The innovative new cargo transfer terminal off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast will be the largest deep-water port in the United States and will cater to the new classes of larger, more economical ships. The port will enhance America’s international trade capabilities. LIGTT Project Company expects the new port to generate more than 33,000 jobs in Louisiana and Mississippi.
“This terminal will increase America’s shipping efficiency by accommodating the larger vessels to come through the expanded Panama Canal, as well as the even-larger Super Post-Panamax vessels currently in operation,” said Patrick Harvey, principal of LIGTT Project Company LLC. “It will also expand America’s shipping capacity by using a hub-and-spoke system to transport goods to and from America’s heartland via the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Given the high-level nature of this project, we’re glad to have such a world-class partner in Bechtel, a company synonymous with quality.”
Bechtel has already begun pre-construction work for the 250-acre deep-water port and will provide preliminary services for overseeing the design and permitting of the facility. The company also will prepare for early procurement and terminal operator integration.
“This is an innovative infrastructure project that will help the United States in the Post-Panamax era, by enabling the nation to handle the larger ships of tomorrow, while increasing the utilization and efficiency of our extensive inland waterway system,” said Walker Kimball, managing director of Bechtel’s global infrastructure business. “We will build on our long-term presence in the Gulf Coast region to support the development of job creation and training programs, with an emphasis on hiring veterans,” he said. “We look forward to working with LIGTT Project Company on this important project.”
Bechtel has overseen more than 80 port and harbor projects across the world, including 28 in the last decade. Notable projects include Jubail Port (Saudi Arabia), Port of Los Angeles Container Port (USA), Hay Point Coal Terminal (Australia), and the recently completed Khalifa Port (UAE).