Media Contact

Kimberly Curth

Press Secretary

Cell: 504.388.4898

kimberly.curth@portnola.com

Media Kit

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The proposed Louisiana International Terminal will act as our state’s gateway to modern global markets. Located in Violet, the terminal will avoid height limits that bridges in New Orleans currently set for

ships. By serving vessels of all sizes, the facility will strengthen the local St. Bernard

Parish economy and increase Louisiana’s ability to import and export goods. The terminal will also attract distribution centers, logistics companies, and value-added services, creating jobs throughout the region.

The Need for a New Terminal

As the container industry continues to grow, the vessels carrying those containers have also increased in size. Louisiana needs a new container terminal downriver of the Crescent City Connection Bridge—a need that has been evident for decades— to serve the larger vessels coming into the market and to stay competitive in the Gulf.


If Louisiana cannot welcome the next generation of ships, international shipping services will quickly bypass our state. They will take their business to competing ports like Mobile and Houston—taking with them jobs and tax revenue we enjoy today.  


The importance of the Louisiana International Terminal project cannot be overstated. Now is the time to invest in this vital infrastructure. The stakes are too high not to.  

Without the Terminal

Statewide Economic Impact by 2033


9,552

existing jobs lost


$205M

in existing state taxes lost



$10.3B

in existing industry sales lost


To read the Without LIT Economic Loss Summary, click here.

Economic Impact with the Terminal

Statewide

By 2050


18,500+

new direct and indirect jobs


$1 BILLION+

in total new state tax revenue


$97.3 BILLION

gained in industry sales


St. Bernard Parish

By 2050


4,300

new direct and indirect jobs


$760 MILLION

in total new parish tax revenue


The Parish can use these tax dollars to invest in:


  • Road repairs
  • New infrastructure
  • Drainage
  • Public safety
  • Public schools
  • Parks and recreation

Statewide

By 2033


8,700+

new direct and indirect jobs


$24.7 MILLION

in new annual state tax revenue

St. Bernard Parish

By 2033


2,000+

new direct and indirect jobs


$27 MILLION

in new annual parish tax revenue

To read the Economic Impact Study, click here.

State and Partner Financial Commitments

The development of this container terminal project is a priority for the State of Louisiana, evidenced by vocal support from the highest levels of state government and financial commitments from our partners and the state.

$800 MILLION

committed to the project by terminal operators TiL and Ports America

$13.5 MILLION

allocated by Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature for the Louisiana International Terminal om Aug. 2023

Environmental Considerations

The Louisiana International Terminal project is about midway through the public permitting process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this process involves a detailed impact study to understand the project's potential impacts to both natural and human environments. Port NOLA hired an outside consultant to conduct the environmental studies.


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will use the study findings to determine if the permits for construction should be issued. Construction cannot begin without those permits. Port NOLA will also be responsible for mitigation efforts as defined by the Army Corps of Engineers.

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Sustainability as a Priority

Environmental sustainability is a priority for Port NOLA. To minimize ship emissions, the Louisiana International Terminal includes investments in shore power for ships that have the capability.


Shore power allows marine vessels to plug into greener electric power at the dock, eliminating the need to run diesel engines while at berth. Shore power is capable of reducing emissions from ships at berth by up to 98%. 


On the terminal itself, electric equipment and vehicles will minimize emissions from operations.


Port NOLA is also participating in Envision, a voluntary sustainability program to protect local quality of life and the environment. The Envision program assesses project performance AND how well the project contributes to long-term sustainability of neighboring communities.

Addressing Traffic Concerns

Traffic flow is key to maintaining local quality of life as well as the success of the Louisiana International Terminal. Port NOLA is working with regional and state agencies to deliver transportation improvements. During the federal permitting process, we’ll evaluate how the project will affect vehicle traffic in the local area and beyond.

St. Bernard Transportation Corridor

In June 2023, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) awarded a contract for the study that will formally document the need for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, an elevated roadway connecting the lower parish to the interstate system, along with other transportation improvements. Local officials and the community have envisioned a third major roadway in and out of the parish for years. The Louisiana International Terminal can help make it a reality.  


$50 MILLION

already committed by the Louisiana Legislature for the analysis, planning, and design phases of the potential St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.

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St. Bernard Transportation Corridor Conceptual Rendering

Updated Terminal Layout Based on Community Feedback

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Community Engagement 

We continue working with the community to understand how the Louisiana International Terminal can benefit Violet and St. Bernard Parish, including community improvements the Port can bring to the table.


As a result of ongoing engagement, Port NOLA has updated the terminal layout to directly address traffic, electricity needs, and drainage:


  • The most recent layout keeps St. Bernard Highway close to its original location while maintaining optimal operational efficiencies.


  • Also, to address drainage concerns, the updated terminal plan includes a system of pumps, canals, and an onsite pumping station that will be managed by the Port, lessening the current drainage burden on the local government.



  • Port NOLA is also working with Entergy Louisiana to develop an onsite substation to provide the electricity needs for the terminal.

Why Violet?

The Port of New Orleans evaluated many sites to find the best one for a modern container terminal. Riverboat pilots and engineering consultants helped Port NOLA make its decision. 

 

Violet is the best location on the lower Mississippi River because of its:

  • Space for larger ships
  • Deep water
  • Road and rail access
  • Levee protection
  • Excellent waterside navigation
  • No height restrictions for ships, such as bridges