Any deceleration of growth in US shipping is a challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for our industry to adapt and build resilience. At Port NOLA, resilience is part of our DNA. Following Hurricane Katrina, despite catastrophic damage, the port reopened within two weeks to serve the nation, welcoming the Lykes Flyer as the first commercial cargo vessel to call. That same spirit drives us today as we invest in transformative projects that will position us and the US Gulf as a premier gateway for decades to come.
The Port of New Orleans has long embraced diversification of business lines — container cargo, breakbulk cargo, rail and cruise — as a strategy, and that has enabled us to better navigate volatility in markets. Shippers have done the same in terms of adopting port diversification strategies to strengthen the resilience of their supply chains.
The Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), now under development, is the first new greenfield terminal to be built in the US in decades. While the pace of trade has temporarily slowed, we maintain a bullish outlook on the long-term strength of global commerce and shipping. LIT will allow us to accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels, providing unmatched connectivity and capacity in the Gulf. It is a game-changing investment that ensures Port NOLA remains competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
At the same time, our existing Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal continues to serve as a model of versatility, handling breakbulk, containers and project cargo efficiently. Both this terminal and our new Louisiana International Terminal are located within the $14.6 billion federal Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, offering unmatched protection and reliability for shippers and partners.
Resilience is not just about bouncing back from storms or slowdowns; it’s about proactively preparing for the future. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening intermodal collaboration and aligning with growth sectors such as energy and advanced manufacturing, we can navigate cycles of deceleration while laying the groundwork for sustained success.
Port NOLA’s track record proves that resilience and innovation go hand in hand. As we move forward, we are committed to ensuring that America’s supply chains remain strong, secure and globally competitive.