Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District (Plaquemines Port) has signed a letter of intent with APM Terminals (APMT) to construct a container terminal on the West Bank of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, US.
The new terminal reportedly holds the potential to promote new business west of the Mississippi River, allowing for new markets of import and export cargo while continuing to grow the various existing Louisiana markets.
It will be the port closest to the mouth of the river (three hours longer round trip to the nearest proposed terminal); with the widest ship turning radius.
Plaquemines Port will lease the land to APMT under a 30-year agreement with extension options. APMT estimates the initial investment in terminal infrastructure will be approximately $500 million, which will be privately funded.
READ: APMT to operate new container terminal at Plaquemines Port
The initial phase will encompass 200 acres, on-dock rail, and a berth capable of handling the largest ships now traversing the expanded Panama Canal (14,000 TEU).
There will be options to expand the site up to 900 acres for terminal expansion and complementary logistics activities.
Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, said: “APMT is a world leader in container terminal operations. This major commitment shows the market’s tremendous confidence in Louisiana as the home of vibrant, growing port activity.
“Today’s announcement is a direct investment into the businesses and industries that have built Louisiana, and I look forward to the major impact our ports will continue to have on job growth and the economy here in our state.”
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“In time, this greenfield site has all the potential to evolve into one of the big ship gateways into the US,” said Wim Lagaay, APMT’s Senior Investment Advisor to the CEO.
“This venture allows us to build from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to create a modern logistics hub that lifts standards of safety, efficiency, and productivity.
“Our collaboration with the Plaquemines Port and local stakeholders is key to developing a facility that sets new industry standards and serves as a boon to the economic vitality of the region.”
Earlier this month, AD Ports Group announced that Noatum Terminals has acquired 100 per cent ownership of APMT Castellón in Spain for a total purchase consideration of €10 million ($10.95 million).
More recently, APMT Pipavav signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding to develop a complete green hydrogen ecosystem and port infrastructure.
