NEW ORLEANS — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced in its 2025 State of the Port Address that it continues to deliver strong momentum across its diverse lines of business: containerized cargo, breakbulk, rail, industrial real estate and cruise. The Address states that, together, these business lines are driving measurable economic impact, supporting billions in trade activity, thousands of jobs, and a vital share of Louisiana’s overall GDP.
This year’s program, hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO), also featured an engaging “Waterside Chat” with Port NOLA President and CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO Beth Branch, Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and COO John Orr, and Ports America President and CEO Matt Leech. Panelists discussed how Port NOLA’s multimodal connectivity, infrastructure expansion and partnerships are fueling growth.
Economic Impact Announced
Port leadership also announced the release of a new Economic Impact Report conducted by Martin Associates and completed in Aug. 2025. It emphasizes the Port’s vital contribution to state and national prosperity.
“The Port of New Orleans is truly an economic engine not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country. With a unique transportation system of rail, barge, and truck connections, Port NOLA links America’s heartland to the world. That reach translates into billions of dollars in economic impact and supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs,” said John C. Martin, PhD, Owner of Martin Associates. “Here in Louisiana, the Port is a major driver of our economy and a cornerstone of our workforce. Continued investment in port infrastructure isn’t just smart, it’s essential to keeping this momentum strong for our state and for the nation.”
According to the report, in 2024, marine cargo activity within the New Orleans Port District supported $101.5 billion of total economic value to the U.S. economy, including $31.5 billion in Louisiana which is approximately 8.3% of the state’s GDP. Additionally, cargo activity moving through Port NOLA marine terminals supported 342,150 jobs in the nation. That includes 122,386 total jobs in Louisiana alone. The report is searchable by U.S. and State legislative districts, showing the specific economic impact in each one.
Louisiana International Terminal
The port also underscored its bold progress in developing the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a transformative infrastructure project that will redefine global trade through Louisiana.
The new container terminal represents the cornerstone of Port NOLA’s long-term vision to expand capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and position Louisiana as a leading Gulf gateway for international commerce.
Port Highlights Milestones and Vision
Branch spoke of resilience, innovation, and strategic progress throughout her address, reflecting on the port’s cargo, rail, and cruise operations.
“New Orleans was born of the river, and our future will rise from it too,” said Branch. “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. The Louisiana International Terminal will ensure that legacy endures connecting our river, rail, and road systems like never before and redefining how global trade flows through our state.”
Branch highlighted $49 million in breakbulk infrastructure investments, as well as strong partnerships with Ports America, and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC). She also commended the Harbor Police Department for its leadership in public safety, especially in preparation for Super Bowl LIX, through enhanced security measures and technology upgrades.
Board Chairman Applauds Unity and Bold Vision
Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Michael Thomas praised the Port’s leadership and collaborative partnerships driving Louisiana’s competitive edge on the global stage.
“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 in the 21st century.”
Thomas said the Louisiana International Terminal developed in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America will create over 18,000 jobs, generate more than $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue, and represents one of the most significant federal investments in U.S. port infrastructure history.
“Together, we form the largest port complex in the world,” Thomas added. “By speaking with one powerful voice, Louisiana’s ports are not just gateways of trade, they are engines of transformation for our state, our region, and our people.”
The full report can be accessed here.
About Port NOLA
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is a modern multimodal gateway for global commerce and an in-demand cruise port —delivering seamless, integrated logistics solutions between river, rail and road.Port NOLA is a diverse deepwater port uniquely located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico — with access to 30-plus major inland hubs such as Dallas, Memphis, Chicago and Canada via 14,500 miles of waterways, 6 Class I railroads and interstate roadways. Strategic alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, a Class III connecting railroad, strengthens Port NOLA’s position as an integrated hub and supports the Port’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity. For more information, visit: www.portnola.com.