The Port of New Orleans has announced robust growth across its cargo, rail, real estate, and cruise operations, reinforcing its role as a vital economic engine for Louisiana and the broader U.S. During the 2025 State of the Port address held on November 12, officials revealed findings from a new economic impact study showing port-related activities generated $101.5 billion in national economic value in 2024, with $31.5 billion contributed within Louisiana—equivalent to over 8% of the state’s GDP.\n\nThe study, conducted by Martin Associates, also found that port-driven activity supported 342,150 jobs across the country and more than 122,000 in Louisiana. John C. Martin, owner of the consulting firm, highlighted the port’s integrated network of rail, barge, and truck connections as a crucial factor in linking domestic markets with international trade routes. He stressed that sustained infrastructure investment remains key to preserving this upward trajectory.\n\nThe announcement was made at an event hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans. A panel discussion titled “Waterside Chat” featured Beth Branch, President and CEO of Port NOLA and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Norfolk Southern COO John Orr, and Ports America CEO Matt Leech, who discussed how strategic alliances and multimodal logistics are fueling expansion.\n\nCentral to the update was progress on the Louisiana International Terminal, a long-anticipated container facility positioned as the centerpiece of the port’s long-term growth plan. Once completed, the terminal is expected to expand cargo handling capacity, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen Louisiana’s status as a major Gulf Coast trade gateway.\n\nBranch noted continued momentum across all operational sectors, citing a record 1.2 million cruise passenger movements in the previous year, ongoing enhancements to rail infrastructure, and $49 million invested in breakbulk cargo upgrades. She also praised the Harbor Police Department for enhancing security measures ahead of Super Bowl LIX.\n\n“The Louisiana International Terminal will solidify this legacy by integrating our river, rail, and road networks more efficiently than ever before,” Branch stated.\n\nMichael Thomas, Chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board, credited collaboration among regional ports and private sector partners for elevating Louisiana’s competitiveness in global commerce. He referenced the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement among five Lower Mississippi River ports, the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, and partnerships with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America.\n\nThomas projected that the Louisiana International Terminal will generate over 18,000 jobs and contribute more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. He described the initiative as one of the most substantial federal investments in American port infrastructure in recent history.\n\n“Together, we form the largest port complex in the world,” Thomas said. “Louisiana’s ports are not just gateways of trade—they are catalysts for transformation.”\n\nThe Port of New Orleans operates a multimodal logistics system with access to major inland hubs via waterways, rail lines, and interstate highways. Its integration with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad enhances its function as a regional economic driver.\n— news from New Orleans CityBusiness\n\n— News Original —\nPort NOLA reports economic gains, advances Louisiana International Terminal Project\nThe Port of New Orleans said it is posting strong growth across its cargo, rail, real estate and cruise operations, highlighting its expanding economic footprint during the 2025 State of the Port address in New Orleans on November 12. \n\nPort leadership announced the findings of a new economic impact study showing that port activity generated $101.5 billion in economic value for the U.S. in 2024, including $31.5 billion in Louisiana — equal to more than 8% of the state’s GDP. The study, conducted by Martin Associates, also found port-related activity supported 342,150 jobs nationwide and more than 122,000 in Louisiana. \n\nJohn C. Martin, owner of Martin Associates, said the port’s multimodal network of rail, barge and truck connections makes it a critical link between U.S. markets and global trade routes. He described continued infrastructure investment as “essential to keeping this momentum strong.” \n\nThe announcement came during a program hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans. The event included a “Waterside Chat” featuring Port NOLA President and CEO and New Orleans Public Belt CEO Beth Branch, Norfolk Southern COO John Orr, and Ports America CEO Matt Leech, who discussed how strategic partnerships and multimodal connectivity are supporting growth. \n\nA major focus of the update centered on the Louisiana International Terminal, a long-planned container facility that Port NOLA described as a cornerstone of its long-term expansion strategy. Officials said the terminal will increase cargo capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance Louisiana’s role as a Gulf Coast gateway. \n\nBranch said the port continues to see strong momentum across its business lines, citing a record 1.2 million cruise passenger movements last year, ongoing rail improvements and $49 million in breakbulk infrastructure upgrades. She also commended the Harbor Police Department for preparing enhanced security operations ahead of Super Bowl LIX. \n\n“The Louisiana International Terminal will ensure that legacy endures, connecting our river, rail, and road systems like never before,” Branch said. \n\nPort of New Orleans Board Chairman Michael Thomas credited collaboration among regional ports and private partners for positioning Louisiana as a competitive force in global trade. He pointed to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement among five Lower Mississippi River ports, the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, and private partnerships with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America. \n\nAccording to Thomas, the Louisiana International Terminal is projected to create more than 18,000 jobs and generate more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. He called the project one of the most significant federal investments in U.S. port infrastructure to date. \n\n“Together, we form the largest port complex in the world,” Thomas said. “Louisiana’s ports are not just gateways of trade, they are engines of transformation.” \n\nThe Port of New Orleans operates a multimodal logistics network with access to major inland hubs through waterways, railroads and interstate systems. Its alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad supports its role as a regional economic engine.
