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If you would like to receive Port NOLA press releases, please email Port NOLA Press Secretary Kimberly Curth at kimberly.curth@portnola.com or call 504.388.4898. You can also follow Port NOLA on our social media networks for the latest news and events.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced today it set a record high in March 2025 with over 165,000 cruise passenger movements- the number of cruise passengers who either board or leave a cruise ship.

Port of New Orleans Names Loren Marino as Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff
April 3, 2025
Today the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced that it has named Loren Marino as its Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff. In this critical role, Marino will oversee community engagement, ensure effective communication and execution across the Port and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), lead strategic planning efforts along with oversight for Human Resources, Procurement, IT, and Marketing and Communications.

Port of New Orleans Utilized Enhanced Maritime Security Operations During Super Bowl LIX
February 24, 2025
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and the Harbor Police Department (HPD) announced today the launch of strengthened security and upgraded technology at its Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC). The new technology, put in place ahead of New Orleans hosting Super Bowl LIX, was used as part of increased security measures for the event and will continue to improve HPD’s emergency response capabilities. The MSOC provides surveillance and communications equipment necessary for operational coordination and critical information-sharing with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other public safety agencies.
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and Gulf Gateway Terminal Expand Storage and Improve Efficiencies for Global Supply Chain
February 17, 2025
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) and Gulf Gateway Terminal LLC (GGT) announced today expanded storage capacity and improved efficiencies to move liquid bulk through the global supply chain.

Port of New Orleans and Worldwide Leader in Cold Storage Expand Specialized Capabilities for Global Food Supply Chain
February 3, 2025
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and Lineage, Inc. (Lineage) one of the world’s largest providers of temperature-controlled warehousing and integrated transportation solutions, announce newly added services for the global food supply chain. I-house USDA import inspections will now take place at Lineage’s Jourdan Road cold storage facility in New Orleans East. I-Houses, or import houses, are facilities that specialize in streamlined, on-site USDA inspection services for imported proteins. The new import service complements Lineage’s existing USDA export inspection services at its Jourdan Road facility.

Port of New Orleans Breaks Cruise Passenger Record
January 30, 2025
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only port in the country that offers both ocean-going and river cruising, announced today a record-breaking year with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements in 2024. Port NOLA’s two cruise terminals at Erato Street and Julia Street are located within the heart of the city, just steps away from the historic French Quarter, world-renowned restaurants, and unique cultural heritage.

Port of New Orleans Announces $1 Million EPA Grant to Support Louisiana International Terminal Sustainable Infrastructure and Workforce Development
January 13, 2025
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced today it was awarded $1,000,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) Sustainability Management Plan (SMP).

Port NOLA Board Chairman Delivers 2024 State of the Port Address
November 15, 2024
Today, during the 36th annual event in partnership with the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO), Michael A. Thomas, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission, gave the 2024 State of the Port Address, “Delivering Louisiana’s Future -Together,” to nearly 250 community, business and elected leaders.
Army Corps, Port of New Orleans Announce Completion of Deepening Facilities Access Channel
November 14, 2024
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the non-Federal sponsor, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), announced the completion of deepening the access channel adjacent to Port NOLA facilities. This project was provided $5.82M for construction in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Port of New Orleans Board Appoints Global Maritime Expert Beth Ann Branch as Port NOLA President & Chief Executive Officer and CEO of the NOPB
October 24, 2024
Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) appointed global maritime expert Beth Ann Branch President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), effective Dec. 1, 2024. Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. She replaces Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr., who served as Port NOLA’s Acting President & CEO / Acting CEO of NOPB and moved key strategic initiatives, like the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal, forward during this transitional period.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is on track for a record number of passenger movements with 1.3 million anticipated by the end of the year, which will exceed pre-pandemic levels. Port NOLA is the 6th largest cruise port in the country, with strong demand for both oceangoing and river vessels. Cruise business represents more than 15% of Port NOLA and NOPB’s consolidated annual revenue.

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and Heniff Transportation Systems, LLC Celebrate New $3 Million Transloading Industrial Park in New Orleans East
October 17, 2024
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) and Heniff Transportation Systems, LLC (Heniff) announced today that they have signed an agreement for Heniff to manage rail transloading services at the newly opened New Orleans Transloading Industrial Park. This facility, located on Terminal Road in New Orleans East, will help shippers move goods more easily between trucks and trains, making it faster to transport freight to America’s heartland.