The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) celebrated its second annual Maritime Month throughout May and National Maritime Day on May 22 to pay tribute to the region’s rich maritime history and to recognize the hardworking men and women who serve in the industry.

The theme of Port NOLA’s 2018 Maritime Month was “Your Working River 300” to honor the city of New Orleans’ Tricentennial year, and included a number of activities to demonstrate the industry’s vital role in job creation and its connection to the community.

The month-long celebration kicked into high gear on May 3 when the New Orleans City Council presented a proclamation to Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian recognizing Maritime Month and Maritime Day.

“We have coordinated with city and state elected officials, media partners and various stakeholders to celebrate the hardworking men and women of the Port, Public Belt and maritime industry who play an important role in the success of our city, state and region,” said Christian. “Maritime Month is an opportunity for Port NOLA to connect with our community and invite them to see for themselves what we experience daily — the magic of the working river in action.”

Port NOLA also hosted students from New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School who participated in the second annual Maritime Month Career Exploration Day, an event that allows high school students to learn about the diverse career paths available in the maritime industry. Port NOLA also partnered with WWL-TV to broadcast 15- and 30-second promotional ads throughout the month touting the benefits of “Your Working River 300” which began airing May 1.

The Port honored the men and women who serve in the Harbor Police Department during National Police Week May 13-19. Port NOLA hosted the Southeastern Infrastructure Summit May 17 in conjunction with Infrastructure Week, May 14-21. The event was headlined by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Speakers discussed the critical role that infrastructure plays in the regional economy, the future of funding and financing major infrastructure projects, and ways to better connect the region.

On National Maritime Day, May 22, Port NOLA hosted WWL-TV’s Morning Show for a live broadcast from Port NOLA’s Gen. Roy S. Kelley fireboat. To view clips segments from the show, click here.

On May 24, Port NOLA’s finalized Strategic Master Plan was released. The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad hosted an Open House May 24. Finally, the Port hosted its monthly public boat tour May 25.

“As the unified voice of seaports in the Americas, AAPA was proud to recognize the contributions of our member port authorities as we celebrated Maritime Month in May,” said Kurt Nagle, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities. “In recognizing the value that maritime activities play in our daily lives, Maritime Month is also an opportunity to remind policymakers that ports need their support to be successful in facilitating the movement of trade that links all of us to the global economy.”

Declared by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day calls attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and to honor the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners.

Published: June 6, 2018