Planning for a US$1bn plus project to build a container terminal and logistics centre is underway by the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA).
Port NOLA is in discussion with the Meraux Foundation about doing a feasibility study for the project on the Sinclair Tract site in Meraux, owned by the Meraux Foundation and part of St Bernard Parish.
President and CEO Brandy Christian said: “We see this project as more than just a container terminal.”
She stressed: “It’s really creating a logistics hub that attracts businesses that rely on port access, the goods coming in and out of a port.”
Napolean limited development
The current Napolean Container Terminal has a capacity of 840,000 teus, a 45ft draft, six container cranes and an on-dock rail facility. But Ms Christian said it is constrained by limited land availability.
With investment including upgraded cranes and equipment and additional yards to accommodate larger ships and create extra space for companies, the new terminal, part of the port’s wider masterplan, will have a maximum build-out footprint of 1.5m teus.
A layout will not be confirmed until feasibility studies, including an economic impact study, have been completed, but Ms Christian said the likely rectangular-shaped building will potentially feature on-terminal noise and light abatement technology, alongside landscaped buffers and physical barriers near the terminal and dedicated truck routes and remote cargo transfer facilities.
It will be served by two roads and possibly a third will be built.
NOLA expect additional investment to come from the private sector.
Significant job generation
Assuming the new terminal has the same throughput as Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal (540,000 teus) and the maritime industry standard of 90 teus to one job, it could have an employment impact of 6,000 direct new jobs. The port’s goal is over 1m teu, which could mean 12,000 jobs.
Container volumes at the port have grown 67% over the past 10 years, this is an average of 6% year over year growth since 2007.
Growth has largely been export driven and the port are optimistic about future growth, given the growth in export resin.
