equipment for emergency response. All upgrades must be finalized by August 31, 2027.