KEY TAKEAWAYS: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted the federal permit authorizing construction of the Louisiana International Terminal. The deepwater terminal will be capable of handling large container ships that cannot reach Port NOLA’s existing facilities. Port NOLA is developing the project with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America. Port officials project the terminal will create thousands of jobs and strengthen Louisiana’s position in Gulf Coast and international trade.   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted a federal permit authorizing construction of the Louisiana International Terminal, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for Port NOLA’s planned container terminal on the Lower Mississippi River. The approval allows the Port of New Orleans and its private-sector partners to move the project into its next phase after years of engineering and environmental review. The terminal is planned as a new deepwater container facility capable of handling some of the world’s largest cargo ships. Port NOLA is developing the terminal through a public-private partnership with Terminal Investment Limited, the terminal operating arm of Mediterranean Shipping Co., and Ports America. The terminal is planned downriver from New Orleans, allowing large container vessels to reach the facility without passing beneath the Crescent City Connection. The bridge’s clearance limits the size of ships that can reach Port NOLA’s existing container facilities. Modern container ships can carry more than 16,000 20-foot-equivalent units, or TEUs, creating pressure on U.S. ports to expand infrastructure capable of accommodating larger vessels. Port officials have positioned the Louisiana International Terminal as a way for Louisiana to capture more Gulf Coast container traffic while expanding access between international markets and the Mississippi River’s extensive inland transportation network. “This is a defining moment not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “The Louisiana International Terminal will stimulate economic growth and cement Louisiana’s role as the nation’s gateway to global trade. This investment will expand opportunities for American businesses and workers, lift up opportunities for Louisiana families, and ensure Louisiana remains a driving force in the nation’s future.” The terminal is expected to connect cargo with more than 30 states through the Mississippi River system, interstate highways and rail networks. Port NOLA has access to six Class I railroads through its connection with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch said the permit moves the project beyond a lengthy federal review process. “Today’s permit turns years of engineering, environmental review, and partnership into forward motion,” Branch said. “This is not simply a regional port expansion — it is nationally significant infrastructure that will expand American export capacity and position Louisiana to lead the next generation of maritime commerce. We are ready to build.” Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America are expected to provide private-sector investment and operating expertise for the development. Ammar Kanaan, CEO of Terminal Investment Limited, called the project one of the company’s most strategically significant terminal investments. “The Mississippi River corridor gives the United States a chance to build deepwater capacity that rivals any port in the world,” Kanaan said. “We’re proud to invest alongside Port NOLA and Ports America in a project that strengthens America’s position in global trade for decades to come.” Ports America interim CEO and board Chairman Scott Anderson said the facility is being designed around the needs of larger vessels and U.S. cargo shippers. Port NOLA said its existing cargo operations support more than $101 billion in economic activity nationwide and more than 342,000 jobs, citing an independent economic analysis. That includes more than 122,000 jobs in Louisiana. At full buildout, the port projects the Louisiana International Terminal will support thousands of additional jobs and generate billions of dollars in tax revenue, though the release did not provide updated construction costs, a construction start date or an opening timeline. The project has received support from Louisiana’s congressional delegation, state officials and regional economic development organizations. With the federal permit secured, Port NOLA said it and its development partners will begin advancing the terminal into its next phase while continuing to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and state and federal officials. Port NOLA operates cargo and cruise facilities along the Mississippi River and is connected to inland markets through waterways, highways and six Class I railroads. The port is also aligned with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which provides connections between the port and the national rail network. ...read more read less