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“Slow and steady wins the race” could be the current motto of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives and a keen focus on emerging markets are positioning the Port for significant growth over the next decade. A new report by the World Trade Center in New Orleans and Martin & Associates on five of the most crucial ports in South Louisiana offers a road map for collaborative success in 2025 and beyond. Highlighting key areas of development, the report solidifies the Port’s position as a vital hub within the global trade network.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Jay Hardman, P.E., Executive Director
Phone: 225.342.1660
Address: 2425 Ernest Wilson Dr., Port Allen, LA 70767
Website: portgbr.com
“The wheels were turning on some of these things already, but this report validates the direction we’ve been going in and points to some opportunities that can be pursued,” says Port Executive Director Jay Hardman.
DRIVING FORCE OF GREEN ENERGY
One of the most compelling aspects of the report is the emphasis on green energy. The burgeoning demand for sustainable solutions has created a wealth of opportunities for the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Hydrogen production and export, carbon capture, biofuels and LNG development are all identified as pivotal areas for growth. The report underscores the potential impact of new industrial developments in Louisiana on lower Mississippi River ports, and one example is Gron Fuels’ ambitious GigaSystem renewable fuels facility. While the project, announced three years ago, is still under development, the acquisition of permits and rights-of-way, coupled with the near completion of the design, signifies tangible progress. The initial phase, a billion-dollar hydrogen production facility, promises to be a game-changer for the region.
A new report highlights the opportunities and benefits of South Louisiana’s ports working together to grow the cargo market.
“There’s a lot of potential there,” says Hardman about Gron. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time and gave them an extension to continue to develop their project. We are being patient and stand ready to support them any way we can.”
CONTAINER-ON-BARGE BOOMING
Another crucial recommendation is the expansion of the Port’s container market. The success of the container-on-barge service, a partnership with the Port of New Orleans, exemplifies the benefits of inter-port cooperation. This pioneering initiative, launched in 2016, has facilitated the seamless movement of containerized cargo, enhanced export capabilities and streamlined supply chains.
The expansion of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge’s container storage yard—now capable of accommodating nearly 1,800 containers—highlights the growing demand for this service, particularly from the petrochemical industries. The recent return of MSC, a global container shipping company, to the Port’s inland rivers barge terminal, is poised to substantially increase container movements from Baton Rouge to the Port of New Orleans, starting this spring.
DEMAND FOR FOREST PRODUCTS
Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of increasing participation in the forest products market. The Port’s longstanding partnership with Drax, a sustainable biomass operator, has been a cornerstone of its success. Since 2014, Drax has processed over 10 million tons of sustainable biomass through the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, revitalizing Louisiana’s forest products industry and supporting thousands of jobs across the southeast.
An independent analysis reveals the significant economic impact of Drax’s operations, estimating a cumulative economic impact of $8.3 billion in total spending and $3.4 billion in gross domestic product across four states from 2023 to 2030.
Infrastructure development, specifically expansion and rehabilitation at the north dock, will significantly enhance the Port’s deepwater capacity, benefiting tenants like Drax and Center Point Terminal by improving their efficiency and scheduling accuracy.
As ships have gotten bigger over the years, this berth has lagged in its ability to accommodate them,” says Hardman. “We are bringing this berth to modern-day standards, which will require additional infrastructure in the river and an upgrade to existing mooring structures.”
Expected to go out to bid by May, this rehabilitation of an existing dock at the northernmost end of the Port property will allow for five ships to be accommodated simultaneously, marking the first major berth expansion since 1986. This expansion has the potential to substantially increase liquid bulk capacity and will enable the Port to continue to be a major player in the global market for years to come.
Hardman notes a legislative shift in focus to the maritime industry, an expected resurgence in petroleum and a partnership with the Louisiana International Terminal in St. Bernard Parish as more stepping stones in the Port’s steady race to success.
Hardman concludes, “It’s a great time to be in the maritime business.”
