Plans are in place to build a one-point-eight billion dollar state-of-the-art container facility on the Mississippi River in St. Bernard Parish that would create more than 17,000 new jobs by 2050. Port NOLA President Brandy Christian says New Jersey-based Ports America and Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company are the private investors.
“They have pledged 800-million dollars along with the port and the state’s contribution to move this project forward and make it a reality,” said Christian.
The governor’s office says the construction of the terminal will be supported by a substantial commitment from Port NOLA, as well as state and federal funding sources.
Christian says the facility will be capable of handling ultra-large container vessels which will help Louisiana attract new investment from companies competing globally.
“To be competitive in the maritime industry or even in retail and manufacturing to attract those companies to Louisiana, they need to be able to move things by container,” said Christian.
Governor John Bel Edwards says this world-class logists assest will benefit manufacturing, agribusiness and energy workers.
Christian says the new Louisiana International Terminal will be able to serve vessels of all sizes.
“With this investment, we really have the opportunity to attract more cargo and more companies that are relying on moving things basically through container shipping,” said Christian.
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 would begin in 2025 and the first berth would open in 2028.
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