Ports in Louisiana: New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Transportation

Type:

Coverage: Louisiana

Abstract:

This report provides background information and import/export statistics on the ports of New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge. These ports provide important access to world markets and sources of exported and imported raw materials. The three ports are usually discussed together because of their shared geography, ship traffic, and cargo. When Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, it stalled the transportation supply lines for imports and exports in the area. Port Fourchon, which is a multi-use port and services offshore oil and gas facilities and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port will not be covered in this report. For additional information on this topic, see CRS Report RS22257, Hurricane Katrina: Shipping Disruptions, by John Frittelli; and CRS Report RL33075, U.S. Agriculture After Hurricane Katrina: Status and Issues, by Randy Schnepf and Ralph Chite. This report will be updated as needed.