Port of New Orleans Approved Terminal Contracts

The board authorized $8.27 million in new deals for the Louisiana International Terminal project.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Construction

Port of New Orleans Approved Terminal Contracts

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The Port of New Orleans board of commissioners has approved $8.27 million in new contracts to advance the $2.6 billion Louisiana International Terminal project. The move funds essential demolition, engineering, and project management services for the facility.

Why it matters

The terminal is strategically located downriver from the Crescent City Connection to allow for the accommodation of larger container ships. This development is essential for upgrading the region's shipping capacity on the Lower Mississippi River.

The board authorized $8.27 million in new contracts, including a $2.25 million demolition deal and a $4.02 million increase for an existing engineering contract. These agreements support a project projected to eventually handle 2 million TEUs annually.

The players

Cycle Construction Company LLC

This firm was selected to perform site demolition and hazardous material abatement at the terminal location.

Evans-Graves Engineers Inc.

This company secured an 18-month contract to provide project management and design support for the port.

AECOM Technical Services Inc.

This global infrastructure consulting firm received a significant increase to its existing engineering services contract.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

This federal agency is responsible for granting the permits required for major infrastructure projects along the Mississippi River.

The details

The newly authorized contracts cover site demolition, project management, and design support as the port moves forward with a public-private partnership. The demolition phase, which requires asbestos abatement and lead paint handling, is expected to span 130 calendar days.

July 2021: AECOM received an initial $2 million design contract.
August 2026: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted the federal permit for the terminal.
September 24, 2026: The Port NOLA board approved the new contract resolutions.

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Market Landscape

This project represents a major effort to shift the region's competitive positioning by enabling the port to accept larger container ships that cannot pass under the Crescent City Connection. It follows the structural roadmap set by the Port of New Orleans Capital Investment Plan.

While the contracts represent internal logistics and infrastructure development, they serve as the foundation for future regional trade growth. Residents can expect increased industrial activity in the St. Bernard Parish area as the multi-billion dollar facility begins its demolition and construction phases.

The takeaway

The terminal project aims to boost capacity to 2 million TEUs annually by utilizing its downriver location to bypass height restrictions. This long-term investment marks a critical expansion for the region's shipping infrastructure and overall economic potential.