Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) cargo operations and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) operations continue to function as normal as we monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving situation associated with COVID-19.

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao recently awarded $7.29 million to the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant. NOPB will use grant funds for the New Orleans Gateway Rail Fluidity and Capacity Improvements Project.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) saw another record-breaking year in cruise passenger numbers and vessel calls, as demand for cruising from the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States continues. With the launch of Disney cruises and the addition of year-round itineraries from Royal Caribbean International in 2020, Port officials anticipate another robust cruise season.

The Propeller Club of the U.S. Port of New Orleans honored Brandy D. Christian as their 2019 Maritime Person of the Year at its 86th Annual Maritime Person of the Year Gala on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Metairie Country Club.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) moved more containers in 2019 than at any time in its history, totaling 648,538 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 10% compared to one year ago. The record marks the sixth consecutive year the Port surpassed the half million TEU mark at its Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal, which is operated by New Orleans Terminal and Ports America.

Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) President and CEO, and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Corporation (NOPB) CEO, highlighted the successes of the agencies’ diverse business profile in 2019, and focused on the opportunities ahead at the annual State of the Port address today hosted by the International Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans.

Gov. John Bel Edwards reappointed Joseph F. Toomy to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. Toomy was sworn in during today’s monthly board meeting and will serve a five-year term succeeding Laney J. Chouest as one of two Jefferson Parish representatives on the seven-member regional board.

Royal Caribbean International announced year-round cruises from the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) set to begin when Majesty of the Seas arrives to homeport in January 2020. Royal Caribbean, which previously offered seasonal cruises from New Orleans, is now offering weekly itineraries from January 2020 through April 2021.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas, acknowledged the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) with 10 communications awards as part of the trade association’s 53nd annual Communications Awards Program which honors member seaports for exemplary communications projects and programs.

With existing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in place and working toward energy efficiency investments defined in their new Strategic Master Plan, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) expanded their EV fleet with the help of the Clean Fuel Transition Fund for Public Fleets, managed by the Regional Planning Commission’s (RPC) Clean Fuel Partnership program.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) received the Equity Ally Award recognizing the Port’s efforts to provide access to new opportunities for women and minority entrepreneurs.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) celebrates its third annual Maritime Month May 1-31 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.