News & Events

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.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced its purchase of the 210,000 square foot warehouse located at 5200 Coffee Drive in the Uptown Port of New Orleans Terminal, which is supported by a new, 10-year lease with The Kearney Companies, Inc. (The Kearney Companies), a subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics (PTL). This agreement marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Port NOLA, The Kearney Companies, and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), which provides rail service to its facilities and connection to all six Class 1 Railroads (BNSF, CPKCS, CN, CSX, NS and UP).

The lease agreement is the culmination of a multi-year effort between Port NOLA and the previous owner to ensure the facility supports import and export growth. As part of the lease, The Kearney Companies has committed to making capital investments through Port NOLA-approved facility upfits and improvements, emphasizing a shared commitment to servicing customer needs well into the future, supporting cargo growth and fostering continued job creation in the region.

“We are thrilled to announce this agreement with The Kearney Companies, which marks a pivotal moment for our port and the surrounding community,” said, Ronald Wendel, Acting President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and Acting CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. “This facility will enhance our operational capacity and support economic growth by creating new jobs and opportunities. We appreciate the continued partnership with The Kearney Companies and PTL and look forward to long-term growth.”

The Kearney Companies’ operations with NOPB have reached 3,000 carloads per year and are continuing to grow. Additionally, The Kearney Companies handles close to 20,000 containers annually and supports 65 full-time jobs across various roles, including office/clerical, trucking, and warehouse workers. There are approximately 10 to 15 full-time jobs associated with the Coffee Drive facility lease.

“We have been working with the Port of New Orleans and the previous owner of the warehouse for over 2 years on a lease that enables the Port’s purchase of the facility. Further, we have developed a transition plan that ensures the facility continues to play a strategic role in supporting international supply chains through the New Orleans Port and Rail gateway. Through mutual trust displayed by all parties in this transaction, we were able to work through several long-term, difficult maintenance items, and future capital investments that are needed to ensure the future viability of this specific warehouse facility. We look forward to supporting existing business like the CME and LME metals customers that have historically utilized this facility, as well as attracting other new shippers for this location,” said David Kearney, President of The Kearney Companies, Inc.

NEW ORLEANS- The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) announced intermodal rail volumes are up more than 15% YTD, when comparing January through May. Through its growing intermodal service and efficient global and inland connections, Port NOLA ensures that goods arrive at homes across the nation, that businesses can efficiently move their products, and that economic prosperity and job creation for the state and region continues. Rail represents approximately 33% of Port NOLA and NOPB’s consolidated annual revenue.

"Port NOLA is building momentum as the Gulf’s Gateway to middle America,” said Port NOLA Acting President & CEO and Acting NOPB CEO, Ronald Wendel, Jr. “Our ability to provide innovative supply chain solutions for shippers looking to diversify their trade lanes is undeniable. We are on track to grow this service even more while simultaneously continuing to provide efficient and reliable options for moving freight by river, rail, and road.”

Port NOLA’s Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal located within the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal complex offers on-dock access to the Port’s six Class I rail partners via the NOPB, a class-III Short-line Railroad. Port NOLA’s strategic alignment with the NOPB in 2018 created fluidity and mitigated congestion across the entire gateway, keeping dwell times well below industry benchmarks.

“Port NOLA is the only deep-water port in the United States that is connected to all of North America’s six Class I railroads through the NOPB,” said NOPB General Manager Tomeka Bryant. “This unparalleled connection is a tremendous asset for customers as these railroads comprise a 132,000-plus mile network of track that tie the Port of New Orleans and the global supply chain directly to every U.S. market and Canada.”

One of the six Class I railroads, CN, offers regular intermodal service to and from Memphis, Chicago, Detroit as well as Toronto and Montreal.

“CN has been a committed rail service provider in the Port of New Orleans market for decades and we are excited about the growth plans in New Orleans. CN and Port NOLA have a lot of value to offer customers looking for strong gateway alternatives into key markets like Memphis, Detroit, Chicago and even Toronto and Montreal,” said Dan Bresolin, Vice President of Intermodal for CN.

  The CPKC offers intermodal service to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth market which is utilized by retail importers as an alternate cost-competitive and fluid gateway option as well as a way for ocean carriers to reposition empty equipment into the NOLA region for its robust export demand.

“Port NOLA's strategic infrastructure investments have bolstered its capacity to handle increased cargo volumes efficiently, facilitating seamless connections between transportation modes,” said Julia Fisher-Cormier, Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Multimodal Commerce. “This growth in intermodal services is essential for supporting Louisiana's position as the premier gateway in the Gulf, benefiting not only our economy, but also contributing to broader economic health of the U.S.”

Last month, the Port of New Orleans also announced record container growth. Port NOLA moved a total of 133,845 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 representing a 19% increase year over year and a record quarter with container volume not seen since the supply chain issues of 2021.

NEW ORLEANS- The recent 2024 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature committed $230.5 million to Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) infrastructure projects including the Port’s new downriver container terminal, the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, which is envisioned to connect the $1.8 billion LIT to the interstate system and deliver a road that has long been sought after by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents.

“We want to thank Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Legislature for this significant funding commitment,” said Port NOLA Acting President & CEO and Acting CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Ronald Wendel, Jr. “These critical infrastructure projects will solidify Louisiana’s position as the premier global gateway in the Gulf, ensure thousands of jobs as well as long-term economic growth for the region and state.”

LIT received $10 million in direct state general funding and $140 million in Priority 5 state funding that will support design and construction activities. An additional $50 million in state funding remains secured to support construction of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, as well as $30.5 million ($3 million of which is in the direct state general fund) for rehabilitation, planning, and construction of the St. Claude Bridge.

“The Legislature’s backing of infrastructure funding to support the Louisiana International Terminal builds upon commitments of more than $1.1 billion from the federal government and private sector,” said Julia Fisher-Cormier, Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Multimodal Commerce. “These are the type of public investments Louisiana must make to transform our trade-based economy and secure our position as a future leader of global trade.”

Port NOLA continues to prioritize development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with construction of the LIT. The Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering LLC. in June 2023 to study the corridor and other roadway improvements that will support LIT and St. Bernard Parish for decades to come.

LIT will be built in Violet, Louisiana, 17 miles downriver from the Crescent City Connection bridge, eliminating air draft restrictions for vessels that currently call on the Port of New Orleans. It will serve vessels of all sizes, dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity, foster strategic inland growth and allow both container-on-barge and intermodal services to expand.

LIT is the largest public economic development project in the state of Louisiana. By 2050, it is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, more than 18,000 in Louisiana, 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish as well as more than $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue.

“Louisiana lawmakers have clearly spoken with this legislation, which will help build one of the state’s most critical transportation assets – The Louisiana International Terminal,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Not only will this project generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenues, it will ensure that Louisiana continues to lead in international trade, its raison d’être.”

The $230.5 million state commitment is in addition to $300 million in landmark federal funding awarded to Port NOLA earlier this year to assist in building LIT. That is the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. LIT has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states as well as from major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

LIT will be built through a historic public-private partnership between Port NOLA and two private terminal operators. New Jersey-based Ports America, North America’s largest marine terminal operator, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have committed $800 million toward the project.

LIT is currently in the federal permitting process. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with the first berth opening in 2028.

New Orleans, LA – Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) formally confirmed Ronald J. Wendel Jr., who is currently serving as Port NOLA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to become the Acting President and CEO of Port NOLA and Acting CEO of NOPB in June following the departure of current President and CEO, Brandy Christian, who has accepted the role of CEO of Patriot Rail Company. Wendel, who joined Port NOLA in 2015, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is poised to ensure that key strategic initiatives, like the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal, move forward without interruption.

"The Port NOLA Board and its executive team are focused on assuring a smooth and transparent process to maintain operational continuity during this leadership transition period,” said Board Chairman Walter Leger, Jr. “We are confident in Wendel’s experience and welcome the opportunity to work alongside him and the Port NOLA / NOPB teams to drive growth and success. Simultaneously, the Board is committed to ensuring a thoughtful process for determining the permanent President and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of NOPB. We will continue engaging with the Governor’s Office, State officials, the maritime industry, and other stakeholders to ensure that the State’s priorities, including the Louisiana International Terminal at Violet and any additional port infrastructure projects, are given the foremost consideration to drive Louisiana toward the top of the global supply chain.

Wendel has been a key figure in securing $800 million in commitments from future private Louisiana International Terminal operators Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), the investment arm of Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Wendel has been a mainstay in commercial negotiations across Port NOLA and NOPB’s lines of business. Additionally, he spearheaded an improvement in Port NOLA’s bond rating while financing more than $260 million in public and private placement bonds to fund the Capital Investment Program, including the $140 million expansion of the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal.

"We are grateful for Brandy Christian’s visionary leadership and contributions to Port NOLA and NOPB throughout her tenure, which have set the stage for continued progress and success,” said Ronald Wendel Jr. “I am proud to have been part of the management team that Brandy developed over the past nine years and even more humbled for the opportunity to work alongside our staff and stakeholders in a new role to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and foster sustainable growth.”

New Orleans, LA – Today, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced that its President and CEO Brandy D. Christian, a leading figure in the transportation industry, will step down mid-June 2024 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Christian has served as the President and CEO of Port NOLA since January 1, 2017, and as the CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) since its acquisition by Port NOLA on February 1, 2018, during which time Port NOLA increased operating revenues by 70 percent and NOPB increased operating income by 300 percent.

"We cannot overstate the exemplary leadership that Brandy Christian has provided throughout her tenure," said Walter Leger, Jr., Chairman of the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners and the NOPB Commission. "Under Christian's guidance, Port NOLA has navigated through profound challenges and achieved remarkable successes. Chief among those successes is the leadership team that Christian has assembled and nurtured to carry Port NOLA and NOPB forward. Through her vision and leadership, Christian has positioned Port NOLA to regain its place as the premier destination within the global supply chain as we embark on a transformational economic development project in the Louisiana International Terminal. We wish Brandy all the best as she begins this new and exciting challenge."

Brandy Christian joined Port NOLA as its Chief Operating Officer in 2015 and was appointed its President and CEO just two years later. Within six months of taking the reins, Christian led the acquisition of the NOPB by Port NOLA, connecting the rail and maritime supply chains across and beyond the region and positioning Port NOLA as an alternative gateway of choice. In 2018, she led the development of a master plan to align all four lines of business – cargo, cruise, real estate and rail – that provided a strategic roadmap for sustainable and inclusive growth. Christian has also overseen the beginnings of the largest economic development project in Louisiana history, raising nearly all of the funding to support the $1.8B Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a new container facility in St. Bernard Parish that is set to begin construction in 2025 and will solidify Louisiana’s position as a vital hub for global markets.

"Reflecting on my time as President and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of NOPB, I will be departing with immense gratitude for the dedicated team and supportive community who have made Port NOLA a beacon of innovation and efficiency,” said Brandy D. Christian. “Together, we have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities thoughtfully and strategically, propelling our port and region to new heights. As I step down, I am confident in Port NOLA and NOPB’s continued success under new leadership and look forward to witnessing their ongoing contributions to global trade and prosperity."

Port NOLA also announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel, Jr., will assume acting leadership of Port NOLA and NOPB following Christian’s departure. Wendel, who also joined Port NOLA in 2015, brings a wealth of experience to lead the next phase of growth and innovation.

Wendel spearheaded an improvement in Port NOLA’s bond rating while financing more than $260 million in public and private placement bonds to fund the Capital Investment Program, including the $140 million expansion of the Napoleon Avenue container terminal. Wendel has also been a key figure in securing $800 million in commitments from future private LIT terminal operators Ports America and TIL, and he has been a mainstay in commercial negotiations across Port NOLA and NOPB’s lines of business.

NEW ORLEANS -- May 2, 2024 - The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced today that it moved a total of 133,845 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 representing a 19% increase year over year and also a record quarter with container volume not seen since the supply chain issues in 2021. As containerized import volumes continue to steadily climb, due in part to Port NOLA’s investment in four new ship to shore container cranes, throughput efficiency (the number of containers that pass-through Port NOLA in a given timeframe) also continues to be high.

“This record growth is a direct result of our innovative logistic solutions during supply chain disruptions as shippers focus on diversifying their trade lanes,” said Port NOLA President & CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO Brandy D. Christian. “Our strategic alignment with the NOPB makes New Orleans the only U.S. city where deep-draft shipping coincides directly with a rail gateway that serves six major Class 1 railroads.”

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, loaded imports increased by 19%; loaded exports are up by 16% year over year. Port NOLA’s top import commodities include coffee, mainly from South America and Southeast Asia, various chemicals from Mexico and North Europe, as well as wood products such as plywood from Asia and South America. Top export commodities include plastics such as PVC, mainly to Asia, various chemical products to North Europe, and paper to Central America. Additionally, there were 100 vessel calls this quarter, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.

“This upward trend is very encouraging and consistent with higher reliability in our weekly ocean carrier services,” said Port NOLA Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Coates. “It also translates into more steady volumes from month to month than those from previous quarters.”

Last month, Port NOLA announced it set a new record for its container-on-barge service, moving 20,500 containers by barge during calendar year 2023, the highest since the service started in 2016 with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group. The partnership represents the largest container-on-barge network in the U.S. with connectivity to the nation’s heartland. Container-on-barge moves containers by water rather than by truck on roads to reduce air emissions, moving an average of 30,000 TEUs per year between New Orleans, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Memphis, and St. Louis.

Container-on-barge volumes nationwide are expected to grow above 200,000 TEUs by 2050. This necessary, efficient transportation access allows U.S. shippers to compete in global markets and offers expanding trade opportunities to urban and rural communities.

Like the Uptown Napoleon Container Terminal, Port NOLA’s new downriver container terminal, the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), will also be equipped to provide container-on-barge services. LIT builds on past federal investments by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in dredging the Mississippi River to 50 feet and the $14.6 billion Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, in which LIT will be strategically located.

LIT will be built in Violet, Louisiana, 17 miles downriver from the Crescent City Connection bridge, eliminating air draft restrictions that limit the size of vessels that currently call on the Port of New Orleans. The new terminal will serve vessels of all sizes, dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity, foster strategic inland growth, and will allow the container-on-barge service to expand with a dedicated berth space designed for use.

LIT, currently in the design and permitting phase, will also incorporate the latest green technologies. That includes shore power, allowing vessels to plug in at the dock, eliminating the need to run diesel engines. This can cut local vessel emissions by up to 98%. Operators also plan to invest in an electrified equipment fleet, further reducing local emissions impacts.

Earlier this year, Port NOLA announced it had been awarded $300 million in federal funding to assist in building LIT. That is the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. LIT has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states as well as from major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

Louisiana lawmakers have provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT project. The state also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor that will connect the terminal to the interstate system, delivering a road that has been sought for years by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents.

In addition to state and federal funding for LIT, New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have also committed $800 million in private funding toward the project.

Construction is slated to begin next year and the first berth to open in 2028.

Last week, Port NOLA announced that it had been awarded $7,117,567 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant program that is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Port NOLA along with its valued partners will use the federal funding for sustainable transportation and infrastructure to reduce truck congestion and emissions at Port terminals, Ports America Louisiana, and New Orleans Terminal, LLC. Additionally, the funding will provide $200,000 in sub-awards for Port NOLA’s partners at Nunez Community College and the Urban League of Louisiana for workforce development and educational opportunities for future technicians to work on the upcoming technologies.

NEW ORLEANS - May 1, 2024 - Today the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced that it has named Amanda Coates as its Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Coates will lead the port’s business development strategies and real estate operations, further strengthening its position as a market leader. Her appointment reflects Port NOLA’s commitment to not only attracting top talent and fostering a culture of excellence, but also to investing in and growing our workforce into positions of increasing responsibility.

The Port of New Orleans has the largest public footprint of Louisiana’s ports, with 24 berths, 20 million square feet of cargo handling areas, 2 cruise terminals, and 2,500 acres of industrial real estate.

Coates will be responsible for driving Port NOLA’s growth initiatives, forging, and cultivating strategic partnerships, as well as identifying new avenues for revenue generation. Additionally, she will oversee the management of Port NOLA’s real estate portfolio, ensuring optimal utilization of assets and alignment with driving economic prosperity in our three-parish jurisdiction.

“Since 2018, Amanda Coates has brought invaluable maritime knowledge and experience to our global gateway,” said Port NOLA President & CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO, Brandy D. Christian. “She is a strategic and visionary leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and proven track record for success. Her expertise will be vital as we push forward on the largest public economic development project in the state, the Louisiana International Terminal.”

Coates began her tenure with the Port of New Orleans in 2018 as Commercial Manager and was named Head of Business Development in 2023. Under her leadership, the port has marked record growth in container volumes, driven new trade opportunities and provided innovative supply chain solutions to support import, export and breakbulk cargo operations.

Prior to joining Port NOLA in 2018, Coates worked for more than 15 years in various operational and commercial roles for the world’s largest global ocean container carrier, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

“I am thrilled to lead the Port’s commercial strategy and growth initiatives in this new role,” said Coates. As a multi-modal logistics enabler, Port NOLA can deliver a range of marine, rail, barge, truck, and real estate solutions to customers. Furthermore, we are building for the future as well as today’s market needs with the Louisiana International Terminal project. As a proud resident of St. Bernard Parish, I look forward to continuing the port’s commitment to delivering a project that will transform Louisiana and St. Bernard Parish’s economy, bringing opportunity and prosperity for our region for generations to come. The economic benefits of the Louisiana International Terminal to St. Bernard and the State cannot be overstated. It will bring family-supporting jobs and tax revenues that will multiply locally and statewide.”

Coates has long had a passion for economic development and has worked to align and maintain synergies with State, regional and local economic development organizations. She currently serves as a board member for Green Coffee Association and Saint Bernard Chamber of Commerce and held previous board seats on GNO Inc.’s NextGen Council, Memphis World Trade Club.

NEW ORLEANS-April 25, 2024 - The Port of New Orleans announced today that it has been awarded $7,117,567 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant program that is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Continually upgrading our ports is essential to attract new businesses and keep and create jobs,” said Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). “This money improves infrastructure and workforce development. This is how to make the Port of New Orleans even more competitive.”

“This funding for the Port of New Orleans is a significant investment that will drive substantial reductions in truck emissions, benefiting the environment and public health,” said Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA). “It showcases a bold approach to modernizing port facilities, aligning with the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to promote sustainability and innovation in transportation infrastructure. By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions.”

Port NOLA along with its valued partners will use the federal funding for sustainable transportation and infrastructure to reduce truck congestion and emissions at Port terminals, Ports America Louisiana, and New Orleans Terminal, LLC. Additionally, the funding will provide $200,000 in sub-awards for Port NOLA’s partners at Nunez Community College and the Urban League of Louisiana for workforce development and educational opportunities for future technicians to work on the upcoming technologies.

“We would like to thank the Biden Administration and our federal delegation for helping the Port of New Orleans honor its commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, equity, and reducing our environmental footprint,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Brandy D. Christian. “We remain focused on prioritizing the utilization of green technologies and infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and helping underserved communities through workforce development initiatives. This funding helps us continue this transformative journey that is aligned with a broader global movement to slow climate change.”

Seven electric terminal tractors and associated charging infrastructure will be installed at both Port NOLA terminal operators, Ports America Louisiana, and New Orleans Terminal, LLC.

"Ports America Louisiana sincerely appreciates Senator Bill Cassidy’s and Congressman Troy Carter's support and assistance in securing this vital public-private infrastructure investment in modern and sustainable operations, which will improve air quality in and around our terminals. For over 100 years, Ports America Louisiana has been a proud partner with the Port of New Orleans, investing for the future, ensuring efficient trade, and capitalizing on innovative industry trends, all aiming to leverage the economic benefits of the Lower Mississippi River," said Keith Palmisano, Vice President, and General Manager of Ports America Louisiana.

“The Port of New Orleans is a vital gateway to the world’s supply chain, and an economic engine for Louisiana and the nation. We realize the importance of reducing emissions, increasing efficiency, and modernizing our infrastructure for the future,” said Kristopher Calkins, New Orleans Terminal, LLC. CEO. “We thank Port NOLA, and the federal government for their help in prioritizing our collective sustainability initiatives.”

Port NOLA with the help of its workforce development and education partners will also use the federal funding to create pathways for the thousands of jobs the port’s new Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) will create. LIT will transform Louisiana’s and St. Bernard Parish’s economy for generations to come as it’s expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, 18,000 here in Louisiana, and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish, as well as more than $1 Billion in total new state and local tax revenue by 2050.

As part of the federal grant funding, Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish will receive $100,000 to support the Port’s environmental justice and sustainability efforts.

“We look forward to working with Port NOLA and our other partners to establish pathways related to maritime and logistics careers, deliver technical skills instruction to support new port-related technologies, and supporting the fulfillment of apprenticeship opportunities,” said Tina Tinney, Ed.D., Nunez Community College Chancellor.

The Urban League of Louisiana will also receive $100,000 to strengthen awareness and promote maritime, logistics and construction careers, offer apprenticeship programs for career seekers in St. Bernard Parish and other surrounding communities while also increasing access to high-paying jobs in underserved communities.

“The Urban League of Louisiana is grateful to Congressman Carter for continuing to be a champion of our work to strengthen the workforce and prepare marginalized communities to take advantage of careers that provide pathways to generational wealth,” said Judy Reese Morse, President and CEO of Urban League of Louisiana. “We are excited to partner with Port NOLA and believe this collaboration and investment will prove to be significant in the growth of our workforce and region.”

$145,115 of the federal funding with a $30,000 match from BP Pulse will be used for data management and analytics software installation and project management. BP Pulse will be providing its Omega Charge Management Software (Omega CMS) to Port NOLA and the terminal operators to monitor and maximize efficiency of electric vehicles and equipment, as well as the charging stations.

Additionally, Entergy New Orleans will provide In-kind services and employee support for installation of the charging stations and infrastructure associated with this project. Up to $100,000 of the federal funding will be used for utility infrastructure upgrades.

“Entergy New Orleans is proud to support this project, and grateful to Sen. Cassidy and Rep. Carter for helping secure grant approval,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president, and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “As more and more of our customers make the transition to electric fleets, we stand ready to collaborate with them on finding ways to implement the kind of improvements that will lead us to a brighter, greener future.”

NEW ORLEANS, LA – April 9, 2024 - The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced a new 10-year lease arrangement with The Kearney Companies, Inc. (The Kearney Companies), a subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics (PTL). This new lease marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Port NOLA, The Kearney Companies, and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), which provides rail service to its facilities and connection to all six Class 1 Railroads (BNSF, CPKCS, CN, CSX, NS and UP).

The new, 10-year, consolidated lease agreement will allow The Kearney Companies to grow and invest with properties that have been continually leased for the last 20 years. The leased facilities include four rail-served transit sheds located on France Road and a rail-served storage facility at 3900 Jourdan Road, which The Kearney Companies originally leased and refurbished significantly in 2016.

“Our longstanding partnership with The Kearney Companies is a prime example of how Port NOLA delivers seamless, integrated logistics solutions between river, rail and road,” said, Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. “We appreciate the continued commitment of The Kearney Companies and PTL and look forward to strengthening our partnership in future endeavors.”

As a requirement in the new lease, The Kearney Companies has committed to making capital investments through Port NOLA-approved facility upfits and improvements. This financial commitment emphasizes a shared commitment to investing in Port NOLA’s infrastructure to ensure these facilities can service existing customer needs well into the future, while also supporting cargo growth and fostering continued job creation in the region.

“Our longstanding partnership with the Port of New Orleans has been a great success story that we are very proud of as a local company with many ties to the Louisiana port community. The real success of this partnership with Port NOLA, however, is measured in terms of the competitive advantages we enable for each specific shipper’s supply chain and the sustainable jobs that we create in this process of using these terminals to support these customers’ various logistical needs. It feels great when you look back over the last 20 years and you see the growth in new customers that these facilities support. We have continually invested in our service capabilities and logistics capacity to facilitate cargo growth for Port NOLA and the NOPB Railroad. With the consolidated lease, we look forward to continuing to invest in these facilities so we can support our customers well into the future,” said David Kearney, President of The Kearney Companies, Inc.

The Kearney Companies’ operations with NOPB have reached 3,000 carloads per year and are continuing to grow. Additionally, The Kearney Companies handles close to 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units annually and supports approximately 65 full-time jobs across various roles, including office/clerical, trucking, and warehouse workers.

NEW ORLEANS- March 21, 2024 - Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) selected new officers with the election of Walter J. Leger Jr. to serve as Board Chairman, James J. Carter Jr. as Vice Chairman, and Sharonda R. Williams as Secretary-Treasurer for a nine-month term. With the alignment of the Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Port Commissioners and officers also serve on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission.

Leger succeeds Joseph F. Toomy, whose nine-month term as Chairman ended today. Toomy will continue to serve on the Board as a commissioner.

During Toomy’s time as Chairman, Port NOLA has made significant progress on the $1.8 billion state-of-the-art Louisiana International Terminal (LIT). That includes a monumental announcement earlier this year that Port NOLA has been awarded $300 million in landmark INFRA and MEGA grants to assist in building LIT, the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in US DOT history.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for the Port of New Orleans on two occasions, as well as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission,” said Joseph Toomy. “I am proud of the remarkable milestones we have achieved, the partnerships we have strengthened and the challenges we have navigated. As I transition from this role, I have full confidence in the capabilities of our incoming leadership to build upon our successes and move this region and the state of Louisiana onward and forward. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow board members, port staff, stakeholders, and the community for their unwavering support throughout my tenure."

Additionally, Toomy played a pivotal role in leading gatherings with the five Port directors and their Board chairs on the Lower Mississippi to identify more pathways for synchronicity with state leaders to increase international trade. Collectively, the five Lower Mississippi ports comprise one of the busiest port complexes in the world.

“We want to thank Joseph Toomy for his dedicated service as Chairman of our board,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “Joe has brought decades of invaluable experience and exceptional vision that has not only elevated our port's standing within the industry but has also positively impacted the communities we serve.”

Leger joined the Board in July 2020 when he was appointed by then Governor John Bel Edwards. A prominent attorney and respected legal expert, Leger serves as the Senior Partner in the law firm of Leger & Shaw. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and completed his legal education at Tulane University School of Law, where he graduated with a concentration in Maritime Law. Early in his career, Leger worked as an admiralty associate at the Phelps Dunbar law firm, and later formed his own firm dedicated to admiralty and complex litigation, including the Hard Rock Hotel litigation, nationwide opioid litigation, the BP Oil Spill case, and the Castano Tobacco litigation to name a few.

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission,” said Walter Leger Jr. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, port staff and our stakeholders to continue our work of guiding future maritime and infrastructure investments that will transform Louisiana’s economy for generations to come.”

Leger is the past President of the New Orleans Bar Foundation and the New Orleans Bar Association. The Louisiana Bar Journal named him a “Louisiana Legal Legend.” He received the “President’s Award” for leadership and public service from the New Orleans Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Louisiana Association of Justice.

Leger has also tirelessly served the people of his community and Louisiana as a whole. He is a past Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chairman of the MetroVision Regional Economic Development Partnership, and the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development, the Southeast Louisiana Business Council Coalition, the New Orleans/Baton Rouge Super Region Committee, and the Board of Trustees of the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center.

In addition to service as Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the Louisiana Land Trust and Co-Chair of the St. Bernard Citizen's Recovery Committee, he has or currently serves on the Boards of GNO, Inc., the World Trade Center, the Business Council, the New Orleans Bar Association, the New Orleans Bar Foundation, the LSU Health Science Center Foundation, the Delgado Community College Foundation, Nunez Community College Foundation, Tulane Cancer Center, and the LSU Cancer Center. Leger was also recently elected Board Chairman of the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce for the fourth time.

He served as Chairman of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and as a founding Director of GNO, Inc. Leger has been named "Volunteer of the Year" by both the Southern Economic Development Council and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association. The Louisiana State Bar Association has given him its “Citizen Lawyer Award.”

“Walter Leger brings a wealth of maritime and legal expertise to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners,” said Christian. “We look forward to his thoughtful leadership as Port NOLA continues its mission to grow the New Orleans global gateway.”

The Port NOLA and NOPB Commission Boards consist of seven members. They are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The Governor of Louisiana appoints members from a list of three nominations submitted by local civic, labor, education, and maritime groups. The Board reflects the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction, with two members from Jefferson, four from Orleans and one from St. Bernard.

Commissioner Joseph F. Toomy and Commissioner Todd P. Murphy represent Jefferson Parish; Chairman Walter J. Leger Jr., Vice Chairman James J. Carter Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Sharonda R. Williams, and Commissioner Darryl D. Berger represent Orleans Parish; and Commissioner Jeanne E. Ferrer represents St. Bernard Parish.

NEW ORLEANS - March 13, 2024 - The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a long-needed roadway for St. Bernard Parish that will connect the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) to the interstate system, will receive $15 million in federal funding as part of the recently passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Act for 2024.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy requested and received the allocation to move planning, environmental and engineering work for the project forward. The award is one of the ten largest investments in highway infrastructure programs from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2024 and the largest award in Louisiana.

“With this $15 million investment, we’re helping grow Louisiana’s economy and creating good jobs here at home. When completed, the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor will also ease local traffic by connecting Lower St. Bernard to the interstate system,” said U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.).

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) continues to prioritize development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with construction of the Louisiana International Terminal. The corridor project will consist of an elevated roadway connecting the future LIT in Violet with Interstate 510 to create a new major artery in and out of St. Bernard Parish.

“We want to express our sincerest gratitude to U.S. Senator John Kennedy for helping deliver a road that has been sought after by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents for years,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Brandy D. Christian. “We have worked diligently with local, state, and federal partners over the last five years to facilitate development of the St. Bernard Parish Corridor and we are pleased our new state-of-the-art terminal will serve as the catalyst to finally make this vital infrastructure project a reality. There’s no question it will support future growth for the people of St. Bernard Parish.”

In January, the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners awarded a contract to WSP USA, Inc. for consulting services to develop a public-private partnership strategy for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. As part of this work, WSP will analyze potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement.

The State of Louisiana committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor; and in June, the Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering, LLC to study the corridor and other roadway improvements that will support LIT in Violet.

Earlier this year, Port NOLA announced that it has been awarded an additional $226,220,195 in federal grant dollars, to assist in building the Louisiana International Terminal which will create thousands of jobs, drive the economy and position Louisiana as the premier international Gulf gateway.

The U.S. Department of Transportation notified Congress that it intends to award this funding through its Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) competitive Grant Program, which aims to advance the Biden administration’s priorities to rebuild U.S. infrastructure through funding of multimodal freight and highway projects.

In addition to the $226 million INFRA Grant, the U.S. DOT also recently awarded Port NOLA $73.77 million through its MEGA Grant program, totaling $300 million in federal grant dollars to support the first construction phase of the $1.8 billion container terminal. That is the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in US DOT history. LIT has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states as well as major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have also committed $800 million toward the project.

Construction for LIT is slated to begin in 2025 and the first berth to open in 2028.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) marked 20,500 container moves by barge during calendar year 2023, the highest since starting the service in 2016 with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group. The partnership represents the largest container-on-barge network in the U.S. with connectivity to the nation’s heartland.

Container-on-barge moves containers by water rather than by truck on roads to reduce air emissions; moving an average of 30,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per year between New Orleans, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Memphis and St. Louis.

“We are poised to expand this service even further in the coming years,” said Port NOLA President & CEO, Brandy D. Christian. “This is one more example of Port NOLA working alongside our partners to provide innovative solutions for global supply chain disruptions while simultaneously honoring a commitment to sustainability.”

The service reduced more than 1.3 million kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and saved more than 130,000 gallons of diesel fuel in calendar year 2023. Since 2016, the accumulated (CO2) emissions reduction is more than 10.4. million kg.

Port NOLA values its ongoing partnership with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group to offer this vital weekly service that repositions empty containers where they can be used and offers shippers alternative ways to move their goods.

“We are proud to partner with the Port of New Orleans and Ingram Marine Group to continue to offer innovative and sustainable maritime solutions,” said Port of Greater Baton Rouge Executive Director Jay Hardman, P.E. “These record-breaking numbers for our container-on-barge service are a direct result of our collective effort to create a stronger and more resilient supply chain.”

“We are proud to be a part of the thriving maritime economy of the Port of New Orleans, which includes a growing container-on-barge system,” said Ingram Marine Group President and CEO John Roberts. “Our recent creation of Ingram Infrastructure Group, fueled in part by our acquisition of SCF, has greatly increased our presence in the container-on-barge market, as well as our material handling capabilities and ability to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for our customers. As such, we are positioned to build on the incredible success of 2023 in partnership with the Port of New Orleans and Ports America, as well as carriers and shippers, and look forward to continuing our container-on-barge services with them.”

Like the Uptown Napoleon Container Terminal, Port NOLA’s downriver container terminal, the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), will also be equipped to provide container-on-barge services. LIT will allow the container-on-barge to expand with a dedicated berth space designed for this service.

LIT, currently in the design and permitting phase, will also incorporate the latest green technologies. That includes shore power, allowing vessels to plug in at the dock, eliminating the need to run diesel engines. This can cut local vessel emissions by up to 98%. Operators also plan to invest in an electrified equipment fleet, further reducing local emissions impacts.

Earlier this year, Port NOLA announced that it has been awarded an additional $226,220,195 in federal grant dollars to assist in building the Louisiana International Terminal which will create thousands of jobs, drive the economy and position Louisiana as the premier international Gulf gateway.

The U.S. Department of Transportation notified Congress that it intends to award this funding through its Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) competitive Grant Program, which aims to advance the Biden administration’s priorities to rebuild U.S. infrastructure through funding of multimodal freight and highway projects.

In addition to the $226 million INFRA Grant, the U.S. DOT recently awarded Port NOLA $73.77 million through its MEGA Grant program, totaling $300 million in federal grant dollars to support the first construction phase of the $1.8 billion container terminal. The recent federal awards are in addition to significant private industry partner commitments as well as the State of Louisiana, and Port NOLA. LIT has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states as well as major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have also committed $800 million toward the project.

Construction is slated to begin in 2025 and the first berth to open in 2028.

NEW ORLEANS — February 27, 2024 - Today, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) Board of Commissioners awarded a $2,209,635 contract to Cycle Construction Company LLC for construction on the NOPB Transloading Industrial Park off Jourdan Road in New Orleans East. The completed project will provide a site for shippers to move freight more efficiently between rail and truck into America’s heartland.

“The Port of New Orleans and the NOPB continue to provide multimodal infrastructure improvements to move freight more efficiently through our global gateway,” said Port NOLA President & CEO and NOPB CEO, Brandy D. Christian. “These upgrades not only offer customers and railroad partners a competitive edge, but also will help grow the economy and bring jobs to the region. We are grateful to State of Louisiana DOTD for their generous support in granting us the opportunity to enhance our railroad infrastructure.”

The total project cost is $3 million and will be funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Shortline Railroad Priority Program as well as a $1.5 million funding match from NOPB.

“Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development was pleased to select the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad’s project as one of the first projects for the new Shortline Rail Improvement Program,” said Dean Goodell, Freight and Passenger Rail Director for LADOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce. “We look forward to providing additional funding in the future to NOPB through this critical program.”

The property, which is owned by the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), is located on Terminal Road and will serve a new NOPB customer while also facilitating business growth in the area by adding cost-effective shipping options with access to new markets. Once finished, the transload yard will have the capacity to service up to 21 railcars. Infrastructure improvements including three additional rail tracks, rail switching capabilities, drainage and road upgrades will also be made.

“The NOPB Transloading Industrial Park will allow new and current operators to enter or expand in the New Orleans market,” said NOPB General Manager Tomeka Watson Bryant. “This is another example of the NOPB growing its network and continuing to provide safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable rail service.”

Construction on the NOPB Transloading Industrial Park is expected to begin in April 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024.

Port NOLA is the only deepwater port in the United States that is connected to all of the nation’s 6 class I railroads. NOPB is a Class III railroad on the nation’s fourth-largest rail gateway that serves the Port of New Orleans, industries and connects directly with six class I railroads. These railroads comprise a 132,000-plus mile network of track that tie Port NOLA and the supply chain directly to every U.S. market and Canada.

NOPB’s main classification yard, Cotton Warehouse Yard, is located in Uptown New Orleans near the corporate headquarters. Two additional yards, Claiborne and France yards, serve Downtown customers. The NOPB system also includes four storage yards: Pauline, Race St., East Bridge, and South yards.

NEW ORLEANS- The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) finished calendar year 2023 with nearly 1.2 million cruise passenger movements and renewed commitments to the New Orleans cruise market from both oceangoing and river cruise lines.

“The cruise business has rebounded in New Orleans and cruise line partners are confident in our Port NOLA cruise market,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. “This is really encouraging as our cruise business drives tourism and contributes significantly to the hospitality industry. We want to thank all our cruise line and hospitality partners as we work together to make cruising out of New Orleans two vacations in one.”

“New Orleans is one of the most popular pre-and post-cruise destinations in the country, which is a tribute to our excellent partners at the Port of New Orleans as well as the work of our team at New Orleans & Company,” said Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Travel drives our economy, but visitors don’t just show up. In a highly competitive marketplace, travelers have choices, and we have to earn their business through aggressive sales and promotion. We are pleased to work closely with the Port, the cruise lines and travel advisors to ensure that extremely loyal cruise passengers are selecting to sail from New Orleans instead of competitor cities.”

Carnival Cruise Line homeports two year-round vessels from Port NOLA, and in 2024 Carnival celebrates its 30th year of cruising from New Orleans. Norwegian Cruise Line

will also renew for five more years with additional sailings and a new ship, “Norwegian Getaway,” to replace the “Norwegian Breakaway” starting in October 2024.

Disney Cruise Line also returned to the Big Easy with the Disney Magic in January, while Royal Caribbean returns with a new vessel, the “Brilliance of the Seas” in November 2024. Port NOLA is also seeing record growth in river cruises, with nine homeported vessels including America’s first Viking Cruise that began sailing in 2022. That vessel was built in Louisiana.

Port NOLA set a passenger record in March 2023 for oceangoing and river cruises, topping pre-pandemic levels with 155,225 passenger movements and 39 cruise vessel calls at the Port.

The Port’s previous monthly high was set in February 2020 with 154,409 passenger movements and 31 vessel calls just prior to the entire cruise industry coming to a complete halt in March of that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Port NOLA, 90% of cruise guests travel from out-of-state with 73% spending one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise. That generates more than 300,000 hotel room nights in New Orleans and more than $125 million in local spending each year.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced that it has been awarded an additional $226,220,195 in federal grant dollars to assist in building the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), which will create thousands of jobs, drive the economy and position Louisiana as the premier international Gulf gateway.

The U.S. Department of Transportation notified Congress that it intends to award this funding through its Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) competitive Grant Program, which aims to advance the Biden administration’s priorities to rebuild U.S. infrastructure through funding of multimodal freight and highway projects.

In addition to the $226 million INFRA Grant, the U.S. DOT recently awarded Port NOLA $73.77 million through its MEGA Grant program, totaling $300 million in federal grant dollars to support the first construction phase of the $1.8 billion container terminal. The recent federal awards are in addition to significant private industry partner commitments as well as the State of Louisiana, and Port NOLA. LIT has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states as well as major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

“This money to build a new terminal in the Port of New Orleans is good for commerce, good for jobs, and good for coastal communities,” said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). “Because I had a seat at the table for the infrastructure law, Louisiana is punching above its weight in the funding coming to our state.”

“This grant funding is a historic step towards transforming the economic landscape of Louisiana and solidifying our position as the premier international Gulf gateway. This additional investment will leverage Port NOLA's extensive connectivity to interstate systems, railroads, waterways, and hubs. This is yet another example of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law bringing critical investments to our great state, and I am proud to see the legislation I championed yield big results,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

The new state-of-the-art container terminal, which will be located in Violet, Louisiana, will leverage Port NOLA’s connectivity via four critical interstate systems, six Class I railroads, 14,500 miles of inland waterways and 30+ inland hubs to dramatically increase Louisiana’s import and export capacity and create unparalleled opportunity.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this landmark grant award, which underscores decades of site and market analysis and reflects the recognition of our transformational project on a global scale,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy Christian. “Not only is this the biggest economic development grant in Louisiana history, but also the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in USDOT history. We express our deepest appreciation to Louisiana’s federal delegation, state leadership and the Biden Administration for their confidence in our vision and look forward to delivering on this investment.”

The LIT will be built through a historic $800 million dollar public-private partnership between Port NOLA, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators New Jersey-based Ports America and Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL).

Additionally, Louisiana lawmakers have already provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT, which is currently in the federal permitting and design process. The state also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, which has been sought after for years by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents and will connect the terminal to the interstate system.

The LIT is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, 18,000 here in Louisiana and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish, as well as more than $1 billion in total new state and local tax revenue by 2050.

Construction on this multi-year, phased project is anticipated to begin in 2025, with the first ship wharf opening in 2028. Learn more about the LIT project here.

NEW ORLEANS – January 18, 2024 - Today, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Board of Commissioners (The Board) passed two resolutions to expedite the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a long-needed roadway for St. Bernard Parish that will connect the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) to the interstate system and deliver a road that has been sought after by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents for years.

The Board unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to develop the corridor project, which would consist of an elevated roadway connecting the future LIT in Violet with Interstate 510 to create a new major artery in and out of St. Bernard Parish.

Additionally, the Board approved a resolution authorizing Port NOLA’s President and CEO, Brandy Christian, to enter into a contract with global consulting firm WSP USA, Inc. for consulting services to develop a public-private partnership strategy for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. As part of this work, WSP will analyze potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement.

“The Port of New Orleans continues to prioritize development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with construction of the Louisiana International Terminal,” said Port NOLA President & CEO, Brandy Christian. “We are pleased that this new terminal is serving as a catalyst project for a critical roadway that will support future growth in St. Bernard Parish.”

Louisiana lawmakers have already provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT project, which is currently in the federal permitting and design process. The State of Louisiana also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor; and, in June, the Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering, LLC to study the corridor and other roadway improvements that will support LIT in Violet.

“WSP is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Port of New Orleans and its partners on this strategic effort to bring this long-awaited project to fruition. We understand the critical need for this link in the transportation network to serve the public and to spur economic development,” said Max Nasser, Senior Vice President, WSP USA, Inc. “Our experience in successfully delivering critical projects internationally, through all traditional and alternative delivery methods, will serve the Port, industry and partner communities well.”

Last month, Port NOLA was awarded $73.77 million from the federal government, in addition to significant funding commitments from both private industry partners and Port NOLA. This landmark project has also garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states and major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

LIT will be built through a historic public-private partnership between Port NOLA and two private terminal operators. New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have committed $800 million toward the project.

LIT will be able to serve vessels of all sizes, dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity. It is also the biggest public economic development project in the state of Louisiana. By 2050, it is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, 18,000 in Louisiana and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish as well as more than $1 billion in total new state and local tax revenue.

NEW ORLEANS - December 20, 2023 – The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) will receive $73.77 million from the federal government to assist in building the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project, which will provide an efficient gateway for the movement of cargo on the Mississippi River and the inland waterways of the United States.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has alerted Congress that it intends to award this funding through its MEGA Grant Program, which will support the first phase of the overall $1.8 billion project’s construction and is in addition to significant funding commitments from private industry partners and Port NOLA. This priority project for Louisiana garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states and major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America.

“I want to thank the Biden Administration, Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the U.S. Department of Transportation for selecting the Port of New Orleans to receive this award and recognizing its importance and powerful potential,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “The Louisiana International Terminal will become one of the greatest public economic development projects in Louisiana’s history. It is an investment that leverages the economic power of the Mississippi River and will expand opportunities for residents and business across our entire state and beyond. This is a direct result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supported by Sen. Bill Cassidy and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter. It is a testament to the great things that can happen for our state when we work together.”

The new state-of-the-art container terminal in Violet, Louisiana, will eliminate air-draft restrictions that limit the size of vessels that can currently call on the Port of New Orleans. LIT will serve vessels of all sizes, dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity while also fostering strategic inland growth.

“This is a great day for the Port of New Orleans and our state. The funding will not only benefit the Port but also create numerous jobs and boost our communities,” said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. “Because I had a seat at the table for the infrastructure law, Louisiana is punching above its weight in the amount of funding we are receiving. We are building an economy for 2050.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing critical investments in our water systems, roads, bridges, and broadband. Louisiana continues to receive outsized benefits from this historic legislation which I championed,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. “With this grant, the Port of New Orleans will be able to modernize and grow its operations for this century and ensure that it continues to be the economic driver for the entire region.”

“This is exactly the type of investment that Louisiana and America need and builds upon our recent efforts to deepen the Mississippi River – America’s Commerce Superhighway – to handle the largest container vessels in the world,” said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves. “The Louisiana International Terminal takes advantage of a newly deepened Mississippi River and Louisiana’s strong rail, highway, and maritime transportation network to connect our state even more closely to 31 states in the river’s northern watershed and the international market to our south.”

Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian, called the grant award a total team effort for the benefit of Louisiana and the nation.

“On behalf of the entire team at the Port of New Orleans, I would like to thank Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s federal delegation and the Biden Administration for sharing our vision to build a new efficient gateway to serve the entire state of Louisiana and America’s Heartland,” Christian said. “With Louisiana’s unmatched inland connections and with no bridges in its way, the new Louisiana International Terminal will meet market demands for much-needed supply chain solutions and bring prosperity to our region for generations to come. This funding award builds on years of careful market analysis, planning, due diligence, and community outreach to ensure the project adequately addresses the market need and provides community benefits. We also look forward to working with the incoming State legislature and Administration to deliver this critical project.”

The Louisiana International Terminal will be built through a historic public-private partnership between Port NOLA and two private terminal operators. New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have committed $800 million toward the project.

Additionally, Louisiana lawmakers have already provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT project, currently in the federal permitting and design process. The state also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor that will connect the terminal to the interstate system, delivering a road that has been sought for years by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents.

LIT is the biggest public economic development project in the state of Louisiana. It’s expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, 18,000 here in Louisiana and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish, as well as more than $1 billion in total new state and local tax revenue by 2050.

Learn more about the Louisiana International Terminal project here.

NEW ORLEANS – November 3, 2023 - Today, Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) President and CEO, and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) CEO, delivered the 2023 State of the Port address. The event hosted by the International Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO) highlighted successes across the Port’s four lines of business — cargo, rail, industrial real estate and cruise. In the address titled “Delivering Louisiana’s Future,” Christian also touted significant progress in the development of the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) as well as major investments in the Port’s other vital maritime infrastructure.

Christian attributed the Port’s successes to the bold execution of the port’s master plan adopted in 2018, bolstered by tremendous support and collaboration from government and industry partnerships.

Gov. John Bel Edwards was in attendance and Christian thanked him for his leadership and commitment to the port’s economic mission and Louisiana’s maritime industry over the past eight years. She pointed to major progress made with the support of the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature toward securing Louisiana’s position in global commerce: the 50-foot deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel to serve deeper-draft vessels; the doubling of the annual Port Priority Grant Program that has brought massive investments in port and transportation infrastructure across the state; strategic policies to enhance collaboration across Louisiana’s ports, which combined make up the largest port complex in the world; and investment in the Louisiana International Terminal, a second container terminal in St. Bernard Parish.

“With deep draft,100-year federal levee protection, and no bridges in our way, we will be able to serve vessels of all sizes. And with Louisiana’s unmatched connections to America’s heartland by river, rail, and road, we will be positioned to be the premier gateway in the Gulf,” said Christian.

Last December, Gov. Edwards announced the historic public-private partnership between the state, Port NOLA and global industry leaders Ports America and TiL, bringing $800 million in private dollars to the new container terminal project.

Christian said Louisiana lawmakers have already provided nearly $30 million toward early development costs for the LIT project, currently in the federal permitting and design process. The state also committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor that will connect the terminal to the interstate system, delivering a road that has been sought for years by St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents. LIT is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide, 18,000 here in Louisiana, and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish by 2050.

“That makes LIT the biggest public economic development project in the state,” said Christian. “Combined with the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal in Uptown New Orleans, we’ll have a true strategic port complex, unrivaled in the Gulf.”

Construction is on track to begin in 2025, with the first berth opening in 2028. At its planned capacity, LIT will have an annual 2 million TEU, capacity (1.2 million containers).

Since purchasing the property in 2020, the Port has been working with neighbors – in Violet and in Greater St. Bernard – to design a project that provides opportunity and protects quality of life.  With community input, the port has incorporated design elements and other community benefits that are a direct result of this community engagement.

“Over the last year, we released a new terminal design that keeps St. Bernard Highway close to its current location, buffers neighborhoods from the terminal, provides on-site drainage, and accommodates a riverside bike trail,” said Christian. “This is thanks to the input from our two Community Advisory Councils, and from residents across the parish who visited our community office and attended our many open houses.”

Maximizing Existing Assets

In addition to planning for the future, the Port also continues to invest in its existing infrastructure. Guided by the Port’s master plan, Port NOLA has invested more than $300 million in capital projects to improve existing port and rail facilities in the past five years alone. That includes the $140 million investment in the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal that brought four new ship-to-shore gantry cranes and expanding Port NOLA’s annual terminal capacity to 1 million TEUs.

The Port has also issued $120 million in bonds to rehab its breakbulk terminals, bridges, and industrial properties. Additionally, Port NOLA invested in its rail gateway with an $18 million railcar storage project along the Industrial Canal and in Jefferson Parish, adding storage capacity to serve the Port’s local and Class I rail partners and to improve fluidity.

In 2022, Lineage Logistics completed the $42 million expansion, doubling the capacity of the Jourdan Road cold-storge facility in New Orleans East. This expanded facility supports Louisiana’s $1.6 billion poultry industry, with nearly 300 producers spanning 11 parishes.

And a $25 million paving project at the Nashville and Napoleon terminals, currently underway, will ensure Port NOLA can continue to efficiently serve container, breakbulk and project cargo well into the future.

Benefits of Diversification

Christian noted that, central to achieving the Port’s strategic vision is a strong, diversified business model.

“With strategic growth and intentional business administration, we’ve delivered a 70% increase in the organization’s operating revenues since my tenure began,” said Christian.  “And we’ve increased our bond ratings with S&P and Moody’s.”

The Port continues to see benefits of synergy with the alignment of the New Orleans Public Belt railroad, improving the overall efficiency and safety of the Public Belt’s operations.

“We’ve created fluidity and relieved congestion across the entire New Orleans Rail Gateway, keeping dwell times well below industry standards,” said Christian. “Since 2018, we’ve increased the operating income of the Public Belt nearly 300%.”

Port NOLA is now positioned as an alternative gateway of choice offering customers more integrated marine and rail solutions. That includes growing intermodal connections to the Midwest with direct connectivity to major hubs in Memphis and Chicago via the Canadian National Railroad; to Dallas and Kansas City via Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, and the Port also has a growing strategic relationship with the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

In addition, the Port is also harnessing connectivity of the river with barge service between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis and St. Louis, increasing the flow of inland cargo. In partnership with the Port of Baton Rouge, Port NOLA moves an annual average of 30,000 TEUs (about 15,000 containers) by barge and those services are projected to grow, contributing to a greener supply chain.

And as Louisiana’s largest breakbulk port, Port NOLA’s breakbulk operations play a critical role in the global supply chain, while also supporting major economic development projects within other ports across the state.

Port NOLA marked a 47% increase in bagged breakbulk cargo such as concrete, and the port is also handling a growing amount of project cargo including steel and modules used in the development of the $21 billion Venture Global LNG export facility in Plaquemines Parish.

“We are also excited that the Electric Vehicle battery production boom will bring rare earth metals over Port NOLA’s breakbulk and container docks, supporting manufacturing projects in Alexandria and other parts of Louisiana,” said Christian.

On the container side, volumes year-to-date are up 10% compared to last year, and container vessel calls at Port NOLA are up nearly 40% in the same time-period.

“Still, we know that our focus must remain keenly on growing imports into our region to balance our trade ratio and to retain and grow Louisiana businesses,” said Christian. “The attraction of distribution centers and import-based business is critical to our long-term success.”

Through partnerships and with the new container terminal, Christian said the Port is poised to attract new imports, and the jobs and economic investment that come with them. The Port is also working with economic development partners to incentivize imports.

“We’re starting to see the fruits of that labor. We’ve seen new distribution and fulfillment centers for Medline and Amazon, as well as the development of several business parks in the region,” said Christian. “I’m also pleased to share that Agile Cold Storage has announced it will be building a new cold storage facility in the Port NOLA region, driven by our strong export poultry business.”

In-Demand Cruise Port

Additionally, Christian highlighted Port NOLA’s success as an in-demand cruise port. The cruise industry has rebounded stronger than ever from the pandemic with cruise line partners continuing to show confidence in the Louisiana cruise market through New Orleans.

Port NOLA set new records in 2023, including a new monthly passenger record in March. That record topped the previous monthly record set in February 2020 just before the global pandemic. Port NOLA ended Fiscal Year 2023 with 1.2 million cruise passenger movements and is now on track to set a new annual passenger record this calendar year.

Royal Caribbean will return with a new vessel, the Brilliance of the Seas, in November 2024. Port NOLA also inked a deal with Carnival for at least five more years of two year-round vessels. Norwegian Cruise Line returns the Port’s largest homeported vessel the Norwegian Breakaway. And Disney Cruise Line will set sail again in January.

The Port also continues to see growth in river cruises, with nine homeported riverine vessels, including America’s first Viking Cruise that began sailing from Port NOLA last year.

Greening the Supply Chain

“As a Green Marine-certified port, Port NOLA is truly committed to greening the supply chain now and into the future,” said Christian.

She noted that the Port and its partners are making significant investments in sustainability at the Louisiana International Terminal. The new downriver terminal will have the ability to provide shore power, which allows vessels to connect to electricity on dock and to turn off their diesel engines. This can cut emissions by up to 98%. Partners also anticipate using as much electric handling equipment as possible. The Port will also be investing in and expanding its container-on-barge service, which moves containers by water rather than road.

This past summer, the Port also celebrated the replacement of more than 100 drayage trucks through the award-winning Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (Clean TRIP) which funds the replacement of old diesel trucks with cleaner engines for truckers who serve port facilities throughout the port’s three-parish jurisdiction. The program reduces emissions from each truck by 96%, which is equal to taking more than 116,000 cars off the road.

People Focused

“What it all comes down to is people,” said Christian. “Our success is driven by and for the people of our industry and the people of our state.”

The Port set a goal to attract and invest in a high-performing, diverse workforce and progress is being made. In the past five years, 48% of newly hired employees have been people of color; and women and people of color now make up 61% of the Port’s senior leadership staff.

Christian said access to port jobs is an important issue to the Violet community where the new terminal will be located, and the Port is working with workforce partners to connect residents to training and job opportunities.

“Thanks to the ILA, NAACP of St. Bernard, the Urban League of Louisiana, Nunez and Delgado Community Colleges, the City of New Orleans, Riverworks Discovery and others,” said Christian. “We will be working together to ensure that the Louisiana International Terminal provides opportunities to those who need them most.”

She said the Port is also working to connect small and disadvantaged businesses to existing and future opportunities. Through outreach events and in partnership with local chambers, the port has grown its vendor database and spent $20 million last fiscal year with SBE and DBE businesses.

“As I think about the past eight years, and all of the work we have done to grow the gateway, two pillars are constant: diversification and transformation,” said Christian. “Diversity in our lines of business and in our leaders, transforming our organization and our outlook. These are the tenets of our master plan, which will guide us into new territory… Let’s continue to deliver Louisiana’s future together.”

ST. LOUIS, MO/ Sept. 7, 2023 - St. Louis regional ports and the St. Louis Regional Freightway are jointly supporting the Port of New Orleans’ (Port NOLA) efforts to strengthen the flow of inland river cargo with the development of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT). The LIT is a new container terminal project on the Gulf Coast that will benefit not only residents and businesses in south Louisiana, but also advanced manufacturing operations, agribusinesses and farmers, as well as other port operations throughout the Southeast and Midwest regions. Port NOLA's new $1.8 billion state-of-the art container terminal will eliminate air-draft restrictions that limit the size of vessels that can currently call on the Port NOLA, allowing it to serve vessels of all sizes and dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity while fostering strategic inland growth.

The St. Louis region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Port NOLA in 2017 aimed at growing trade with a commitment to building existing and new business relationships between the two region's critical ports of call. The establishment of the MOU led to increased traffic flow of cargo between the middle of America and Port NOLA, which is strongly rooted in container-on-barge service. The container-on-barge service moves an average of 30,000 TEUs per year between New Orleans, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Memphis and now St. Louis.

To further these efforts, the St. Louis Regional Freightway is supporting the Port of New Orleans in their development process to seek federal infrastructure funding for LIT.

The St. Louis region’s ports include America’s Central Port in Granite City, Illinois; Port Authority of St. Louis in the City of St. Louis in Missouri; Kaskaskia Regional Port Authority in southwestern Illinois; and the Jefferson County Port Authority in Missouri, south of St. Louis.

Intermodal river transportation has become an increasingly viable option for shipping containerized freight via traditional barge or new liner vessels. Maximizing one of the nation’s most important and underutilized trade routes and growing the volume of containerized freight moving on the inland waterways are two ways the St. Louis region and Port NOLA are working together and helping to solve global supply chain disruptions.

“The Port of New Orleans is proud to be a global gateway to the middle of the United States and into Canada through the St. Louis corridor of the Mississippi River system,” said Port of New Orleans President & CEO Brandy D. Christian. “Port NOLA’s continued collaboration with the St. Louis Regional Freightway plays an important role in the continued success of our container-on-barge service which expands shipping options to inland markets while honoring our commitment to sustainability.”

Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of America’s Central Port, considers working with the Port of New Orleans on its new container terminal to be imperative. “We need to be moving more containers via the Mississippi River in order to take advantage of barge transportation as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation,” said Wilmsmeyer. “As the Port of New Orleans grows, so, too, does our hope that the container-on-barge service at our Madison Harbor in the St. Louis area can ramp up and achieve its full potential.”

Derrick Good, Chairman of the Jefferson County Port Authority, also sees the potential benefits. “We are excited about the changes coming to freight movement on the Mississippi River and what that means for Midwest businesses and farmers,” said Good.

The St. Louis region is the nexus of six Class I railroads, four interstates located within 500 miles of one third of the U.S. population, and the most strategic location on the inland waterway system – ice-free and lock-free to and from the Gulf of Mexico.

“Leveraging these competitive advantages with Port NOLA’s supply chains is key to strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development and head of its St. Louis Regional Freightway enterprise. “Projects like the Louisiana International Terminal project will further benefit freight volume efficiency for agricultural commodities for regions like St. Louis and other inland ports.”

The St. Louis region has been branded the “Ag (Agriculture) Coast of America” as home to a 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that has the highest level of grain and fertilizer barge handling anywhere along the inland waterway system, efficiently moving those commodities between barge and truck and barge and rail. Fifty percent of the U.S. crops and livestock are produced within a 500-mile radius of the St. Louis region, including approximately 80% of corn and soybean acreage. With the world population expected to grow by 25% and exceed 10 billion over the next 30 years, the Midwest will play a key role in feeding the world, and being able to efficiently move ag products out of America’s heartland will be increasingly important.

The Louisiana International Terminal builds on past federal investments in dredging the Mississippi River to 50 feet and locates the new terminal within the protection of the $14 billion Hurricane and Storm Risk Reduction System, which was constructed in the New Orleans region following Hurricane Katrina. The new terminal will allow the container-on-barge service to expand with a dedicated berth space designed for use. Container-on-barge volumes nationwide are expected to grow above 200,000 TEUs by 2050. This necessary, efficient transportation access allows U.S. shippers to compete in global markets and offers expanding trade opportunities for urban and rural communities.

“Infrastructure investment like the Port of NOLA's container terminal project will help integrate all modes of transportation and maximizes one of the nation's most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable modes of transportation- -the inland waterway system,” Lamie said.

New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have committed $800 million toward the project. In addition to the partners’ investment, the construction of the terminal will be supported by a substantial commitment from Port NOLA, as well as state and federal funding sources. The project is currently in the design and permitting phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ environmental review process. Construction is slated to begin in 2025 and the first berth to open in 2028.

View the updated site plan and learn more about the LIT at LouisianaInternationalTerminal.com.

NEW ORLEANS — August 23, 2023 - The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) celebrated the completion of an expansion project that will further increase throughput in the New Orleans rail gateway. Located along the Industrial Canal in New Orleans, the newly constructed France Road Railyard will improve efficiencies and increase NOPB’s capacity to switch, interchange and store rail cars, now accommodating an additional 220 storage cars.

“Increasing our storage capacity through the New Orleans freight gateway serves the dual benefit of relieving rail congestion and offering customers, railroad partners and the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) a significant competitive edge,” said NOPB General Manager Tomeka Watson Bryant. “As we look to the future, we will continue to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable rail service.”

The France Road Railyard construction is part of the $18.2 million New Orleans Gateway Rail Fluidity and Capacity Improvements Project. Through this project, the NOPB also completed five new tracks and additional storage for 205 cars at the Kingfish Yard in Elmwood in 2020, and is expanding the Claiborne Yard near the St. Claude area, projected to be finished in June 2024.

Since the strategic alignment of the Port and NOPB in 2018, switching revenues have increased over 20%. Along with overall safety and efficiency improvements, the NOPB’s operating income has increased nearly 300%. Additionally, recent similar capital storage projects have already increased storage revenues by over $3 million annually.

“Improving Louisiana’s railroad infrastructure helps build Louisiana’s economy for 2050,” said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, (R-La). “The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad expansion project helps get Louisiana’s economy where it needs to be and in turn strengthens our businesses and communities.”

“Louisiana is fortunate to be a hub for global commerce. We can move goods by the Mississippi River, rail, and road – and our ports are at the epicenter of these logistics and our regional economy. The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad is a major artery for the Port of New Orleans, and this completed project and resulting additional capacity will pay dividends for the entire port ecosystem,” said U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, (R-La).

“The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad is a key connector to six class I railroads. I was proud to help craft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that dramatically increased funding for the CRISI Program and assisted the NOPB in bringing these resources home. Enlarging their rail yard will mean more jobs for the region. Wins from grant programs like CRISI demonstrate my commitment to ensuring that the region receives all possible resources to grow and thrive,” said U.S. Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La).

"The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proud to support the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and this railyard expansion project, which will help get goods where they need to be quickly and safely. These federal investments will increase capacity while reducing emissions, benefiting local economies and communities," said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and President Biden's Investing in America agenda, FRA will announce even more projects and funding opportunities this year, positioning rail as a central player in our transportation and economic future."

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $7.29 million to NOPB in 2020 as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant to help fund the additional railyard space as well as the deployment of automated switching technology. The improvements have already led to decreased emissions, reduced locomotive engine idle and improvements in safety by upgrading from manual to solar powered switches along strategic points in the network.

“This investment in increased track capacity for the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad at France Yard ensures customers can deliver materials efficiently by rail for trans-loading to export markets for years to come. This added capacity will also help support high volume, local customers that require safety stock to ensure 24/7 delivery without interruption," said David Kearney, President of The Kearney Companies, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics, LLC). “As a longtime tenant of the Port of New Orleans and a partner with NOPB, we are encouraged by this expansion, and in turn, The Kearney Companies is simultaneously investing in our own capacity at the France Road Terminal to support the growth and product movement through the Port NOLA Gateway.”

NOPB is a Class III railroad on the nation’s fourth-largest rail gateway that serves the Port of New Orleans, industries and connects directly with six class I railroads. These railroads comprise a 132,000-plus mile network of track that tie Port NOLA and the supply chain directly to every U.S. market and Canada.

NOPB’s main classification yard, Cotton Warehouse Yard, is located in Uptown New Orleans near the corporate headquarters. Two additional yards, Claiborne and France yards, serve Downtown customers. The NOPB system also includes four storage yards: Pauline, Race St., East Bridge, and South yards.

NEW ORLEANS— July 25, 2023 -- Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed Todd P. Murphy to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) this month to succeed Commissioner Jack C. Jensen. Murphy was sworn in during today’s monthly Board meeting and will serve a five-year term.

“I want to thank Commissioner Jensen for his dedicated service to the Board of Commissioners,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “Under Jack’s tenure, Port NOLA made great strides, optimizing our existing maritime assets with $200 million in vital infrastructure investment, and gaining momentum with the Louisiana International Terminal to ensure Louisiana’s future competitiveness in global commerce.”

Murphy will replace Jensen as a representative of Jefferson Parish on the seven-member regional board. With the Port’s alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad in 2018, Port Commissioners also serve on the NOPB Commission, making Murphy NOPB’s newest commissioner with this appointment.

“The Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt are pleased to welcome Todd Murphy to the Board of Commissioners,” said Christian. “We are a proud economic partner with Jefferson Parish, which serves as headquarters to our top shipping and logistics partners and home to hundreds of businesses that rely on Port activity. We look forward to Commissioner Murphy’s contributions as Port NOLA works to continue to bring business and opportunity to our entire jurisdiction of Jefferson Parish, Orleans and St. Bernard.”

Murphy is a respected economic development leader and a veteran of the financial sector. A native of Metairie, Louisiana, he currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of M Wealth Advisors - Raymond James. Most recently, he spent nearly a decade as President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Ex-Officio Administrator of the organization’s Charitable Foundation and Political Action Committee. As the primary spokesperson for the pro-business organization, he drove advocacy, membership development, and marketing. Under his leadership, the chamber was awarded a Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was honored three times in the past decade as the most outstanding Chamber in the State of Louisiana by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce was also awarded the distinguished Economic Development Partner of the Year by Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).

Murphy was recognized twice as an Economic Development Champion by Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and was previously named a role model by the Young Leadership Council. He is a former president of the Louisiana State Chamber Association and served on the Board of Directors of the regional economic development organization, GNO Inc, as well as the board of LABI.

In his 15 years as a banking executive with both a community bank and regional financial institutions, Murphy successfully oversaw multiple areas, including marketing, business development, institutional funds, media, community and government relations. He was responsible for all revenue and sales for one of the leading community banks in the state, Omni Bank, which was acquired by Iberia Bank

Murphy received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. He is an alumnus of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI), the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, and is a Fellow of the Loyola University Institute of Politics. He has served on numerous charitable, civic and business organizations. Murphy is married to the former Keri Robin and together they have two daughters, Kaci and Kelli, both of whom are married and are also blessed with three grandsons.

“I look forward to serving on this esteemed board to continue Port NOLA’s momentum as a competitive global gateway and an economic engine for Jefferson Parish, the region and the state of Louisiana,” said Murphy.

The Port NOLA and NOPB Commission Boards consist of seven members. They are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The Governor of Louisiana appoints members from a list of three nominations submitted by local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The Board reflects the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction, with two members from Jefferson, four from Orleans and one from St. Bernard.

Chairman Joseph F. Toomy and Commissioner Murphy represent Jefferson Parish; Vice Chairman Walter J. Leger Jr., Secretary-Treasurer James J. Carter Jr., Commissioner Sharonda R. Williams and Commissioner Darryl D. Berger represent Orleans Parish; and Commissioner Jeanne E. Ferrer represents St. Bernard Parish.

NEW ORLEANS- July 17, 2023 -- The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) marked the replacement of the 100th truck through the Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (Clean TRIP) over the 4th of July weekend, and 101st last week.

Since Port NOLA launched the Clean TRIP program in 2016, 101 short-haul drayage trucks have been replaced with cleaner burning engines, reducing fine particulate emissions from each truck by 96 percent, which is equal to taking more than 116,000 cars off the road.

The program offers a 50% ($35,000 maximum) cost incentive for the voluntary replacement of drayage trucks that service cargo terminals and warehouses within the entirety of Port NOLA’s three-parish jurisdiction (Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard).

Clean TRIP is made possible with funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Port NOLA has received five competitive grants to date providing truck replacement rebates supporting our local Port trucking industry, helping reduce local air emissions, and increasing reliability and efficiency of on-road movement of freight.

“The ongoing success of the award-winning Clean TRIP initiative highlights the Port of New Orleans’ deep commitment to greening the supply chain,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission (NOPB). “As the shipping industry in general prioritizes sustainability, Port NOLA and our private partners are staying ahead of the curve by investing in greater sustainability at the second container terminal project in St. Bernard Parish, the Louisiana International Terminal.”

The Louisiana International Terminal in Violet, which is in the design and permitting phase, will incorporate the latest green technologies. That includes shore power, allowing vessels to plug in at the dock, eliminating the need to run diesel engines. This can cut local vessel emissions by up to 98%. Operators also plan to invest in an electrified equipment fleet, further reducing local emissions impacts.

Like the Uptown facilities, the Louisiana International Terminal will also be equipped to provide container-on-barge services, which move containers by water rather than road to reduce air emissions. Port NOLA’s current container-on-barge service has reduced more than 11,000 short tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and saved 1 million gallons of diesel fuel. The container-on-barge service moves an average of 30,000 TEUs per year between New Orleans, Port Allen, Memphis and now St. Louis.

Port NOLA has been Green Marine Green Port Certified since 2015 and now four major port tenants are also Green Marine certified. Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the North American maritime industry.

Port NOLA’s subsidiary, the New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) railroad is also focused on greening rail operations. NOPB has 10 EPA-classified Tier 1 locomotives in their fleet, which replaced older, dirtier locomotives in 2020. NOPB has also deployed 45 solar powered switches across its network.

The Port of New Orleans will continue to accept applications for truck replacements, while funding is available. Eligible applicants must fully own a drayage truck with three years of remaining life that currently operates and consistently services facilities within the Port of New Orleans jurisdiction. More information about Clean TRIP eligibility can be found at http://cleantrip-portno.com/eligibility.

NEW ORLEANS — June 22, 2023 - Today the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) selected new officers with the election of Joseph F. Toomy to serve as Board Chairman, Walter J. Leger Jr. as Vice Chairman, and James J. Carter Jr. as Secretary-Treasurer for the nine-month term. With the alignment of the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Port Commissioners and officers also serve on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission.

Toomy succeeds Jack C. Jensen Jr., whose nine-month term as Chairman and five-year term as commissioner ended this month. Jensen will continue to serve on the Board as a commissioner until his replacement is appointed.

“We thank Jack Jensen for his strong leadership and dedicated service as Chairman of our Board,” said Christian. “Under his leadership, the Port of New Orleans finished a $140 million expansion of the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal with the addition of four new 100-foot gauge cranes, and made significant progress on the Port’s second container terminal project—the new $1.8 billion state-of-the art Louisiana International Terminal.”

During his time as Chairman, a historic public-private partnership between the State of Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans, and two global maritime industry leaders was reached. New Jersey-based Ports America, North America’s largest marine terminal operator, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) committed $800 million to the Louisiana International Terminal project.

Jensen also played a pivotal role in guiding future maritime and infrastructure investments in St. Bernard Parish. That includes securing Capital Outlay funding for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.

Toomy joined the Board in August 2019 when he was appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards. He previously served a first term on the Board of Commissioners from 2009 to 2014 and first served as Board Chairman in 2013.

“Joseph Toomy has brought decades of invaluable experience and knowledge to this board,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission (NOPB). “We look forward to his contributions as Chairman as we continue our work on vital infrastructure projects critical to the future growth of the New Orleans global gateway.”

A veteran lawmaker, Toomy represented District 85 in the Louisiana State Legislature from 1984 until 2008. During his legislative tenure, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee from 1992 until 2008 and Vice Chairman of Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee from 1990 to 1992.

An insurance broker from 2000 until 2016, Toomy served in several administrative capacities with Delgado Community College beginning in 1981 including serving as Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs from 1992 until 2000. He was a member of the Algiers Development District Board from 2014 to 2018 and served as the Chairman of the Gretna Redevelopment Committee from 2017 to 2018.

A long-time resident of Gretna, Toomy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Tulane University in 1971 and a Master of Business Administration from Tulane in 1973. He began his political career as a Delegate to the 1973 Louisiana Constitutional Convention, before being elected to the Jefferson Parish School Board in 1974 – serving as President in 1977.

“I look forward to the opportunity to once again serve as Board Chairman for the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad,” said Toomy. “We will continue the important work of creating more jobs and opportunity for our citizens and making sure Louisiana remains competitive in international commerce.”

Toomy is extensively involved in community and civic activities, having served as the president of the Friends of the Louisiana State Fire Museum and the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company, of which he is a lifetime member, as well as the Jefferson Historical Society. He is also a member of the PACE Greater New Orleans Finance Committee, the Gretna Historical Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Gretna Italian Irish Parade Committee.

The Port NOLA and NOPB Commission Boards consist of seven members. They are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The Governor of Louisiana appoints members from a list of three nominations submitted by local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The Board reflects the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction, with two members from Jefferson, four from Orleans and one from St. Bernard.

Chairman Joseph F. Toomy and Commissioner Jack C. Jensen Jr. represent Jefferson Parish; Vice Chairman Walter J. Leger Jr., Secretary-Treasurer James J. Carter Jr., Commissioner Sharonda R. Williams and Commissioner Darryl D. Berger represent Orleans Parish; and Commissioner Jeanne E. Ferrer represents St. Bernard Parish.

NEW ORLEANS - June 6, 2023 - Today the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) welcomed maritime industry veteran Matthew Wypyski to the executive team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Wypyski’s leadership experience includes 32 years as a senior operating and general management executive leading port authority staff, marine terminal and stevedore operating companies, as well as liner operations.

“Matthew Wypyski brings invaluable maritime knowledge and experience to the Port of New Orleans global gateway,” said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. “His strong terminal operation background will be an asset to current operations and to the development of the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal.”

Most recently, Wypyski served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Mississippi State Port Authority in Gulfport. During his 13 years there, he assisted in managing the port’s $600 million HUD-funded expansion and improvement project, negotiated lease agreements, and managed a proposed dredging project for the Federal Navigation Channel and turning basin. Before his tenure in Gulfport, Wypyski was Executive Vice President of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s New Orleans and Houston marine terminal operations.

He serves on the American Association of Port Authorities Economic Development, Government Relations and Cruise Committee and is a United States Coast Guard: Area Maritime Security and Port Readiness Board Member. Wypyski is a Certified Maritime Port Executive through the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives.

He received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science Business Management/Marine Transportation/Nautical Science from New York State Merchant Marine Academy.

“I am thrilled to join the Port of New Orleans team during this historic time in international commerce and the global supply chain,” said Wypyski. “I look forward to contributing to Port NOLA’s future growth and ensuring the successful development of the second container terminal — vital infrastructure that will solidify Louisiana’s position as the premiere international Gulf gateway.”

Wypyski succeeds Mike Stolzman who made significant contributions to the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt during his tenure first as NOPB General Manager and then as Port NOLA Chief Operating Officer.

Stolzman was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in May 2022 as part of a port-wide reorganization that optimized synergies between the NOPB and Port NOLA, providing seamless multi-modal solutions to shippers, and further integrating the New Orleans gateway.

Stolzman, a highly respected railroad executive with extensive short line and Class I rail experience, was recruited in 2019 to lead the overhaul of NOPB after the Port assumed ownership of the short line railroad from the City of New Orleans. His accomplishments as General Manager of NOPB included the lowest dwell times in the history of the railroad, increased rail storage capacity and usage, increased efficiencies and profitability, and investment in environmental sustainability with the replacement of the railroad’s aging fleet of locomotives.

As COO, Wypyski will continue the momentum to optimize business development opportunities, serve tenants and effectively address operational needs in both organizations and the development of new facilities.

NEW ORLEANS— April 27, 2023 - Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed Jeanne E. Ferrer and Darryl D. Berger to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) this month to succeed outgoing commissioners Charles H. Ponstein and William H. Langenstein, III respectively.

“I want to thank Commissioners Langenstein and Ponstein for their service,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “Under their leadership, Port NOLA and NOPB accomplished tremendous growth, weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and also looked to the future to ensure that Louisiana remains competitive in international commerce.”

During their tenure, accomplishments included: the expansion of the $140 million expansion of the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal with the addition of 4 new 100-foot gauge cranes; a $42 million dollar expansion of Lineage Logistics to support the state’s $1.6 billion poultry export business; and, significant progress on the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal.

As incoming commissioners, Ferrer will serve as the St. Bernard Parish representative and Berger will serve as a representative of Orleans Parish on the seven-member regional board. Both Ferrer and Berger were sworn in during today’s monthly Board meeting and will serve a five-year term. With the Port’s alignment with the NOPB in 2018, Port Commissioners also serve on the NOPB Commission, making Ferrer and Berger NOPB’s newest commissioners with this appointment.

“The Port of New Orleans is pleased to welcome Capt. Jeanne Ferrer and Darryl Berger to the Board of Commissioners,” said Christian. “Jeanne Ferrer is an accomplished river pilot who brings invaluable experience and knowledge of our greatest natural resource, the Mississippi River. We’re also thrilled to have Darryl Berger back on the Port NOLA and NOPB boards. He brings a wealth of experience in real estate development, finance and entrepreneurial endeavors, not to mention his invaluable contributions to the Port NOLA gateway during his previous term as commissioner.”

Capt. Ferrer is a lifelong native of St. Bernard Parish. She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2006 as a Logistics and Intermodal Transportation major. She holds a United States Naval Reserve Officer Commission as well as a USCG Master unlimited license and a First Class Pilot License of unlimited tonnage on the Lower Mississippi River. After a decade of sea time aboard deep-sea cargo vessels and offshore supply vessels, Ferrer departed her Master position to serve as a Louisiana State Commissioned Crescent River Port Pilot. In addition to her pilot commission, she also served as a Commissioner for the St. Bernard Port Terminal and Harbor District overseeing the Port’s operations and economic development.

As a member of the Lower Mississippi River Navigation Technical Committee, Ferrer collaborates with numerous local and federal agencies to grow the Lower Mississippi River’s navigation resources. She recently worked to expand the Lower Mississippi River anchorages to further streamline the supply chain during the river’s 50-foot deepening project.

Ferrer gives back to the industry as a mentor for Open Waters Louisiana and Women Offshore. She takes pride in developing the maritime industry’s next generation.

“I’m honored to join the esteemed Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and New Orleans Public Belt,” said Ferrer. “It will allow me to continue to focus on a top priority — galvanizing one of the nation’s greatest assets, the Mississippi River, as an integral and crucial part of the maritime logistics process.”

Berger, who will be serving the Board of Commissioners for the second time, first joined the Port NOLA and NOPB Boards in February 2017 when he was appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards. He served as Chair of the Board in 2022. He graduated from Newman School in 1965, received his B.A., Cum Laude, from Vanderbilt University in 1969, and his JD from Tulane Law School in 1972.

He is a respected leader within the Greater New Orleans business community and the hospitality industry. Berger is President of The Berger Company, Inc., which he founded in 1972. He has been at the forefront of real estate transactions of all types for nearly five decades and has been particularly active as a leading developer in the New Orleans Downtown and Riverfront. He has contributed significantly to the New Orleans’ economy, to the advancement of its institutions, and the built environment and historic preservation of the city.

A respected civic leader, Berger is a long-time member, and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Tulane University. In 2015, he was inducted into the Tulane Law School Hall of Fame. In 2019, he received the Dermott McGlinchy Lifetime Service Award, the highest alumni award bestowed by Tulane.

He served for nine years as Chair of the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp. and is an emeritus member and former Vice Chairman of the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University. He was also a long-term member of the Board and former Chair of Isidore Newman School. Berger also served as a member of the board of directors and executive committee of New Orleans and Company (formerly the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau). He has served as the inaugural Chair and founding member of the French Quarter Festival, a founding member and first Chair of the French Quarter Management District, and founding member and first Chair of the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation. Berger was also a founding member and past Chair of the board of the University Medical Center.

He and his wife, Louellen, are both native New Orleanians and lifelong residents. They have four children and 11 grandchildren.

“I look forward to continuing to provide strategic leadership on a number of transformative initiatives critical to the future growth for the New Orleans gateway,” said Berger. “That includes the successful development of the new $1.8 billion downriver Louisiana International Terminal — a vital infrastructure project essential to our state’s competitiveness in international commerce.”

The Board consists of seven commissioners. They are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The Governor of Louisiana appoints members from a list of three nominations submitted by multiple local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The Board reflects the three-parish jurisdiction, with four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish and one from St. Bernard Parish. Ferrer represents St. Bernard Parish; Chairman Jack C. Jensen, Jr. and Vice-Chairman Joseph F. Toomy represent Jefferson Parish; Secretary-Treasurer Walter J. Leger, Jr., Darryl D. Berger, James J. Carter Jr., and Sharonda R. Williams represent Orleans Parish.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) set a passenger record in March 2023 for oceangoing and river cruises, topping pre-pandemic levels with 155,225 passenger movements and 39 cruise vessel calls at the Port for the month.

The Port’s previous monthly high was set in February 2020 with 154,409 passenger movements and 31 vessel calls just prior to the entire cruise industry coming to a complete halt in March of that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, Port NOLA had been on track to meet a record 1.4 million passenger movements in 2020. Now, the Port is on pace to welcome a record number of annual passengers in Fiscal Year 2023.

“These record numbers highlight how demand for cruising from New Orleans never went away, as people from all over the world returned to our vibrant city to launch their cruise vacations as soon as they were able,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. “As a result, our cruise line partners continue to commit to the New Orleans market, and that’s good news for Louisiana tourism and hospitality.”

At Port NOLA, 90% of cruise guests travel from out-of-state with 73% spending one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise. That generates more than 300,000 hotel room nights in New Orleans and more than $125 million in local spending each year.

Carnival Cruise Line was the first to resume oceangoing cruises in New Orleans after the pandemic in September 2021. In 2022, Carnival celebrated their 50thanniversary year with an average 110% occupancy on their sailings out of New Orleans. Norwegian Cruise Lines continued their commitment to New Orleans by returning Port NOLA’s largest homeported vessel, the Norwegian Breakaway. Royal Caribbean returned for the 2022-2023 season in November, and Disney doubled their cruises from Port NOLA in 2023 with 12 sailings.

River cruises resumed successfully from the Port in March 2021 and are now at record levels with 9 river cruise vessels cruising from New Orleans. Port NOLA was thrilled to welcome Viking Cruise Line’s first homeported cruise in North America to New Orleans last year. The vessel was built in Louisiana.

Please click the link below to access all of the Port's press releases.

NEW ORLEANS, La. - December, 12, 2022 - Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a historic public-private partnership between the state of Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans and two global maritime industry leaders to build a $1.8 billion state-of-the-art container facility on the Lower Mississippi River. The new Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) in St. Bernard Parish will be able to serve vessels of all sizes, dramatically increasing Louisiana’s import and export capacity and stimulating the creation of more than 17,000 new jobs statewide by 2050, Port NOLA estimates.

New Jersey-based Ports America, one of North America’s largest marine terminal operators, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have committed $800 million toward the project. In addition to the partners’ investment, the construction of the terminal will be supported by a substantial commitment from Port NOLA, as well as state and federal funding sources. The joint venture will also operate the terminal once construction is complete.

“This public-private partnership with the Port of New Orleans, TiL and Ports America has the potential to become one of the most impactful economic development projects in our state’s history,” Gov. Edwards said. “It leverages the economic power of our greatest natural resource – the Mississippi River – and enhances Louisiana’s ability to attract new investment from companies competing in the global marketplace. Access to global markets represents expanding opportunities for both urban and rural communities. The powerful impact of this world-class logistics asset will benefit not only residents and businesses in south Louisiana, it will benefit advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and energy workers all across the state.”

The project is currently in the design and permitting phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ environmental review process. Barring unforeseen delays, construction is slated to begin in 2025 and the first berth to open in 2028.

“Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited are global industry leaders and we value their partnership in the Louisiana International Terminal,” Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian said. “This investment, in addition to the billions of dollars the joint venture will contribute over the life of the lease, demonstrates their confidence in our gateway’s ability to serve vessels of all sizes, while creating jobs and opportunity for Louisiana.”

At full build-out, LIT will be able to handle 2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, taking advantage of the deeper 50-foot Lower Mississippi River Ship Channel and avoiding height restrictions from Mississippi River bridges further up the river. This new terminal will also strengthen Louisiana’s ability to attract distribution centers, logistics services and value-added services through Port NOLA’s multimodal connectivity.

“Ports America is looking forward to partnering with the Port of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana in the development of sustainable infrastructure that meets the long-term needs of the global container logistics industry on the Mississippi River,” said Matthew Leech, President and CEO of Ports America. “With over 100 years of operations in New Orleans, Ports America is excited to be part of the future for the next century.”

“We are very excited to announce this partnership that will strengthen Port NOLA’s competitiveness, making it a key facility in the Gulf of Mexico capable of handling ultra-large container vessels,” said TiL Terminal Investment Director for North America Tom Van Eynde. “Today, the container trade in Port NOLA mainly consists of export cargo, making it an exception among U.S. ports, which are usually import-heavy. LIT will attract new container trades, providing access for local industry to cost-competitive shipping options. The development of this facility cements TiL’s commitment to further strengthen American infrastructure , making Port NOLA accessible for larger vessels and increasing its throughput capacity in a sustainable way that will bring measurable benefits to the community.”

Following an extensive site selection process and feasibility studies, Port NOLA purchased 1,200 acres of land in Violet in 2020, sufficient to accommodate the terminal, value-added services and warehousing facilities, and provide a natural buffer for the nearby community. The latest design incorporates community feedback gathered over the last two years regarding traffic, drainage and other impacts on nearby homes and businesses.

"This partnership is pivotal for the future growth in trading Louisiana agricultural commodities in the global marketplace," said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. "While bulk grains, grain products, and edible oils are exported through the port, the dominant product is poultry. Poultry is one of the largest agricultural enterprises in Louisiana, contributing over $1 billion to the state's economy. This project will only further the success of Louisiana agriculture exporters and the many products they have to offer the global market. We welcome this momentous new partnership and the economic impact it will have across Louisiana."

“The legislature is proud of its investment in the Louisiana International Terminal which will enhance our state’s longstanding position as a leader in international trade and will increase economic activity and development for the region and state,” said Senate President Page Cortez. “Investments such as these help enhance and attract public private partnerships that deliver economic vitality. The combined investments by the state legislature and federal delegation create a strong foundation that will provide opportunities for generations.”

“This is a great example of private investors bringing high dollar commitments to the State of Louisiana because it’s clear we can offer an unmatched advantage. The location of the Louisiana International Terminal offers deeper draft and federal hurricane protection thanks to state and federal investments to make Louisiana’s waterway infrastructure more resilient,” said Louisiana Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder. “Those state and federal investments continue to pay off as we attract and further grow international trade and create jobs in every corner of the state.”

“The Louisiana International Terminal will enhance our state’s longstanding position as a leader in international trade. One of the keys to success for this project is the construction of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, which will connect Lower St. Bernard to the interstate system to serve both the terminal and the public,” said Louisiana Senator Sharon Hewitt. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the legislature and the governor to secure a $50 million funding commitment from the state for this critical infrastructure. And I will continue to work with the Port of New Orleans, our federal delegation, and our local leaders to ensure that the infrastructure needed to support the Louisiana International Terminal is delivered timely. I commend the Port of New Orleans for its vision and tenacity in pursuing this project, and I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to ensure the project is built to support and serve the entire state.”

View the updated site plan and learn more about LIT at LouisianaInternationalTerminal.com.