Port of New Orleans

area, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The Port of New Orleans is a vital economic hub for the city and the United States. Its modern era began in 1879 with the construction of jetties to deepen river passes, improving access for ships. The port's administration was centralized in 1896 under the Board of Commissioners, leading to significant improvements and the creation of canals that link it to waterways like the Intracoastal Waterway and the Mississippi River.12

New Orleans is a major global port for grain exports and handles various other commodities, including agricultural products, chemicals, and petroleum. It is a world leader in lighter aboard ship (LASH) and Seabee barge operations, crucial for moving bulk goods like grain and coal.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

New Orleans
The port
The era of the modern Port of New Orleans began in 1879 with the construction of jetties in South Pass, one of three passes that flow from the river into the gulf. Sandbars had formed at intervals in these passes and had hindered ships entering the river since the city’s…
Read More
The era of the modern Port of New Orleans began in 1879 with the construction of jetties in South Pass, one of three passes that flow from the river into the gulf. Sandbars had formed at intervals in these passes and had hindered ships entering the river since the city’s…
Read More