The Port of New Orleans set a new container volume record in 2018, handling 591.253 twenty-foot equivalent units, experiencing an increase of 12.3% year-on-year. The record highlights the fifth consequent year that the Port has exceeded the half million TEUs as its Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal, which is operated by New Orleans Terminal and Ports America.
Specifically, Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO, reported that the expansion of the Panama Canal and development in container exports, as resin and frozen poultry, have set the port reach a record.
In addition, the loaded imported containers increased by 7%.
We anticipate further growth, as direct all-water carrier services to Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean attract larger vessels.
Moreover, the Port accommodated its largest vessel in October 2018, the 9,500-TEU Pusan C, operated by France-based ocean carrier CMA CGM.
The Port aims to double its capacity at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal to better service larger vessels and expand its container yard.
A part of the port’s investment is a cooperation with Ports America, that will invest USD 66.5 million into infrastructure and equipment, accommodating up to four new 100-guage container cranes to facilitate larger ships, along with investments of up to USD 300 million for expansion opportunities within our three-parish jurisdiction.
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The port is also developing a container-on-barge service in partnership with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. In 2018, that service moved 26,759 TEUs by barge, up 58% compared to 2017.
Another driving force for container traffic is the port’s growing intermodal service which booked 15% volume growth from 2017 to 2018.
Concluding, the port now operates 11 weekly container services, from three important alliances as well as independent carriers, with direct connections to 58 global ports and more than 450 other ports.
