In 2023, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) achieved a milestone with 20,500 container moves through its container-on-barge service, the highest number since the program began in 2016. This collaboration with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group forms the largest network of its kind in the U.S., providing an eco-friendly alternative to road transport by using barges on the Mississippi River.
The initiative led to significant environmental benefits, including a reduction of nearly 2.9 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and conservation of over 130,000 gallons of diesel fuel in 2023. The cumulative CO2 emissions reduction from the service has exceeded 22.9 million pounds, equivalent to the absorption capacity of approximately 478,000 mature trees in a year.
Port NOLA aims to further expand this service in the coming years. The increased use of the container-on-barge service may impact the trucking industry, particularly affecting the demand for intermodal truck transport. While water-based transport offers efficiency and emissions reduction benefits, questions arise about its scalability and overall impact on logistics.
Looking beyond 2023, Port NOLA plans to enhance its container-on-barge service, explore new routes, and form strategic partnerships to improve efficiency and sustainability. The development of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) is expected to boost the port’s container handling capacity, incorporating modern green technologies to reduce emissions.
Although the container-on-barge service represents a small portion of the port’s overall container throughput, the results have been positive, emphasizing the advantages of adding modal choice. The success of expanding services like LIT depends on balancing economic viability, environmental impact, and logistical feasibility, while integrating more inland and international routes to reduce reliance on road transport.
