The Louisiana International Terminal will give the Gulf Coast its premier container shipping gateway while creating jobs and opportunities for Louisiana.
The Premier Gulf Gateway
The number of shipping containers moving in and out of the U.S. has increased significantly over the last ten years. To meet the industry's growing needs, the Port of New Orleans is investing in a new $1.8 billion container terminal project—The Louisiana International Terminal. The proposed terminal will serve vessels of all sizes, providing goods to support Louisiana's homes and businesses. This modern maritime gateway will also create family-supporting jobs, generate new opportunities throughout the state, and keep Louisiana competitive.
The Need for a Terminal
Louisiana's economy relies heavily on maritime trade. A new terminal will enable Port NOLA to serve the larger ships that are coming into service and stay competitive.
Louisiana with the Louisiana International Terminal by 2050:
- 18,000+ new direct and indirect jobs
- $1+ Billion new state tax revenue
- $97.3 billion gained in industry sales
Without the terminal, Louisiana will lose major economic benefits by 2033:
- 9,552 existing jobs lost
- $205 million existing state taxes lost
- $10.3 billion in industry sales lost
Source: Lewis Terrell and Associates, Louisiana International Container Growth: The Economic Impact of the Louisiana International Terminal 2023 Q1 Update. February 2023
Project Funding
Funding commitments so far show project support at the state and federal levels, as well as within private industry.
Committed as of June 2024
$500 Million +
Port of New Orleans
$180 Million
Louisiana Legislature
$800 Million
Partners
$74 Million
U.S. Department of Transportation MEGA Grant
$226 Million
U.S. Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant
Connectivity
The Louisiana International Terminal will harness Port NOLA’s premium connectivity via rail, road, and river.
4 critical
Interstate systems
with a new St. Bernard Transportation Corridor in progress
6 Class I
railroads
via the New Orleans Public Belt
14,500 miles
of inland waterways that connect 31 states upriver
30+ inland hubs
including Dallas, Memphis, Chicago, and Canada
Project Timeline
Community Resources
What is this third roadway I keep hearing about?
What is this third roadway I keep hearing about?
Port NOLA is working with regional and state agencies on a potential elevated roadway outside the levees along the 40 Arpent Canal. This parallel project would give St. Bernard Parish another connection to the interstate system. The roadway project is also known as the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.
What will happen to W. Smith Jr. Elementary School?
What will happen to W. Smith Jr. Elementary School?
W. Smith Jr. Elementary School is located within the terminal’s proposed boundaries. Port NOLA is committed to working with local officials to fund the construction and relocation to a new school in Violet.
Why Violet for the Louisiana International Terminal?
Why Violet for the Louisiana International Terminal?
Violet, Louisiana is the ideal location for the terminal with:
- Naturally deep water at the dock
- Access to four interstates
- Six Class-I rail connections
- 100-year level hurricane protection
- Excellent waterside navigation
- No height restrictions for ships, such as bridges
- Ability to enhance local transportation infrastructure
Recent Updates
Port of New Orleans Cargo Volumes Continue to Climb in First Half of 2025, Driven by Latin American Trade Growth and Improved Reliability
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is proud to announce continued growth in cargo volumes and trade activity through the first half of 2025; thanks to rising container imports and improved schedule reliability that’s helping shippers gain confidence and plan more efficiently.
Port of New Orleans Board Approves Key Step Toward Unified Strategy for Lower Mississippi River Ports
At its regular board meeting on July 24, 2025, 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’s ports.
Governor Jeff Landry Reaffirms Support for Louisiana International Terminal, A Game-Changing Infrastructure Investment for Jobs, Growth, and Trade at the Port of New Orleans
Governor Jeff Landry today reinforced his strong support for the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a transformative project led by the Port of New Orleans in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) and Ports America—an alliance poised to create thousands of jobs, boost global trade, and secure Louisiana’s standing as a Gulf Coast economic engine.
