New Orleans Port Has Gain in 2012, Despite Flat Containers

Growth in imported steel of more than 38 percent and other break-bulk cargo gains led the Port of New Orleans to a third straight year of healthy tonnage increases, it said. Total general cargo tonnage at the port grew 8.6 percent to 7.55 million tons in 2012. Containerized cargo was virtually flat with a record year in 2011. Port CEO Gary LaGrange attributed part of the growth to improvement in the general economy. The port also completed several cargo projects in 2012, including adding two new post-Panamax gantry cranes and a new 40,000 square-foot Riverfront Cold Storage Facility.