The Port of South Louisiana eclipsed the 300 million ton mark last year, driven by gains in its handling of chemicals and fertilizer, coal, crude oil, ores and phosphate rock, petrochemicals, and steel products, according to reports released last week.
With total tonnage of 307.8 million short tons last year, the Port of South Louisiana recorded a 4.4 percent year-over increase. The port also saw increases in vessel calls and barge movements of 4,589 and 65,490, respectively.
“I was very pleased to see the Port of South Louisiana increase its tonnage, vessel and barge numbers by such an impressive amount,” Paul Aucoin, executive director of the Port of South Louisiana, said. “We look forward to another good year.”
Exports accounted for more than 71.7 million short tons, a 6 percent year-over increase, and domestic trade topped 160.1 million short tons, a 4.2 percent year-over increase. Gains in export trade were driven by commodities, with grain increasing 31 percent, chemicals and fertilizers increasing 85 percent, coal/lignite/coke increasing 84 percent, and crude oil increasing 509 percent.
Additionally, imports increased by 2 percent. Gains in crude oil (1 percent), ores and phosphate rock (2 percent), petrochemicals (5 percent) and steel products (108 percent) showed the way.