NEW ORLEANS — The state of Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, and two major maritime firms on Monday announced plans for the Louisiana International Terminal, a $1.8 billion container facility to be built in Violet, La., on the lower Mississippi River.
The project announced by Gov. John Bel Edwards is expected to handle 180,00 to 280,000 containers in its first year, and at full buildout, will be able to handle 1.2 million containers, or 2 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units). It will take advantage of the 50-foot depth of the Lower Mississippi River Ship Channel and avoiding bridge height restrictions further upriver. It will offer connections to six Class I railroads and access to four interstate highways.
“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,” Edwards said in a press release.
New Jersey-based marine terminal operator Port America, and Swiss-bsased Mediterranean Shipping Co, through its subsidiary Terminal Investment Limited, have committed $800 million toward the project.
“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,” said Tom Van Eynde, Terminal Investment Limited investment director for North America. He said the new facility “ 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.”
The project is in the design and permitting phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental review process, with construction slated to begin in 2025 and operations to start in 2028.
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