---
title: "Rising Tides: Louisiana Gateway Port Hits #13 Nationally"
description: "Louisiana Gateway Port reaches #13 in U.S. port rankings, reflecting 50.5 million tons of cargo and growth fueled by LNG and river access."
---

[Louisiana Gateway Port Blog ](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/blog)

# [Rising Tides: Louisiana Gateway Port Hits #13 Nationally](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/blog/rising-tides-louisiana-gateway-port-hits-13-nationally)

 Written by [Louisiana Gateway Port](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/blog/author/louisiana-gateway-port) | Feb 9, 2026 3:53:35 PM

** **

 

# 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. ](https://www.bts.gov/sites/bts.dot.gov/files/2026-01/BTS_Port-Performance-2026_Annual-Report_Final%2011326.pdf#:~:text=Source%3A%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Transportation%2C,data%20as%20of%20August%202025.)<https://www.bts.gov/sites/bts.dot.gov/files/2026-01/BTS_Port-Performance-2026_Annual-Report_Final%2011326.pdf>

## **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](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/port-growth) and [Projects](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/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.

| **Metric** | **2025 Report** | **2026 Report** | **Change** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **National Rank** | #15 | **#13** | **+2 Spots** |
| **MS River Rank** | #5 | **#4** | **+1 Spot** |
| **Total Tonnage** | ~42.6 Million | **~50.5 Million** | **+18.5%** |
| **Primary Driver** | Agribulk | **LNG & Energy** | **Diversified** |

## **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](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/port-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**.](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/economic-impact-analysis) 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](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/).*

[View full post](https://www.louisianagatewayport.com/blog/rising-tides-louisiana-gateway-port-hits-13-nationally)

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