Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) held its inaugural Shippers Summit on the River March 13-15, a convening of 100 representatives of Port NOLA’s largest ocean carriers, inland transportation providers, BCOs (beneficial cargo owners), and value-added service providers.

The unique conference took place aboard the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess, a luxury paddlewheeler that sails regular cruise itineraries from Port NOLA. As the American Duchess made its way up and back down a stretch of the lower Mississippi River, panels and roundtable discussions provided attendees with critical information, wins and challenges facing the shipping industry.

“There was no better venue to engage with our top shippers, ocean carriers, railroads and other key service providers in the container shipping supply chain than aboard a beautiful paddlewheeler on one of the world’s most vital commercial waterways,” said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of Port NOLA. “We wanted to share the best of Southern hospitality while networking and discussing operations, future plans and our collective efforts to strengthen the New Orleans gateway.”

Topics covered included: Investments in Louisiana; Infrastructure and Tech; Value Added Services Showcase; Ocean Carrier Executives Roundtable; Supply Chain Partner Spotlight; and Port NOLA’s Growth, Momentum and Future.

Christian delivered the Port NOLA presentation, where she shared the Port’s commitment to servicing the export market while harnessing its strong inland connections to grow imports, as well as attract local distribution and e-fulfillment. She also highlighted cargo services such as intermodal rail, container-on-barge and connection to 58 global direct ports of call via growing carrier options.

Robert M. Landry, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Port NOLA, said the new event was a win for the Port and its supply chain partners.

“Shippers Summit was a great success,” said Landry. “We received very positive results from our attendee survey, and the opportunity to meet with and share ideas with all of the Port’s top ocean carriers as well as many of our largest BCOs, prompted a lot of synergy. We look forward to hosting future summits.”

Published: April 2, 2019