Among the largest ports in the United States and the Western Hemisphere in terms of total tonnage handled, the Port of South Louisiana demands clockwork efficiency to run and visionary managers to secure its future as a leading trade and logistics hub in America.
Founded in 1960, the Port of South Louisiana moves more than 60% of the country’s exported goods to the world, which includes more than 100 million tons of grain, soybeans, wheat, and corn, to name a few. At the same time, the port also moves another 100 million tons of petrochemical products.
“The Port of South Louisiana feeds and fuels the world on a daily basis,” boasts Port of South Louisiana CEO Paul Matthews.
Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic, the port saw an increase in activity.
“Total exports went up by 1%, including chemicals and fertilizers which went up by 7%, corn exports by 20%, and beverage products by 100%,” Director of Communications Micah Cormier pointed out.
Given those figures, the Port of South Louisiana has clearly kept its dominant position. So, the challenge is: How do they improve a system that’s already performing well and is there more space for growth? The answer lies in the area of sustainable energy.
“We are a port that is constantly looking at the future of clean energy. As a matter of fact, we want to be the world’s premiere energy diverse port,” said Matthews, who added that many Japanese companies are being incentivized by their government to be more carbon-neutral.
So, to be the carbon neutrality partner for Japanese companies is a big deal for the port. That objective is set in other countries across Europe and North Africa, which have increased their demand for clean energy.
As 2022 comes to a close, Matthews has reaffirmed his commitment to to transform the region’s economic fabric by raising the global standard for ports. Led by Matthews, the Port of South Louisiana's team intends to increase its market share across multiple categories, expand its infrastructure, and invest in cross-value collaborations.
“We are not sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to happen. By investing in clean and sustainable energy today, we’re investing in everyone’s future. We are open for business and will make sure it stays that way,” Matthews said.
