The board of commissioners at the port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has approved a resolution authorising a cooperative endeavour agreement (CEA) among the five Lower Mississippi river ports, advancing regional collaboration and plans to create the largest port complex in the world.
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. With the CEA, the ports will work together to jointly promote Louisiana’s vital maritime gateway and strengthen the state’s competitive position in global commerce.
The latest approval from the Port NOLA board progresses that plan, enabling its president and ceo Beth Branch to enter into the CEA and into a professional services agreement with Polaris Analytics & Consulting to assist in the creation of that strategic plan.
“This CEA represents more than just a marketing initiative; it’s a commitment to cooperation, unity, and long-term vision for Louisiana’s ports,” said Branch, who also serves as the ceo of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “By 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.”
This follows the formation of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission last year, which aims to promote all of Louisiana’s ports and waterway investments by articulating a long-term vision for the state’s maritime future through the development of a strategic plan and targeted investment programme. This newly established CEA is deemed to align closely with the commission.
“For years, I’ve believed that the true strength of Louisiana’s maritime industry lies in our ability to work together,” said former Port NOLA chairman, Joseph Toomy. “By aligning our efforts, the Lower Mississippi River ports can create a future where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
