New data shows the Port of South Louisiana experience a surge of nearly 10 million short tons of cargo, marking a second consecutive year of net increases in tonnage.
The announcement comes as the port, which is the second-largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere, also set a revenue record in its most recent fiscal year of $18.1 million—a 3.9% increase over the previous fiscal year.
Sugar and molasses accounted for the greatest cargo tonnage increase, at 463%, followed by chemicals and fertilizers at 75% and animal feed at 40%. Tonnage of crude oil, concrete and stone products and wheat also rose.
Overall, the port, known as PortSL, moved 248,130,992 short tons in 2023, up from 239,257,758 the previous year.
“Numbers tell the story, and the Port of South Louisiana is telling a tale of resurgence,”
CEO Paul Matthews said in a statement last month. “Through relentless innovation and strategic leaps, we’re scripting a narrative of growth and the recent tonnage numbers underscore our port’s global appeal and versatility. Our team is focused on strengthening our partnerships with global shippers and industry along the Mississippi River.”
The construction of a second dock access bridge leading to PortSL’s Globalplex general cargo dock aims to enhance the terminal’s dependability, optimize cargo transfer efficiency by enabling trucks to follow a circular route for loading and unloading on the dock, and facilitate the handling of heavy loads, including oversized equipment.
Recently, Louisiana Economic Development announced Life for Tyres Group’s $46 million commitment to establish L4T Louisiana LLC at Globalplex that will position PortSL as a hub for sustainable practices, but also foster economic growth.
Founded in 1960, the Port of South Louisiana is a 54-mile port district on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, encompassing the parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. The Port of South Louisiana is the largest
port in Louisiana and No. 2 in the Western Hemisphere. It ranks as the No. 1 U.S. grain exporter and No. 2 U.S. energy transfer port.
