“This new partnership connects UNO students, faculty and staff with the Port of New Orleans, enabling cutting edge freight research, outreach activities and workforce development,” said John Renne, associate professor and director of the UNO Transportation Institute. “This partnership is a good example of what Governor Jindal is asking of Louisiana universities—to become more engaged with industry to create research and educational opportunities in sectors with strong job growth.”
“This partnership with the University of New Orleans will promote economic development throughout the entire maritime community on the Lower Mississippi River,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. “By collaborating with stakeholders and utilising the academic expertise of university leaders, we will enhance our community outreach efforts, strengthen the region’s competitiveness and address future workforce needs through research and education initiatives. We look forward to continuing and growing our long-standing relationship with UNO.”
The UNO Transportation Institute is a partner in two maritime-related University Transportation Centers, established by the US Department of Transportation. The purpose of these centers is to advance US technology and expertise in transportation through research, education and outreach while addressing vital workforce needs for the next generation of transportation leaders.
In order to fulfill its obligation as a member of these University Transportation Centers, the UNO Transportation Institute, in partnership with the Port of New Orleans, will engage in a number of projects including:
– Investigate the best practices of liquefied natural gas bunkering.
– Analyse the maritime industry’s progress on e-Navigation, a concept designed to bring about increased safety and security in commercial shipping through better organization and exchange of data.
– Hold a maritime workforce summit to educate high school and college students about maritime careers and connect employers with those seeking jobs in the maritime industry.
– Develop a web-based K-12 maritime curriculum that will educate students about the history of the Port of New Orleans, its current operations and its international economic impact.
– Work to establish the state’s first chapter of the Women in Transportation Seminar, an international organisation dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.
The Port of New Orleans’ in-kind match of organisational resources includes facility space, personnel time, equipment and software.
The Merritt C Becker University of New Orleans Transportation Institute focuses on the role of transportation in creating a sustainable, livable and resilient future. Faculty and staff associated with the institute are recognised for their expertise in transportation policy, maritime and port planning, evacuation planning, transit and streetcars, bicycle and pedestrian planning, and transit oriented development.