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• LIT will boost Port NOLA’s capacity and economic growth.
• $800M partnership with Ports America and MSC.
• Expansion of inland connectivity across 30+ hubs.
• Focus on sustainability, workforce development, and EPA support.
• Strong state and federal funding commitments.

The Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), located in the census-designated place Violet in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, 17 miles downriver from the Crescent City Connection bridge, is poised to revolutionize Port NOLA’s operations. Once completed, the terminal is expected to eliminate existing air draft restrictions, enabling the largest vessels to call at Port NOLA. This development is considered the largest public economic investment in Louisiana’s history.

Public-Private Partnership for a Major Infrastructure Project

The construction of the LIT is backed by a historic public-private partnership involving Port NOLA and two private terminal operators: Ports America, based in New Jersey, and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) from Switzerland, through its terminal investment arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). These entities have committed $800 million to the project, a testament to the significance of the terminal for the state’s economic future.

Enhanced Container Capacity and Inland Connectivity

Once operational, the LIT will be able to handle the largest container vessels that pass through the Panama Canal locks, substantially boosting the state’s import and export capacity. The terminal’s construction aims to stimulate inland growth, facilitating both container-on-barge and intermodal services. Port NOLA envisions extending its reach along the Mississippi River and connecting to 14,500 miles of inland waterways, creating a vital link to over 30 hubs, including Dallas, Memphis, Chicago, and Canada.

Environmental and Workforce Development Initiatives

The Louisiana International Terminal project is committed to sustainable and equitable infrastructure, aligning with the Envision framework developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). This framework prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. It also focuses on enhancing social equity, public health, and safety, fostering local job creation, and minimizing environmental impacts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $1 million to support workforce development and educational opportunities in Violet and St. Bernard Parish. Three community organizations—Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED), Nunez Community College, and the Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA)—will receive funding to facilitate sustainability education, port-sector training, and workforce development.

State and Federal Support for the Terminal’s Construction

In addition to private sector support, the Louisiana state government and the federal government have significantly bolstered the project. In 2024, Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Legislature allocated $230.5 million to Port NOLA infrastructure, complementing the $300 million federal funding received last year. The funding was awarded through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) competitive grant program, which supports multimodal freight and highway projects under the Biden administration’s infrastructure goals.

EPA’s Role in Promoting Cleaner Port Operations

The EPA has also invested in improving the environmental performance of U.S. ports. In October 2024, the agency awarded nearly $125 million through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program to reduce emissions in various transportation sectors. Port NOLA secured $1.2 million to replace 34 drayage trucks and $727,000 for upgrading older truck models with diesel particulate filters.

This ongoing investment in cleaner, zero-emission solutions reflects the broader goal of enhancing air quality and combating climate change, with other major ports like New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles also receiving substantial funding for similar initiatives.

Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. Ports and Sustainability

With continued state, federal, and private support, the Louisiana International Terminal is on track to become a pivotal infrastructure project for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. Its construction represents a significant step in improving the efficiency of U.S. ports while simultaneously addressing climate challenges through clean energy and emissions reduction programs. The LIT project, along with other major port initiatives, is shaping the future of U.S. maritime operations and fostering a cleaner, more resilient port network across the nation.