By Lauren A. Maupin, Head of Public Relations St. Bernard Port
St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District rounds out 2024, with notable differences from past reports. The year in review features the port cargo statistics from the previous year and often compares past years to reflect on the numbers in total. Breakdown of the Numbers Total cargo tonnage for 2024 was 7,327,374.347, with 468,028.004 in Breakbulk and 6,859,346.343 in Dry Bulk. Breakbulk is used for goods that cannot fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins, such as grains, minerals, and oil. Dry bulk is used for goods shipped in large amounts and is highly regulated to avoid spillage or contamination. Some examples of these goods are aluminum, petroleum coke, and scrap. In Breakdown by Commodity, Metallic Ores and Minerals held the most number for inbound commodities, with 2,256,241.765, while Coke and Coal held the biggest number outbound, with 1,581,194.747. There were 338 Vessels total, with Dock 2 in Chalmette leading with 143 vessels. Meraux Buoys (Upper in Lower) came in second at 106 vessels. This compares to 2023’s Year in Review, with Dock 2 having 126 vessels and Meraux
Buoys having 116. The total tonnage is an impressive 3 million more than the 2023 report, which was 6.9 million in overall tonnage. Drew Heaphy, the Executive Director of the port, shares his thoughts on the report: “Last year’s numbers align with the many projects and changes we’ve implemented in the past year. I am pleased that the numbers reflect that.” After a complete demolition in 2020, the Chalmette Slip reconstruction has been completed. The $38 million project included the demolition of Dock 1 Section A and Dock 2 Section F. The St. Bernard Port also refurbished the 60-year-old and nearly 500-foot “former Kaiser” Smokestack, which included restoring the ladders and four catwalks and installing FAA and LED lights. The LED lights illuminate the smokestack’s east and west sides, highlighting the St. Bernard Port. With the completion of older projects and more in production, the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District continues its efforts to be one of St. Bernard Parish’s “economic engines.”
For more information about the port and its impact, please visit its website: stbernardport.com, and follow us on Facebook @stbernardportofficial.
