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Port of South Louisiana sees milestone growth in tonnage

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Dry Bulk,


With the release of 4Q22 data, the Port of South Louisiana (PortSL) saw an annual increase in tonnage of nearly 10 million t of cargo. In 2022, PortSL moved a total of 239 257 758 t (short) compared to a total of 229 797 480 t (short) in 2021. This is the first year that Port of South Louisiana has seen a net increase in tonnage since 2017.

“The numbers do not lie; Port of South Louisiana has reversed a six-year trend and is finally growing,” said PortSL Chief Executive Officer, Paul Matthews. “Our Commission, staff, and I are constantly thinking outside the box and taking tremendous steps to maximise our growth and operate at optimal levels. With plans to construct the state’s first grain elevator in 40 years and the prospects of owning Louisiana’s greatest industrial icon, Avondale Global Gateway, Port of South Louisiana is on track to reach new heights, attract good-paying jobs and make Louisiana and America more competitive in the ever-changing shipping markets.”

As the nation’s leading grain exporter and the second largest port in the Western Hemisphere, PortSL is a driver of Louisiana’s and America’s economy and is responsible for feeding and fuelling the world. With conflict in Europe between two of the world’s largest grain producers, Russia and Ukraine, the eyes of the world have turned to America’s farmers and the PortSL, where 60% of the nation’s grain is exported through seven grain elevators in the Port’s jurisdiction. PortSL is also currently ranked second in the nation as an energy transfer port. By focusing on diversifying the energy industry in the River Region, the port continues to attract investment in both the traditional and renewable energy space. In September, PortSL was awarded federal funding to construct the nation’s first hydrogen fuelling barge, which is an integral piece to a larger US$74 million project to develop a new energy cluster in South Louisiana.

Last year, PortSL faced many challenges, including barges being unable to move safely on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Upriver, record-low water levels were recorded at Memphis, Tennessee of -10.81 ft below zero gauge in October 2022. Despite the adversity brought on by Mother Nature, the port took major steps to overcome obstacles and remain resilient. In August, PortSL dedicated two new Konecranes at its Globalplex Intermodal Terminal dock, doubling the port’s discharge rate, and making the port more efficient with less downtime in the offloading process.

“When our Commission hired Matthews a little over a year ago, we challenged him to establish a culture that nurtures growth and embraces concepts and ideas that equip the port to thrive in an evolving marketplace,” said PortSL Commission Chairman, Ryan Burks. “This course correction from annual losses to an increase of 10 million t in just one year’s time is a testament to Paul’s leadership and our staff’s dedication to attracting foreign and domestic cargo and investment to the PortSL.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/14022023/port-of-south-louisiana-sees-milestone-growth-in-tonnage/

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