Port NOLA board backs unified plan for Lower Mississippi ports
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At its regular board meeting on July 24, the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) approved a resolution authorizing a significant new step in regional collaboration among Louisiana\u2019s ports. The resolution authorizes Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) among the five Lower Mississippi River ports to develop a collaborative marketing strategy and to enter into a professional services agreement with Polaris Analytics & Consulting, LLC to assist in the creation of that strategic plan.<\/p>\n
This marks a historic moment of alignment among the Lower Mississippi River ports and reflects a shared commitment to moving Louisiana forward through unified efforts. The five ports on the Lower Mississippi River include the Port of New Orleans, Port of South Louisiana, Port of Greater Baton Rouge, St. Bernard Port, and the Louisiana Gateway Port at Plaquemines Parish. Collectively, they comprise the largest port complex in the world. With this CEA, the ports will work together to jointly promote Louisiana\u2019s vital maritime gateway and strengthen the state\u2019s competitive position in global commerce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis CEA represents more than just a marketing initiative; it\u2019s a commitment to cooperation, unity, and long-term vision for Louisiana\u2019s ports,\u201d said Beth Branch, President and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. \u201cBy working together, the Lower Mississippi River ports can speak with one powerful voice and better position our state as a leader in global trade and logistics. We are proud to be taking this important step alongside our partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
This initiative closely aligns with Gov. Jeff Landry\u2019s establishment of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, which aims to advocate for all of Louisiana\u2019s ports and waterway investments. The commission is tasked with articulating a long-term vision for Louisiana\u2019s maritime future through the development of a strategic plan and targeted investment program. Port NOLA\u2019s action demonstrates alignment with that vision and reinforces the state\u2019s commitment to building a more competitive, interconnected, and forward-thinking port system.<\/p>\n
Former Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Joseph Toomy, a longtime proponent of greater coordination among Louisiana\u2019s ports, praised the board\u2019s action as a milestone in a vision he has long championed.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor years, I\u2019ve believed that the true strength of Louisiana\u2019s maritime industry lies in our ability to work together,\u201d said Toomy. \u201cThis agreement represents more than a strategy; it\u2019s a turning point that recognizes the power of unity. By aligning our efforts, the Lower Mississippi River ports can create a future where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The agreement with Polaris Analytics & Consulting will produce a data-driven, stakeholder-informed marketing strategy that highlights the strengths of the collective port system and maximizes opportunities for economic development, infrastructure investment, and job creation across south Louisiana.<\/p>\n
As Louisiana continues to position itself for sustained growth and innovation in global trade, Port NOLA and its partner ports remain steadfast in their commitment to collaboration and shared success.<\/p>\n
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