Louisiana ports unite in effort to strengthen global presence

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s five deep-water ports along the Lower Mississippi River are joining forces for the first time to market themselves as one powerful gateway for global trade in a new agreement.

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the Port of South Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans, the St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District, and the Louisiana Gateway Port have partnered with Polaris Analytics & Consulting to create a unified marketing strategy.

“This unprecedented collaboration among the Lower Mississippi River ports marks a transformative step for Louisiana’s maritime future. At Louisiana Gateway Port, we are proud to be part of a unified marketing strategy that not only amplifies our individual strengths but also positions the entire region as a premier destination for global trade and investment,” said Charles Tillotson, executive director of the Louisiana Gateway Port.

The effort aims to increase international trade, attract foreign investment, fuel economic growth, and support Louisiana’s long-term development goals. Backed by Gov. Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, the initiative will assess each port’s competitive position, engage industry stakeholders, develop a shared value proposition, and produce a strategic marketing and execution plan.

“This collaboration among our Lower Mississippi River ports is a powerful example of the kind of regional alignment and focus outlined in our new strategic plan,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “By speaking with one voice and leveraging shared strengths, these ports are not only enhancing Louisiana’s global trade presence — they’re creating high-wage jobs, driving investment and positioning Louisiana to win on the world stage.”

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