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PLAQUEMINES PORT IS NOW

LOUISIANA GATEWAY PORT

Connecting Louisiana to Global Commerce

Located at the entrance to the Mississippi River, Louisiana Gateway Port is a Deepwater Port Authority on the Lower Mississippi River. Our jurisdiction encompasses the first 81 miles of the river from the Gulf inland. This unique geography provides predictable deep-draft access, intermodal connectivity, and reliable vessel movement — supporting trade, industry, and the surrounding community.

Business & Shipping
FERRY SERVICES
PUBLIC RECORDS

LOUISIANA'S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Louisiana Gateway Port manages deep-draft access and port services across the first 81 miles of the Mississippi River—connecting global trade to Louisiana’s inland markets while supporting ferry operations and public access.

ABOUT US

NAVIGATE THE PORT

Select your destination & chart your course through Louisiana's gateway to the world.
High-altitude aerial views show the density of maritime traffic, with multiple large cargo vessels navigating the Mississippi River.

Business, Logistics & Site Selection

For cargo owners, carriers, 3PLs, and site selectors

Learn how Louisiana Gateway Port supports predictable vessel windows, faster cargo turns, and inland reach through river, rail, road, and barge connections along the lower Mississippi River.

Explore Port Capabilities
The M/V Plaquemines Pride, a blue and white ferry operated by the Louisiana Gateway Port. It provides vehicle and passenger service across the Mississippi River between Belle Chasse and Scarsdale.

Residents & Ferry Riders

For Plaquemines Parish residents and commuters

Stay informed with real-time ferry service updates, construction notices, detours, safety alerts, and community information from the Port.

View Ferry Information
A close-up of a printed booklet titled

Media, Government & Public Records

For journalists, policymakers, and stakeholders

Access official statements, economic impact data, media assets, and public information related to Port operations and governance.

Visit the Public Records Center

WE TURN BIGGER SHIPS FASTER

 
The Louisiana Gateway Port ranks in the Top 20 Largest Ports1 in the United States in terms of total tonnage — powering $6.5 billion in annual economic output2 and 1 in every 5 maritime3 jobs in Louisiana.

50-Foot Deep Channel/No Air-Draft Limits

Accommodates the largest vessels on the river through a 50-foot authorized channel with no air-draft limits

14 Major Anchorages

Reduces delays and congestion by providing anchorages that allow vessels to safely stage and sequence transits.

Intermodal Connectivity reaching 30+ U.S. states

Speeds cargo movement beyond the dock by connecting ocean vessels to inland markets through river, rail, and highway networks.

 

Sources: 1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Transportation Statistics data; 2. Louisiana Gateway Port Economic Impact Report July 8, 2025; 3. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).

Learn More About Our Role in Louisiana’s Economy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Louisiana Gateway Port?

Louisiana Gateway Port is the public port authority responsible for managing the first 81 miles of the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico inland, supporting deep-draft vessel access, ferry services, and economic development for Louisiana.

Learn more about the Port ⇒

Why is Louisiana Gateway Port considered Louisiana’s gateway to global trade?

Because all deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Louisiana through the Mississippi River pass through Louisiana Gateway Port territory, making it the state’s most direct connection between global shipping lanes and inland U.S. markets.

Explore the Port's Connectivity & Inland Access ⇒

How deep is the navigation channel?

The authorized navigation channel is 50 feet deep with no air-draft limits, allowing large ocean-going vessels to move efficiently and predictably through the Port.

Review Port Statistics & Channel Depth Details ⇒