Port of South Louisiana

The Port of South Louisiana, located along a 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is one of the largest tonnage ports in the United States. Serving as a critical gateway for both export and import traffic, its district spans the parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. The port is recognized for its immense industrial infrastructure, supporting facilities for petroleum refining, grain transfer, and the handling of chemicals and petrochemicals. With an annual throughput of over 248 million tons and connections to more than 3,500 oceangoing vessels and nearly 47,000 barges, it ranks #1 in domestic trade and is a top U.S. port for both foreign trade and total imports. The port's significance extends well beyond regional boundaries, supporting a substantial portion of U.S. and Louisiana exports and serving as a major hub for agricultural products, chemicals, and energy cargo. This immense level of activity underscores its ongoing role in powering the economy of both the state and the nation.