U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Grants Federal Permit for Louisiana International Terminal, Authorizing Construction of Economic Lynchpin for Greater New Orleans and the Nation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the federal permit authorizing construction of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), clearing the way for the nation’s only new greenfield container port currently under development – a project positioned to turbocharge the economy of Greater New Orleans, redefine Gulf Coast trade capacity, and strengthen the U.S. supply chain.

Strategically located on the Lower Mississippi River with direct access to the Gulf of America, LIT will connect more than 30 states to global markets through direct access to every major Class I railroad and the interstate highway system. Backed by a public-private partnership among Port NOLA, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the port terminal operating arm of MSC, and Ports America the project has advanced through federal review with strong support from Louisiana’s bipartisan congressional delegation, the State of Louisiana, and Greater New Orleans, Inc.

“This is a defining moment not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “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.”

Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), was appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to ensure the success of the Louisiana International Terminal project and its related toll road access corridor, building on the same interagency coordination role Hecht played ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. LIT has been a top priority for GNO, Inc. for many years.

“This permit reflects what is possible when bold vision is matched by disciplined planning and strong partnership,” said Michael Thomas, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. “The Louisiana International Terminal will create lasting opportunities for our communities, strengthen America’s supply chain, and ensure Louisiana remains at the forefront of global commerce for generations to come.”

“The permit turns years of engineering, environmental review, and partnership into forward motion,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. “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.”

“This is one of the most strategically significant terminal investments in our global portfolio,” said Ammar Kanaan, CEO of Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). “The Mississippi River corridor gives the United States a chance to build deepwater capacity that rivals any port in the world. 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.”

“As one of the nation’s leading terminal operators, we’ve seen firsthand what modern, efficient infrastructure can do for American shippers,” said Scott Anderson, Interim CEO and Chairman of the Board of Ports America. “The Louisiana International Terminal will be a best-in-class facility, and we’re ready to put our operating expertise to work as the project moves into its next phase, helping shape a terminal that meets the needs of the largest vessels calling on the Gulf.”

Transformational Economic Impact
An independent analysis released by Greater New Orleans, Inc. found that in St. Bernard Parish, LIT will generate more than $33 million in new annual tax revenue at full buildout, a 58 percent increase over the parish’s current tax base, while adding more than 4,300 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy. Phase I alone is projected to bring $18.1 million in new annual revenue once operational in the 2030s. These additional revenues will not only support investment in St. Bernard Parish, but may also lower millage rates and taxes.

That growth is also driving investment in the region around the port site. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s new Port and Logistics Corridor, part of the city’s broader Investment and Job Corridors plan for New Orleans East, is built around the I-510 corridor connecting the city to LIT. The corridor is designed to attract maritime commerce, warehousing, transportation, and supply chain companies positioning themselves near the new terminal, giving New Orleans East a direct stake in the port’s growth.

“This permit marks when development of the Louisiana International Terminal begins to accelerate,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “LIT will secure the future prosperity of St. Bernard Parish, and it will drive historic benefits to New Orleans East, St. Tammany, and beyond. Thanks and congratulations to all of our partners.”

“The GNO, Inc. board has watched this project move from concept to reality, and the permit approval is proof that patience and persistence pay off,” said Kim Boyle, Board Chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “LIT is a generational project that will pay dividends across the region for decades to come. Special thanks to everyone at the federal, state, and local level who helped get this precious cargo delivered.”

Significant investment is also expected on the Northshore, including the I-12 corridor of St. Tammany Parish.

“Louisiana built its economy on trade, and LIT fortifies that robust legacy,” said Greg Rusovich, Chairman of the Louisiana Board of International Commerce. “The Louisiana port system is second to none, and launching this state of the art, deepwater terminal allows us to handle the world’s largest container vessels. This is a truly generational opportunity for Louisiana, and the entire country.”

What’s Next
With the federal permit granted, Port NOLA and its private-sector partners will begin moving the project into its next phase, building on the momentum of this critical federal approval. The project continues to be supported by a working relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Louisiana, Louisiana’s full federal delegation, and GNO, Inc.