Rising to the Occasion: Louisiana Gateway Port Hits #13 in National Rankings

The maritime landscape of the United States is shifting—and that change is rooted right here in Plaquemines Parish.

With the release of the 2026 Port Performance Freight Statistics Annual Report by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on January 29, the data confirms a pivotal reality: the Louisiana Gateway Port (LGP) is no longer just a "project to watch." We are now firmly established as a premier force in global trade.

The Numbers: A Statement of Intent

The numbers tell a story of rapid, intentional ascent. Louisiana Gateway Port is now ranked #13 in the nation for total tonnage, officially placing us among the most productive maritime hubs in the United States.

For a port district that recently reintroduced itself to the world under a new name, this is more than an achievement—it is a statement. This ranking reflects years of strategic investment by our commissioners, staff, labor partners, and private-sector stakeholders.

Official Data Source: Rankings are based on the January 29, 2026, reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2026 Bureau of Transportation Statistics Report. 

Reordering the Mississippi: The New #4

While our national rise is significant, our new standing on the Mississippi River—the most important commercial waterway in North America—is even more telling. Louisiana Gateway Port is now the 4th largest port on the Mississippi River.

This represents a fundamental "changing of the guard." By overtaking long-established hubs, we have proven that the economic center of gravity is moving toward the Gulf. As the "First Mile" of North American trade, we serve as the final, most vital link between the American heartland and the global market.

The Gateway Advantage at #4:

• Unrestricted Access: We are the largest port on the river that can service the world’s biggest vessels without the constraints of bridge clearances.
• Economic Momentum: While the top river rankings have remained static for years, LGP is the only port in the top five showing double-digit growth.

By the Numbers: The Port of Tomorrow Today

While many traditional hubs are facing capacity limits or aging infrastructure, Louisiana Gateway Port is surging forward. According to the 2026 report, our port handled approximately 50.5 million short tons of cargo—an 18.5% increase over the previous reporting period.

To put that figure in perspective, LGP now outpaces many long-established deep-water ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. This growth is not incremental; it is transformational.

• Learn more about Port Growth and Projects

What Drives the #13 Ranking?

Our national standing is an aggregate measurement of our entire cargo portfolio, reflecting a diversified and resilient port economy.

1. The Energy Surge (Liquid Bulk)

The most dramatic catalyst for our climb is liquid bulk—specifically Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The 2026 report is the first to fully reflect the commercial operations of the Venture Global Plaquemines LNG facility. As exports ramped up, our liquid bulk volumes added millions of tons to our annual throughput, fundamentally reshaping our global relevance.

2. Feeding the World (Dry Bulk)

Even as energy exports surge, LGP remains a cornerstone of global agricultural trade. Grain, coal, and industrial commodities continue to move through our terminals at world-class volumes. In fact, when measured strictly by Dry Bulk Tonnage, our port ranks #2 in the entire nation.

3. Specialized Cargo & Breakbulk

Our 81 miles of contiguous deep-draft riverfront provide unmatched flexibility for specialized cargo and project equipment, ensuring we remain a critical transfer point for the energy and construction sectors.

Measuring Momentum: 2025 vs. 2026

In the maritime world, rankings usually change slowly. A jump of multiple positions in a single year is a massive shift in market share.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Top 

While we are proud of reaching #13, our eyes are on the Top 5. We are currently executing a master plan representing more than $29 billion in public and private investment.

Our next frontier is containerization. Through our partnership with APM Terminals, we are developing a state-of-the-art container facility designed to handle the largest vessels afloat. Combined with continued LNG expansion, these developments position Louisiana Gateway Port to break into the Top 5 U.S. ports by 2030.

• Read the port's Master Plan to see how Louisiana Gateway Port is aiming to be in the Top 5

Why This Matters

A national ranking is more than a statistic; it is an economic engine for Louisiana. Port activity in our district supports more than 32,000 jobs statewide. The revenue generated by this growth allows for reinvestment in local infrastructure, education, and coastal restoration—strengthening our community without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

When the port grows, Louisiana grows.

The world is coming to our docks. We are ready.

For more information on our operations and future projects, visit www.louisianagatewayport.com.