March 24 - Cargo handled at the Port of New Orleans' public docks in 2014 totalled 8.37 million tonnes, a 28 percent rise compared with 2013 and the gateway's highest total since 2000.
Imports of steel and containerised cargo led the growth, said the port, with imported iron and steel rising 101.6 percent year-on-year to 3.54 million tonnes. Overall breakbulk volumes totalled 3.76 million tonnes, which is a 51.7 percent increase compared with the previous year.
"It was a busy year for the port and these numbers reflect the success we've realised from the combined efforts of the entire port community," said Gary LaGrange, president and ceo of the port.
La Grange added that new shippers and project cargo generated by the growing chemical industry should bolster cargo figures in the future.
Project cargo handled at the Port of New Orleans.
