The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officially kicked off the historic deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel to 50 feet tonight (September 11, 2020), as Weeks Marine’s cutterhead dredge CAPTAIN FRANK started dredging 5 miles above the Head of Passes.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) honored the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) with 15 communications awards as part of the trade association’s 54th annual Communications Awards Program recognizing member seaports for exemplary communications projects and programs. This year for the first time, each of Port NOLA’s entries received an award, and the 15 awards also represents Port NOLA’s largest number of wins in a single year.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and other top Louisiana officials signed a formal agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction on the deepening of the Lower Mississippi River to 50 feet from 45 feet. This project will provide deep draft access to the ports at Baton Rouge, New Orleans, South Louisiana, St. Bernard and Plaquemines.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has appointed Walter J. Leger Jr. to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). Leger was sworn in during the July board meeting and will serve a five-year term succeeding Arnold B. Baker as one of four Orleans Parish representatives on the seven-member regional board.

The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) selected new officers with the election of Darryl D. Berger as Chairman, William H. Langenstein, III, as Vice Chairman and Charles H. Ponstein as Secretary-Treasurer during the June 25 monthly Board meeting.

The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), upgraded its locomotive fleet with the arrival of eight new locomotives to replace aging engines, improve efficiency, and lower overall emissions. Recognizable by their bright blue color, the new locomotives provide reliable service and support the short-line railroad’s commitment to integrating more sustainable business and operational practices.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) recognizes its fourth annual Maritime Month May 1-31 and National Maritime Day on May 22 to pay tribute to the region’s rich maritime history and to recognize the hardworking men and women who ensure essential goods and freight reach their destinations.

Evergreen Shipping launched a new weekly container service to and from the Caribbean and the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) on April 29, 2020, with the Evergreen Arkadia calling at the Port’s Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal.

At its April 23, 2020 meeting, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Board of Commissioners adopted the Port NOLA Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization Plan (PIER Plan) — a collaborative vision to revitalize the Inner Harbor Industrial corridor, increase commercial activity and create jobs for area residents.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) launched its digital Learning Toolbox today aimed at educating Louisiana students about the role that the local maritime industry and the Port play in our everyday lives. Students, parents and educators are invited to explore the Port’s four lines of business, immerse themselves in videos and learn about careers made possible by Port activity and the Louisiana maritime industry.

Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) cargo operations and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) operations continue to function as normal as we monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving situation associated with COVID-19.

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao recently awarded $7.29 million to the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant. NOPB will use grant funds for the New Orleans Gateway Rail Fluidity and Capacity Improvements Project.