LOI signed for eco-friendly container terminal in Plaquemines Parish

Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District (PPHTD) recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with “several potential partners” to develop a multimodal container terminal in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

As informed, the signing of the LOI kicks off a 6-month “Due Diligence” period during which the parties will conduct multiple studies prior to making a final investment decision.

The proposed, environmentally friendly container terminal will be powered by a combination of LNG and electricity. It will encompass up to 1,000 acres and 8,200 feet of Mississippi River frontage just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

Phase one of the construction is expected to take as little as two years and will deliver the capability to handle 22,000-TEU class vessels with the ability to expand capacity if needed.

Once the terminal is operational, US Midwest shippers will be able to containerize and export many agricultural products, refrigerated cargo and chemical resins thanks to American Patriot Holdings (APH), one of the companies that signed the LOI. APH’s 2,375-TEU liner vessel will provide Mississippi River transport as far north as Saint Louis, reaching upriver speeds of 13 mph. APH’s hybrid vessels, with a 1,700-TEU capacity, will provide transport service in tributary rivers.

The patented no-wake bow and exoskeleton structure, along with the LNG propulsion, will reduce shipper transportation costs and improve reliability as they could potentially service inland container centers around St. Louis, Jefferson City, Little Rock, Memphis, Joliet, Kansas City, Cairo, and Western Arkansas, the port said.

“This will be the Gateway Port on the Gulf Coast capable of taking full advantage of the distribution network on the Mississippi and tributary rivers while reducing road congestion in the region and accommodating LNG-powered vessels to enhance environmental sustainability,” Sandy Sanders, Plaquemines Port Executive Director, commented.

“We are extremely pleased and supportive that the port has attracted several world-class partners to fully explore the development of a modern and efficient terminal in Plaquemines,” Trudy Newberry, Vice-Chairman of the Plaquemines Port, said.

Developing and operating a modern gateway container terminal on the Gulf Coast is expected to reduce exposure to congestion and improve reliability. And, a new LNG terminal proposed adjacent to the facility opens the door for large LNG-powered containerships in the U.S.

APH Principals Joe Gehegan and Bob McCormack recognize their LNG vessels will provide a vertically integrated transportation system resulting in significant shipper transportation savings and reliability to the Midwest.

Another key player, Louisiana 23 Development Company, LLC (Devco), led by Chris Fetters, was selected as the exclusive private development partner for Plaquemines Port in December 2019. Devco will provide financial solutions and funding alternatives to support the container terminal development. The company will be responsible for funding and constructing critical infrastructure including rail, warehousing and utility services.