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Port Growth

Port Growth

Big things are taking shape at Louisiana Gateway Port. With unmatched river access and strong interest from private investors, we’re moving forward with plans to build a state-of-the-art $467 million container terminal. 

Construction is set to begin in 2027 and will establish the Louisiana Gateway Port as one of America’s leading maritime hubs. This expansion will reshape how cargo moves through the Gulf Coast and create significant opportunities for Louisiana’s economy.

OUR LOCATION

Louisiana Gateway Port location makes us uniquely positioned compared to other ports. We sit at the Mississippi River’s closest point to the Gulf of Mexico, with deep water over 50 feet and no bridges or other obstacles in the way. While other ports deal with restrictions that slow ships down, we offer a clear path in and out.

The Mississippi River makes this Port expansion extremely powerful. It connects the Port to over 30 states, moving everything from agriculture to manufactured goods from international suppliers to consumers across the country.

TERMINAL PLANS

The initial phase covers 200 acres and includes on-dock rail facilities that connect directly to major freight networks. Plans also include a berth designed for post-Panamax vessels, the largest modern container ships. With on-dock rails, ships will be able to unload containers directly onto trains, cutting out extra steps that add time and cost to cargo movement. These plans will meet today’s shipping needs while allowing for future expansion up to 900 acres in future phases as demand increases.

The goal for this expansion is to build a modern, high-capacity shipping hub that keeps goods moving, businesses growing, and jobs local. For more details, read the Port Master Plan.

Short-Term and Long-Term Economic Benefits

DURING CONSTRUCTION
(2027-2029)

Here’s what the region can expect during the buildout:

$581.8M

IN NEW BUSINESS
SALES

$180M

IN WAGES FOR LOCAL WORKERS

$16M

IN TAX REVENUE FOR LOCAL GOV'T

1,008

AVERAGE JOBS PER
YEAR

BY 2036

Once the terminal is up and running:

$90.2M

IN BUSINESS SALES
EACH YEAR

$91.9M

HOUSEHOLD EARNINGS
FOR RESIDENTS

$6.7M

IN LOCAL TAX REVENUE

933

JOBS

These numbers are more than just projections; they represent real economic opportunities for local families, businesses, and communities across the region.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

With a location unlike any other, the Louisiana Gateway Port’s offers rare access and unmatched efficiency for moving cargo. With innovative engineering, we’re building something that plays to our natural strengths to create a facility built for decades of successful trade. 

By 2036, the Louisiana Gateway Port will handle high volumes of cargo, power thousands of local jobs, and inject hundreds of millions into the regional economy. This project is designed to create lasting opportunities and position Louisiana as a major player in Gulf Coast shipping.

We’ll continue sharing updates and progress as the project moves forward. Stay connected to see how this expansion is shaping the future of trade and what it means for the people and businesses who call this region home.

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