The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans approved a resolution to expand its partnership with Ports America, the largest U.S. terminal operator and stevedore.
The long-term lease and infrastructure agreements will bolster capabilities at existing Port NOLA terminals and open the door for expansion opportunities elsewhere in the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction — Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.
Under the terms of the new and restated agreement, the Port will issue Ports America a 50-year lease to continue to operate at the Napoleon Avenue and Nashville Avenue Terminals. As part of the agreement, Ports America will invest $66.5 million in infrastructure and equipment to accommodate up to four new 100-foot gauge container cranes at the terminals. The investment will allow both terminals to facilitate larger ships and increases in volume.
The new agreement outlines the potential for additional Port NOLA and Ports America partnership to increase container capacity with new infrastructure at other potential locations in the Port’s tri-parish jurisdiction, including development of a new container terminal capable of handling vessels of all sizes. If the Port and Ports America determine an expansion project is feasible at a new location, Ports America will invest a minimum of $300 million and receive a right of first negotiation for development and operating rights.
Additionally, the Port will provide Ports America with a three-year right to assess and develop off-dock gate, container yard, chassis depot and/or intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) that would support existing or new container terminals.
The new agreements fulfill the mutual goals outlined in a cooperative endeavor agreement reached between Port NOLA and Ports America in June 2018 to enhance capabilities at Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal.