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.
Violet, LA is the ideal location 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
Community Commitments
A successful project respects the community’s needs. We recognize this is not possible without the input and insight of residents and stakeholders. As we develop the terminal layout, we will continue working with Violet residents and the St. Bernard Parish community. We aim to design a project that protects local quality of life and generates economic development.
W. Smith
Elementary School
Violet Park
Merrick Cemetery
Terminal Neighbors
Wetlands
Sustainability
How will the terminal affect traffic?
How will the terminal affect traffic?
Traffic studies will be conducted to understand the proposed project's impact on traffic on and off the terminal.
Separate from this project, Port NOLA is working with local, state, and federal transportation partners to support the development of a new roadway for St. Bernard Parish.
How many jobs will the terminal support?
How many jobs will the terminal support?
As a result of the terminal, the Port of New Orleans projects that St. Bernard Parish alone can expect:
- 635 new jobs a year when the terminal first opens.
- 2,032 new jobs in the terminal's fifth year.
- 4,339 new jobs after 20 years.
How can I do business with the Louisiana International Terminal?
How can I do business with the Louisiana International Terminal?
The terminal aims to create generational opportunities for small and local businesses. To take advantage of these opportunities, register to become one of our vendors. Also, stay tuned for updates regarding current and upcoming bidding opportunities.
Project Timeline
Recent Updates
Gov. Edwards Announces Port NOLA's Private-Public Partnership for LIT
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a historic public-private partnership between the state of Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans and two global maritime industry leaders to build a $1.8 billion state-of-the-art container facility on the Lower Mississippi River. The Port of New Orleans is proud to partner with Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) on the new Louisiana International Terminal in Violet.
A Terminal Layout Based on Community Feedback
In October 2022, Port NOLA announced a revised layout proposal for the Louisiana International Terminal. Guided by community feedback, our engineering team worked hard to design a layout that keeps St. Bernard Highway along the river without compromising terminal operations.
We aim to go above and beyond the federal requirements for public involvement throughout the permitting process. Sign up for email updates on upcoming community meetings and input opportunities.
Port NOLA to Begin Environmental Study Process
As we make progress on the planned Louisiana International Terminal in St. Bernard Parish, the Port of New Orleans has hired an outside consultant to conduct additional studies.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a range of environmental studies covering topics like traffic, quality of life near the terminal, natural habitat and wildlife, the economy, and more. The outside consultant will conduct those studies and will submit findings to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed terminal project.
