U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Grants Federal Permit for Louisiana International Terminal, Authorizing Construction of America's Next Great Deepwater Port

August 20, 2026 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the federal permit authorizing construction of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), clearing the way for the nation's only new greenfield container port currently under development — a project positioned to redefine Gulf Coast trade capacity, strengthen the U.S. supply chain, and accelerate American manufacturing and commerce.

Strategically located on the Lower Mississippi River with direct access to the Gulf of America, LIT will connect more than 30 states to global markets through direct access to every major Class I railroad and the interstate highway system. Backed by a public-private partnership among Port NOLA, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the port terminal operating arm of MSC, and Ports America the project has advanced through federal review with strong support from Louisiana's bipartisan congressional delegation, the State of Louisiana, and regional economic development leaders.

"This is a defining moment not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country," said Gov. Jeff Landry. "The Louisiana International Terminal will stimulate economic growth and cement Louisiana's role as the nation's gateway to global trade. This investment will expand opportunities for American businesses and workers, lift up opportunities for Louisiana families, and ensure Louisiana remains a driving force in the nation's future.”

Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, commented, "Today's permit turns years of engineering, environmental review, and partnership into forward motion," said Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. "This is not simply a regional port expansion — it is nationally significant infrastructure that will expand American export capacity and position Louisiana to lead the next generation of maritime commerce. We are ready to build."

National Economic Turning Point

Modern container ships have outgrown much of America's existing port infrastructure — vessels now regularly exceed 16,000 containers, far beyond what can pass under the fixed clearance of the Crescent City Connection Bridge. LIT will be built to handle these vessels, positioning the Gulf to compete directly for global shipping traffic that might otherwise move through competing gateways.

According to independent economic analysis, (https://www.portnolaimpact.com/) cargo activity through Port NOLA already supports more than $101 billion in total economic value nationwide and more than 342,000 American jobs, including over 122,000 in Louisiana alone. At full buildout, LIT is projected to add thousands of additional jobs and generate billions of dollars in new tax revenue across the country, reinforcing the terminal’s role as critical national infrastructure — not merely a regional project.

What's Next

With the federal permit granted, Port NOLA and its private-sector partners will begin moving the project into its next phase, building on the momentum of this critical federal approval. The project continues to be supported by a working relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Louisiana, and Louisiana's full federal delegation.

SOURCE: Port of New Orleans