KEY TAKEAWAYS: Port NOLA celebrates 10th annual Maritime Month from May 1–31. Sail 250 kickoff brings international tall ships to the Mississippi River. New Orleans will host the first U.S. stop of the global celebration. Events highlight maritime workers, tourism, and regional economic impa ct.   The Port of New Orleans is marking its 10th annual Maritime Month in May with a series of events tied to the national kickoff of SAIL 250, a major maritime celebration connected to America’s 250th anniversary. Port NOLA announced the monthlong observance will run May 1-31, culminating in the arrival of an international fleet of tall ships along the Mississippi River from May 28 through June 1. Organizers said New Orleans will serve as the first U.S. stop for the SAIL 250 celebration, which is expected to draw visitors from around the world. The event will feature what officials described as the largest flotilla of international tall ships ever assembled on the Mississippi River, along with festivals, educational programming and public events across the region. Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch said the celebration highlights both the region’s maritime workforce and the city’s role in global trade. “Maritime Month is a time to recognize the extraordinary people who power our maritime industry and keep global supply chains moving,” Branch said in a statement. “In 2026, that celebration takes on even greater significance as New Orleans welcomes the world for SAIL 250.” Branch said hosting the event reinforces New Orleans’ long-standing connection to international commerce and maritime activity. The annual observance coincides with National Maritime Day on May 22, which recognizes the contributions of the maritime industry and merchant mariners to the U.S. economy and global commerce. Port NOLA has expanded the recognition into a monthlong campaign since 2017 to promote awareness of Louisiana‘s maritime sector and workforce. The 2026 Maritime Month campaign will officially begin with a resolution from the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners declaring May as Maritime Month and May 22 as National Maritime Day. Events planned throughout the month include recognition of the General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat crew during National Firefighters Day, activities tied to National Travel and Tourism Week and events honoring the Harbor Police Department during National Police Week. Port officials also said community engagement initiatives will be held with maritime organizations, including Global Maritime Ministries. The celebration is expected to provide an economic boost for the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. “Hosting Sail 250 is a once-in-a-generation event that will bring vessels and visitors from around the world to experience our rich culture, vibrant hospitality industry and historic connection to the Mississippi River,” said Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans Company. The Port of New Orleans is one of the nation’s major deep-water ports and a key logistics hub linking river, rail and roadway transportation networks. The port works in alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which connects six Class I railroads serving the region. ...read more read less