NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced strong performance across its multimodal operations—containerized cargo, breakbulk, rail, industrial real estate, and cruise—during its 2025 State of the Port Address. These business sectors continue to generate measurable statewide and national economic impact, supporting billions in trade activity and thousands of jobs while reinforcing Louisiana’s role as a global logistics powerhouse.
Hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO), this year’s event also featured a high-profile “Waterside Chat” with Port NOLA President & CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO Beth Branch, Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President & COO John Orr, and Ports America President & CEO Matt Leech. The discussion highlighted how Port NOLA’s multimodal connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and industry partnerships are driving long-term growth.
New Economic Impact Report Highlights Port NOLA’s National Significance
Port NOLA leadership unveiled the findings of a comprehensive Economic Impact Report conducted by Martin Associates and completed in August 2025. The study underscores the port’s role as a critical economic engine for both Louisiana and the United States.
“The Port of New Orleans is truly an economic engine not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country,” said John C. Martin, PhD, Owner of Martin Associates. “With a unique transportation system of rail, barge, and truck connections, Port NOLA links America’s heartland to the world. Continued investment in port infrastructure is essential to keeping this momentum strong.”
According to the report:
- In 2024, marine cargo activity in the New Orleans Port District generated $101.5 billion in total U.S. economic value —including $31.5 billion in Louisiana, representing 8.3% of the state’s GDP.
- Cargo moving through Port NOLA supported 342,150 jobs nationwide, including 122,386 jobs in Louisiana.
- The data is fully searchable by U.S. and state legislative districts.
Louisiana International Terminal: A Cornerstone of Future Growth
The Port provided updates on the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT)—a transformational container terminal project poised to redefine global trade through Louisiana. The terminal is the centerpiece of Port NOLA’s long-term strategy to expand capacity, enhance supply chain resilience, and strengthen the state’s position as a leading Gulf gateway.
Port Milestones and Strategic Vision
During her remarks, Branch emphasized the port’s resilience and its continued momentum across all business lines.
“New Orleans was born of the river, and our future will rise from it too,” said Beth Branch, Port NOLA and NOPB CEO. “From breakbulk and container cargo to a record 1.2 million cruise passenger movements last year, Port NOLA continues to drive opportunity for Louisiana families, businesses, and communities.”
Branch highlighted:
- $49 million in breakbulk infrastructure upgrades
- Strong collaborations with Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC)
- Harbor Police Department leadership in public safety and Super Bowl LIX preparations
- Investments in technology and operational security
Board Leadership Praises Unified Vision
Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Michael Thomas commended the collaboration and strategic leadership fueling Louisiana’s competitive strength in global commerce.
“The story we are writing together is one of unity, bold investment, and vision,” said Thomas. “Through the Louisiana International Terminal, the new St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, and the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement uniting five Lower Mississippi River ports, we are positioning Louisiana as the premier gateway for global trade.”
Thomas noted that the Louisiana International Terminal, developed in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America, is expected to:
- Create 18,000+ jobs
- Generate over $1 billion in state and local tax revenue
- Represent one of the largest federal investments in U.S. port infrastructure history
“Together, we form the largest port complex in the world,” he added. “Louisiana’s ports are engines of transformation for our state, our region, and our people.”
About the Port of New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is a modern, multimodal gateway for global commerce and a premier U.S. cruise port. Strategically located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, Port NOLA provides seamless connections to more than 30 major inland hubs—including Dallas, Memphis, Chicago, and Canada—via 14,500 miles of waterways, six Class I railroads, and interstate highway networks. Its strong alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad enhances operational efficiency and supports its mission to drive regional economic prosperity. Learn more at www.portnola.com.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Curth
(504) 388-4898
kimberly.curth@portnola.com
