Port Log Fall 2018 by Renaissance Publishing

CONTENT

P O R T S TA F F

executive director

deputy director

c h i e f

Roy Quezaire

o p e r at i n g o f f i c e r

Vincent Caire

airport director

director of business development

executive counsel

director of finance

director of o p e r at i o n s

director of human resources

s p e c i a l

Dale Hymel, Jr.

Cindy Martin

director of a d m i n i s t r at i o n

Paul Aucoin

projects officer

Linda Prudhomme Melissa Folse Grant Faucheux Brian Cox Tamara Kennedy Joel T. Chaisson

Lee “Buddy” Amedee

director of trade development

port of south louisiana 171 Belle Terre Blvd., P.O. Box 909 LaPlace, LA 70069-0909 www.portsl.com Phone: (985) 652-9278 | Fax: (504) 568-6270 globalplex intermodal terminal Phone: (985) 652-9278 port of south louisiana executive regional airport Phone: (985) 652-9278 ext 8512 a s s o c i at e d t e r m i n a l s

Phone: (985) 233-8545 The Port of South Louisiana is a member of the Ports Association of Louisiana. To become an associate member of PAL and to help further the maritime industry in Louisiana, please visit PAL’s website at www.portsoflouisiana.org or call the PAL office at (225) 334-9040. CO VER PHO TO PR O V I D E D B Y W E B E R M A R I N E

published by renaissance publishing llc

4 5

director ’ s log overview

6 around the port Adventure in St. John the Baptist Parish 8 what ’ s new The Port’s Stength is Recognized Nationwide 10

airport update

what ’ s new

WorkforceTraining Program at RPCC

Airport Brings Big Business to the Region

YCI Methanol Plant Project Updates

company profile

Weber Marine Harbor Services

project manager art director

Jessica DeBold

Ali Sullivan

production designers Emily Andras, Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney

company profile

port raits

ADM Grain Signs New Lease

port owned facilities

president of sales

Topher Balfer Colleen Monaghan

Brennan Manale, Caitlin Sistrunk, Jessica Jaycox, Sydney Steib

port LOG TRIVIA

traffic manager

v i c e

account executives

Marcy de Luna William Kalec Sarah Ravits contributing writers

30 32

port map final frame

To advertise call Brennan Manale at (504) 830-7298 or email Brennan@myneworleans.com. 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com Copyright 2018 The Port Log, Port of South Louisiana, and Renaissance Publishing LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Port of South Louisiana, Post Office Box 909, LaPlace, LA 70069-0909. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the owner or Publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Port Log is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.

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DIRECTOR’S LOG

n a continued effort to strengthen partnerships with organizations in the River Region and Louisiana, Port of South Louisiana’s efforts during the second quarter of the year focused on economic development, global trade, and education. In May, for instance, in alliance with St. John the Baptist Parish, the Port hosted a breakfast as part of the parish’s celebration of National Economic Development Week. We were honored to have Congressman Cedric Richmond as our special guest and speaker at the well-attended event, which was held to highlight the Port’s economic development impact on the River Region, the state, and the U.S. The Port of South Louisiana is proud to be an economic development partner, and during the event, aimed to recognize all those in the River Region and the state who are active in the creation, retention, and expansion of jobs, the development of a stable tax base, and new industrial investments. During the month of June, the Port of South Louisiana and the World Trade Center of New Orleans welcomed a delegation of European Union dignitaries who were in Louisiana for a regional two-day tour that focused on issues relating to EUU.S. trade. At the afternoon event, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain and Dr. Marvin Moncada, Food Scientist and Pilot Plant Manager for the LSU AgCenter Food Business Incubator provided overviews of Louisiana’s trade with the EU and national/international food venture partnerships, respectively. The Port of South Louisiana also provided an overview of its operations, conveying how our location along the Mississippi River affords opportunities to manufacturers to import raw materials and export finished products throughout the world easily and affordably, making for an ideal partnership with companies overseas. This advantage is what makes the Port of South Louisiana the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere and

d. paul robichaux president

pat sellars vice president

the 16th largest tonnage port in the world. In late July, the Port of South Louisiana affirmed its commitment to land conservation and maritime industry education by entering into cooperative endeavor agreements with both Nicholls State University and River Parish Community College. Two years ago, the Port signed an agreement with Nicholls pledging to support and promote the latter’s Coastal Restoration Program, which seeks to restore and preserve Louisiana’s wetlands, marshes, and beach fronts. We reasserted the financial commitment recently and, in return, Nicholls will continue to provide monthly status reports, updates, and other data related to the program’s milestones, goals and achievements. Moreover, the Port of South Louisiana is also supporting the River Parish Community College’s attempt to develop and implement a Maritime Workforce Program. As maritime businesses seek to expand and add jobs, the RPCC program will be geared toward providing participants with the needed skills and training (including deckhand, safety, and rescue operations) to fill the spots created in the field. Lastly, we couldn’t be more excited about the recent final economic justification report endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Lower Mississippi River channel to 50 feet, a call to action aimed at Congress to appropriate the required funding in next fiscal year’s budget. The Port of South Louisiana and its allies are steadfast in promoting this campaign and we have no doubt that this goal will be achieved in the near future. The Port of South Louisiana takes pride in cultivating business relationships and partnerships with regional businesses, global companies, and local educational institutions as part of our mission to grow the region’s economy and bring prosperity to its individuals. •

joseph scontrino executive vice president

p. joey murray

stanley bazile

treasurer

s e c r e ta r y

robert "poncho" roussel

kelly buckwalter

whitney hickerson

judy songy

vice president

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OVERVIEW

EDIBLE OILS 0.43 (<1%) CONCRETE / STONE PRODUCTS 0.33 (<1%)

43.90

OTHER 0.58 (<1%) STEEL PRODUCTS 3.3 (2%)

43.40

37.82

41.21

St. John and St. James tri-parish regions.

137.51

stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through the St. Charles,

39.62

138.82

to promote commerce and industrial development along the 54-mile

142.28

The state legislature established the Port of South Louisiana in 1960

149.10

153.60

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N CENTER OF THE AMERICAS

ORES / PHOSPHATE ROCK 4.5 (3%)

CHEMICALS / FERTILIZERS 11. 9 (8%)

36.00

37.90

32.25

33.57

32.11

MAIZE 25.9 (17%) COAL / LIGNITE / COKE 11.3 (8%)

37.80

33.90

2017 34.50

2018 35.30

36.94 2016 28.70

32.15

2015

ANIMAL FEED 5.9 (4%)

2014

NUMBER OF VESSEL CALLS: 2,174 NUMBER OF BARGE MOVEMENTS: 30,680

34.63

TOTAL TONNAGE: 149,082,434 FIRST + SECOND QUARTER 2018 (IN MILLION SHORT TONS)

36.81

32.80

SOYBEAN 16.1 (11%)

WHEAT 1.1 (<1%) SORGHUM (MILO) + RICE 0.8 (<1%)

PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA TOTAL TONNAGE JANUARY–JUNE (IN MILLIONS OF SHORT TONS)

PETROCHEMICALS 28.8 (19%)

CRUDE OIL 38.1 (26%)

EXPORTS

DOMESTIC SHIPPED

IMPORTS

DOMESTIC RECEIVED

MISSION

PHILOSOPHY

FACILITIES

The Port is charged with a mission to promote maritime commerce, trade and development, and to establish public and private partnerships for the creation of intermodal terminals and industrial facilities.

The Port’s philosophy of development is to entice companies to set up regional operations within its boundaries. The Port serves primarily as a “landlord” port to more than 30 grain, petroleum and chemical companies. The exception to this is the port-owned world-class intermodal Globalplex facility SoLaPort, and the St. James Westbank property.

Within the Port’s jurisdiction, there are seven grain elevators, multiple midstreaming operations, more than 40 liquid and dry-bulk terminals, the Globalplex Intermodal Terminal and the Port’s Executive Regional Airport.

GOVERNANCE

The Port is under the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana and authorized by the state constitution. A seven-member board of commissioners directs the Port; all of them are unsalaried. Four members are appointed by the governor, with one member representing each of the associated parishes and one at-large member; the remaining members are appointed by the presidents of each parish.

WORLD’S LARGEST PORT DISTRICT

The ports of South Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Bernard and Plaquemines make up the world’s largest continuous port district. They are responsible for moving one-fifth of all U.S. foreign waterborne commerce.

PORT AREA

The Port covers a 54-mile stretch of the lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port begins at river mile 114.9AHP near the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and winds through St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. It continues north to river mile 168.5AHP just north of the Sunshine Bridge. • W W W. P O R T S L . C O M | FA L L 2 0 1 8

AROUND THE PORT

San Francisco Plantation

AR O U ND T HE POR T BY WILLIAM KALEC

St. John the Baptist Parish’s list of ‘must-dos’ whether you’re a local or a visitor just passing through MUST-DO NO. 1: FIND SOMETHING TO EAT

This task is equal parts easy and hard. Easy in the sense that St. John offers a bevy of restaurants featuring great chefs skilled in a variety of culinary genres. Hard in the sense that such delicious diversity makes it tough to pick just one place for a meal. Our suggestion? Stick around and try them all! For those seeking classic South Louisiana flavor and a picturesque view, Frenier Landing in LaPlace (113 Dottie Lane, frenierlanding.com) and Bec’s at the Lake

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(105 Gary Road, becsatthelake. com) are ideal settings to satisfy both those desires. Nestled on the western shores of Lake Pontchartain, neighboring the St. John Boat Launch, Frenier Landing’s menu is jam-packed with seafood dishes including the ever-popular Stuffed Catfish and the Eggplant Napoleon, with shrimp, crabmeat and a crawfish cream sauce. After enjoying those dishes, stick and sip a glass of wine while taking in the magnificent South Louisiana sunset. Bec’s at the Lake — operated by longtime local restauranteur

George Becnel — is basically right next door, so the splendid views are nearly identical. Try the Steak Pontchartrain — seared medallions of Angus sirloin and butterflied shrimp caramelized in Bec’s signature Lake Sauce – and thank us later. Connie’s Grill in Reserve (1462 Hwy 44, 985-536-3256) and Pirogue’s Cafe (719 W 10th St, Reserve, LA 70084, (985) 4797800) both specialize in delicious plate lunches and, are popular workday destinations for those employed within the Port District. Looking for something outside of the traditional, regional cuisine?

AROUND THE PORT

Well, there’s Zaman Mediterranean in LaPlace (1502 W. Airline Hwy, 985-359-5566) which features fantastic dishes like Shish Kabob and Moussaka, or Petra’s Restaurant for a variety of veal, pasta and seafood dishes (1036 W. Airline Hwy., 985-359-8888). Chung’s Heavenly Sweets offers Korean dishes coupled with fantastic desserts (607 Belle Terre Blvd, Ste J, 985-359-7987). MUST-DO NO. 2: THE ANDOUILLE FESTIVAL

Consider this the ultimate MEAT-up. From October 19 to October 21 this year, expect a crowd of 20,000 visitors to come to the grounds next to the St. John Community Center on Highway 51 for the 45th annual Andouille Festival — a celebration of the Parish’s signature spicy sausage. Besides dozens of food vendors, rows of carnival rides, and good music, the Andouille Festival features a handful of headline events, more importantly Andouille. To work off those calories, feel free to move and sway and dance to some of the best gospel bands around in the Gospel Tent on Sunday. For information on the 2018 festival, visit www.andouillefestival.com. MUST-DO NO. 3: ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY OF THREE HISTORIC PLANTATION HOMES

St. John the Baptist Parish features historic plantation homes on both the East Bank and West Bank of the Mississippi River. On the West Bank stands Evergreen Plantation and Whitney Plantation — both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the East Bank sits San Francisco Plantation nestled under centuries-old live oaks, home to one of the finest antique collections in the United States. Evergreen Plantation, located in the community of Edgard, is still privately owned, still fully intact, and is located on the grounds of a sugar cane operation

that’s still functioning. Built in 1790 and restored in 1832, the main house reflects the Greek Revival Style. On the grounds, 29 of the 37 buildings are antebellum, making Evergreen regarded as one of the most authentic and intact plantations in the South. Tours are offered every day but Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., although spots fill up fast and tours have been known to sell-out days in advance. For more information on Evergreen Plantation, visit its website: www.evergreenplantation.org. Not far down the road in Wallace, Whitney Plantation focuses on the lives and legacies of the slaves that once lived there, offering visitors a look at a 1830s sugar plantation through the eyes of those who worked the land. In 2014, Whitney Plantation opened its doors to the public for the first time in its then 262-year history, and features museum exhibits, artwork and first-hand narratives from those enslaved. During Whitney Plantation’s 90-minute walking tour, visitors get to experience the only surviving example of a true Creole Barn and the oldest detached kitchen in Louisiana. For tickets and information, please visit www.whitneyplantation.com. San Francisco Plantation is located on River Road in Garyville, and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the area. The main house was built in 1856, but was restored in an opulent manner in the 1970s and 1980s to a style not typical of the antebellum period. Because of its architecture and the natural beauty of the grounds, San Francisco Plantation is a popular setting for weddings and social events. Tours begin every 20 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, taking patrons through all 14 rooms of the plantation and the grounds. For more information, go to www.sanfranciscoplantation.org. •

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W H AT ’ S N E W

A S T R ONG P OR T BY WILLIAM KALEC

National publications and regional organizations recognize the Port as an economic juggernaut and a vital source for quality employment in the River Parishes region and beyond

or the Port of South Louisiana, the accolades and honors keep rolling in. This time, the Port topped the list at No. 1 when Global Trade magazine recently ranked the Top 50 U.S. “Power Ports” — a list that considers a Port’s total activity, total cargo tonnage, willingness to embrace and implement

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new technology and dedication to accommodate future growth. Of the Port of South Louisiana, Global Trade wrote: The Port handles nearly 60 percent of the exports leaving Louisiana, and about 15 percent of all total U.S. exports. The Port spans an impressive 54 miles and holds 40 liquid and dry bulk terminals. It’s also home

to one of the most active Foreign Trade Zones in America- FTZ 124. Other local Ports that made the list include the Port of New Orleans (No. 4), the Port of Baton Rouge (No. 8) and Plaquemines Port (No. 11). “We consider it an honor,” said Paul Aucoin, the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Director.

W H AT ’ S N E W

“It’s more than a feel-good thing. It’s promotion. Every time you get mentioned in a ranking like that, it calls attention to the Port and shows why so many companies are located here and so many more have an interest in coming here. It gets them to think, ‘Well, maybe that’s where we should go.’ “And that’s what we want, because when companies decided to locate on the (Mississippi River), that’s economic development.” To that point, honors like the one bestowed by Global Trade bring back into focus the Port’s prominent role in the economic development of the River Parishes. Yes, it’s known as the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere, but that distinction directly translates into an immense local financial impact. According to Greater New Orleans Inc. — a regional economic development alliance that promotes job growth and wealth creation in a 10-parish area of Southeast Louisiana — the Port of South Louisiana is responsible for 30,000 jobs, meaning more than half of the workforce in St. John the Baptist, St. James and St. Charles Parishes takes home a paycheck from a Portrelated business. Companies within the Port District compile $14 billion in annual sales and pay 4 percent of all business taxes collected by the state of Louisiana. Workers in the Port of South Louisiana collect $2 billion in personal earnings each year, which is 40 percent of all income for the residents of the River Parishes.

“Clearly, the River is the biggest asset since it’s the most important navigable waterway in North America,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO Inc. “But then around that, you have the infrastructure of the Port that can handle all the bulk and breakbulk activity that comes down the River — be it agriculture, oil and gas, or other. And then the Port exists within a culture that understands and supports the maritime industry. So with all that, you have a River Region that ties much of its economic existence to the Port of South Louisiana.” Despite its already-impressive role in the local economy, the Port’s impact should only intensify in the coming years and decades, as it currently has $23 billion worth of announced projects. Those include the $9.4 billion Formosa chemical manufacturing complex in St. James and its 1,200 jobs with an average salary of $84,500, along with billion-dollar-plus facilities being built for South Louisiana Methanol, Eurochem and Yuhuang Chemical. “When you look at it, the economic development, it’s all longterm economic development, and that’s important,” Aucoin said. “The jobs are long-term jobs with good pay. So with those jobs, those people are buying houses, and they’re buying cars from local dealers, and buying groceries from the local store. So the whole region gets a boost from the economic impact we’re fortunate enough to create.” •

30,000 Number of people employed within the Port of South Louisiana

$2 billion Yearly combined earnings of those employed within the Port of South Louisiana

$300 million Annual amount of state taxes paid by companies within the Port District

$14 billion Yearly combined sales of companies within the Port District

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AIRPORT NEWS

LIFEBLOOD OF THE REGION’S PROSPERITY BY MARCY DE LUNA

Ex ec uti v e R e g i o n a l A i r p o r t t r affic s b ig bus i ne s s e s i n t o L o u is i a n a

ir transportation systems play vital roles in determining a city’s economic status. The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport offers quick access to Southeast Louisiana and generates revenue dollars that benefit surrounding local communities. The effects are seen all along the Mississippi River, making it a vital part of the region’s prosperity. The airport boasts much success in bringing in money to the area via its ability to attract and support dozens of different industries from around the globe, along with new construction projects. Part of the allure is a 5,100-foot runway, new 6,300 square-foot hangar, and remodeled terminal building with a conference room. What’s more, companies continue to grow and expand throughout the area because of the airport’s efficiency in serving its diverse customer base,

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not only providing aviation services to its general aviation customers but also to executives and contractors flying via private or business aircraft to locations near and remote. Reliable aviation saves valuable time and travel expense for passengers. “The airport is important to the local economy because it provides almost immediate access for the corporate officers who fly in to meet with the industries in the port jurisdiction,” said Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin. “Additionally, it’s an easy access low-cost fuel airport for local airplane owners.” IN THE WORKS Businesses from near and far rely on the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport as a means to extend their range and customer bases. As a result, new construction projects brought in by the airport are ongoing.

Several new facilities are currently in the works including a Fairfield Inn and Suites development on Belle Terre Boulevard for SMC Hotels, Inc. by Shreveport, Louisiana-based Hand Construction Company, and the replacement of existing railroad bridges at Bonne Carre Spillway by Fulton, Missouri’s OCCI Engineering. Located near an access point to Interstate 10, the Fairfield Inn and Suites complex is set to be a welcome addition for business and recreational guests of the River Parishes. Large new railroad bridges at Bonne Carre Spillway will transport freight and raw materials for numerous Port tenants throughout the district. (Both of these projects will be featured in later editions of Port Log.) EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS Funds brought in by the airport benefit the vast region of Southern Louisiana, spanning from the River Parishes to New Orleans to Baton Rouge. In addition to industries bringing in dollars, travelers flying in and out of the airport for leisure contribute to these financial gains. Lunches, dinners, hotel stays, conferences, fast food restaurant meals, and money spent while in town — all dollars driven by the airport — assist in strengthening the area’s economy. Every dollar spent translates to local dollars and revenue. •

P R O J E C T U P D AT E S

BREAKING GROUND BY MARCY DE LUNA

More than 3 0 0 j o b s cre a t e d wit h Yu h u an g Ch e mic al F ac ilit y co ns truc ti o n u n d e r w a y

t’s full steam ahead for Yuhuang Chemical’s $1.85 billion massive methanol manufacturing complex, which spans approximately 1,300 acres of land along the Mississippi River in St. James Parish. The Yuhuang Chemical Facility is significant not only for its positive impact on the area’s economy, but also because it marks the first big industrial project in Louisiana by a top 25 Chinese chemical company: Shandong Yuhuang Chemical Co. Ltd. While a ground-breaking ceremony was held in September 2015, actual construction activity did not begin until early 2017. The expected completion date is mid-2020. PROGRESS REPORT

Phase one of the project, which involves three total phases, is currently underway with several objectives already met. Charlie Yao, CEO of Yuhuang Chemical, tells

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Port Log, “Our marine off-loading facility has been completed and over 5,000 piles have been driven with piping and foundation work now proceeding.” “YCI has begun taking delivery of major equipment and components for integration into the facility. Engineering and procurement of major equipment is virtually complete with construction being the only major project development component remaining,” he added. At this point in the process, about 300 constructions workers are employed, plus 50 Yuhuang Chemical employees. “We anticipate that in September of this year, there will be a considerable increase in construction job opportunities as we move into a very aggressive stage of construction,” said Yao. Long-term, the venture is expected to create up to 2,500 construction jobs at its peak over the life of the three phases including 250 permanent jobs with an average salary of $85,000.

Another 2,365 indirect jobs will be financially beneficial to the area as well. The company estimates approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs by the end of Phase I. FUTURE PHASES

The start date for phase two is currently being evaluated by Yuhuang Chemical and has to be determined; however, it involves the construction of another methanol unit to increase methanol production to about three million four hundred metric tons per year. Plans for phase three include a methanol derivatives plant to produce intermediate chemicals. Upon completion of the second phase, the colossal Yuhuang Chemical Facility will be one of the largest facilities of its kind in the United States, with PHOTO ABOVE: Yuhuang Chemical $1.85 billion methanol manufacturing complex site.

P R O J E C T U P D AT E S

ABOVE: Aerial view of YCI JV Dock, Marine Offloading Dock and Project site. BELOW: Picture of Distillation Column over the heavy haul bridge.

nol via marine, rail, and truck logistics. ‘YCI has developed a strong execution plan for this project and we’ve been impressed with the knowledge and dedication of the team driving it forward,” said Jim Sorlie, senior vice president with Koch Methanol. THE PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA

a production level of 9,900 metric tons of IMPCA quality methanol per day. SECURING THE DEAL

Helping seal the deal for Yuhuang Chemical to build in Louisiana, the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) provided the company with a performance-based grant, a $5 million incentive to be paid over five years starting in 2017, which offsets infrastructure costs. Other benefits for Yuhuang Chemical come from the LED’s FastStart workforce training program and from the State of Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs. Following the news of Yuhuang

Chemical’s major asset, Paris-based company Air Liquide announced a $170 million investment to provide oxygen supply to the facility. The air separation unit, which produces oxygen, nitrogen and argon, will be installed on-site. INVESTMENT BY KOCH METHANOL

As of this August, Koch Methanol acquired an indirect minority equity interest in YCI Methanol One, LLC (YCI Methanol). As part of its investment, affiliates of Koch Methanol will receive the exclusive methanol offtake rights from the new facility, as well as construct, own, and operate the methanol terminal assets for the outbound flow of metha-

In 2017, the Port of South Louisiana set an unprecedented cargo-volume record, as its total tonnage was more than 307.8 million short tons – an amount that once again makes it the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere. The 2017 tonnage total marks a 4.4 percent increase from the 2016 total of 294.9 million short tons. While there are many factors contributing to the eye-popping 2017 totals, large percentage increases in the handling of coal, lignite, soda, chemicals, fertilizers and steel products greatly contributed to the rise of 12.9 million short tons from last year to two years ago. The Port of South Louisiana continues to draw billions of dollars in capital investments from foreign companies such as YCI, and according to experts, this is only the beginning. • W W W. P O R T S L . C O M | FA L L 2 0 1 8

W H AT ’ S N E W PICTURED: Dr. Doty, Chancellor RPCC, Paul Aucoin, PSL Executive Director, and (standing) Dale Hymel, PSL COO.

JUMPSTART TO SUCCESS BY SAM LUCIO

River Parishes Community College and Port of South Louisiana develop the foundation for a new workforce training program

he Port of South Louisiana has entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) to provide $10,000 in assistance to River Parishes Community College to develop a workforce training program. The program aims to train and educate students about maritime and rescue operations, primarily on the Mississippi River. This CEA further cements a nearly 20 year relationship between the Port of South Louisiana and River Parishes Community College. The program will work to bring in industry experts and teach students the most important skills they need to know in order to have a job on the river. “What we do when we have a new program that we’re putting together is we sit down with the people who are the experts,” said Dr. Dale Doty, Chancellor of River Parishes Com-

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munity College, “We end up finding out about the skills that they have to have and then we put together classes that are going to provide those skills in the order that the industry experts tell us that they need to be learned.” Paul Aucoin, Port of South Louisiana Executive Director and River Parishes Community College Board Member, described the CEA with River Parishes Community College as a “perfect fit” because of the Community College’s central location within the Port district. “First of all, their students are from the same area as the port district,” said Aucoin, “it would only be natural for the students that live here to work here.” According to Dr. Doty, the program is mainly being started due to a low number of tow boat deckhands. “In the last two years specifically, we’ve had a good bit of interaction with a couple of tow companies that

are working the river...because of their difficulties getting people prepared to work in that industry and we’ve had those conversations with the Port of South Louisiana about [RPCC] developing a program to prepare people to work on the river,” said Dr. Doty. Paul Aucoin emphasised that since the Port of South Louisiana is continuously expanding, part of having a successful port is having the necessary crew members on the tow boats. “If we help a company expand along the river, well that expansion means more river traffic and that means more tow boats and those tow boats mean more deckhands trained to operate those tow boats,” said Aucoin. “It’s a domino effect.” The program will emphasize safety on the river, which Dr. Doty says will help meet the Port of South Louisiana’s needs as they expand and help the businesses that function within the Port. “There are safety requirements that are unique to the river...people understanding what they have to be able to do to work on the river and with the Port,” said Dr. Doty. To ensure students are well qualified and that they have learned the proper safety techniques, Dr. Doty said that RPCC will include maritime certifications. “[Students are] gonna be ready to go to work and meet the requirements to go to work,” said Dr. Doty. Dr. Doty said that RPCC’s plan is to not only provide the Port of South Louisiana with a better prepared worker, but to also improve the lives of their students. “We’re gonna provide an additional opportunity for the people in the river parishes area to learn the skills that are gonna lead them to a great job that’s gonna be here where they live and long term economic stability for them and their families,” said Dr. Doty. •

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C O M PA N Y P R O F I L E

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WEBER MARINE

W E B E R MAR INE B Y S A R A H R AV I T Z

40 years of service on the Mississippi between New Orleans and Baton Rouge

eber Marine offers a variety of harbor services to customers on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The family business, organized in 1973, provides service to vessels from all over the world on 80 miles of the Mississippi River, 54 of which is the Port of South Louisiana district. Barge fleeting, anchor salvage, dock maintenance / repair and crew boat operations meet the many requirements of local stevedoring companies, barge lines, steamship operators, chemical plants and grain elevators that make up the bulk of the Weber Marine customer list. “We provide Harbor services and solutions as efficiently as possible,” said managing member, John Weber. His 16

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job duties entail overseeing the complete daily operations and administrative functions of the company, including managing insurance, banking, commercial issues and human resources. Weber said the company has grown over the years. Initially, it began as a launch service with outboard powered skiffs that transported passengers. But the need for floating cranes to load supplies to deliver ships also led to the need for push boats, he explains, which move the cranes and barge fleeting for storing the crane barges. “I believe in business school now they would define this as organic growth,” he said. With 125 employees, Weber Marine operates out of Burnside, Louisiana. “LA Mile 167 AHP Mississippi

is our fleeting area and main location,” he said. As they have operated within the Port of South Louisiana for more than 40 years now, Weber said it is a completely cooperative relationship with port officials. “Anytime we’ve asked for assistance” the Port has been there for the company, and the help is reciprocated by Weber, as well. Weber is also proud of the role the company has played in the community, by providing well-paying jobs that enable its employees to be home every day and allowing hundreds of families to support themselves. He concludes, “We believe in doing the best job we can, as effectively and efficiently as possible.” •

G R O W I N G PA R T N E R S H I P S

ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND (ADM), SIGNS NEW LEASE IN APRIL B Y S A R A H R AV I T S

The grai n c o m p a n y w i l l c o n tin u e t o o p e r at e st r at e g ic ally o u t of t he Port’s Glo b a lp le x t e r m i nal in Re se r ve

rcher Daniels Midland Company (ADM), one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, recently signed a long-term lease with the Port for its export facility in Reserve, Louisiana. The company signed its 20-year lease, with a five-year renewal option, in April of 2018. Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin said, “Hopefully we will have them occupying the grain elevator for the next 25 years.” This lease renewal will continue to

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bolster the Port of South Louisiana’s status as the largest tonnage port in the United States and the 16thlargest in the world. Aucoin said ADM’s lease will also continue to provide jobs to local residents, as it directly employs 106 people, in addition to 30 or so maintenance and construction workers at the facility. Headquartered in Illinois, ADM has approximately 31,000 employees in more than 170 countries, and is one of the largest exporters in the South Louisiana region.

“We efficiently move millions of tons of U.S. crops every year to markets around the world,” said Jackie Anderson, a spokeswoman for ADM. The storage capacity is 3.7 million bushels of grain, said Aucoin. Some of it is grown locally; much of it is grown in the Midwest. The grain grown elsewhere is ABOVE PHOTO: (L-R) Wesley Uhlmeyer, President, ADM Grain; Dale Hymel, Port COO; Paul Aucoin, Port Executive Director; Mike Landry, General Manger, ADM; Joseph Accardo, Attorney (representing the Port).

shipped down the Mississippi to the Port’s grain elevator. Last year, Aucoin notes that 65,000 barges came through the Port; he said roughly 75 percent of them were carrying grain, which were shipped to seven grain elevators in the Port’s district. From the Port, these elevators ship to over 90 different countries, he said. The grain elevator sits on 34.07 acres of land, plus 22.2 acres of batture property at the Port’s Globalplex terminal. Aucoin said the Port district overall handled roughly 307 million tons of cargo, which means that the grain exports make up about a third of its total cargo. “We are the largest exporter of grain in the United States. Last year, we had 101. 8 million tons of grain that left through the Port of South Louisiana,” said Aucoin. Anderson points out that, “The Reserve export terminal has been part of ADM’s export network since 1993 and is a critical component to ADM’s industry-leading capabilities in the region.” As for its global importance, Aucoin said, “I like to use the expression that we help feed the world, due to the amount of grain that we handle.” •

TOP: ADM Grain Facility in Reserve, LA. BOTTOM RIGHT: (Sitting L-R) Wesley Uhlmeyer, President ADM Grain, Paul Aucoin, Port Executive Director. (Standing L-R) Dale Hymel, Port COO, Mike Landry, General Manager., ADM Grain and Joseph Accardo, Attorney.

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D R E D G I N G U P D AT E

T H E NE XT ST EPS BY WILLIAM KALEC

Army Corp of Engineers director authorizes reports crucial to dredging the Mississippi River

he United States Army Corps of Engineers’ Director of Civil Works, Mr. James C. Dalton signed evaluation documents in support of the Mississippi River dredging to 50 feet. The General Reevaluation Report (GRR) (economic update) and Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) were required to update the economics needed to justify the Ship Channel deepening. The director’s official report stated: “I request that you concur with my finding that the recommended deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel (MRSC) is economically justified 20

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and environmentally sustainable, and approve budgeting for this project based on the Final GRR and SEIS.” The National Economic Development Plan provides deep draft navigation to a depth of 50 feet from the Gulf of Mexico beginning at River Mile 22 Below Head of Passes through the Port of Baton Rouge ending at River Mile 232.4 Above Head of Passes. The plan provides benefits to the nation in terms of transportation cost savings by allowing more efficient use of vessels. Material dredged from River Mile 13.4 Above Head of Passes to River Mile 19.5 Below Head of Passes will

be used beneficially under the Federal Standard, and it is anticipated that construction dredging in this reach will result in the creation of 1,462 acres of marsh habitat. The total first cost of the general navigation features, presently estimated to be $157.5 million with the estimated federal share of the National Economic Development Plan being $118.1 million (75 percent). For the total first cost of the general navigation features, the estimated non-federal share of the National Economic Development Plan would be $39.4 million (25 percent).

“Louisiana is our nation’s gateway to the world for commerce, so it is vitally important we continue to be globally competitive in shipping capacity. Deepening the Mississippi River Ship Channel is very important for Louisiana and is also strategically important to the nation as a whole,” said House Majority Whip, Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise. “I have consistently fought to move this project forward in Congress, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure it is funded as soon as possible.” BIG RIVER COALITION In 2011 the Big River Coalition identified the three steps required to deepen the Mississippi River Ship Channel to 50 feet to match the controlling depth of the new locks on the Panama Canal: 1. Increase the federal threshold for full channel maintenance from 45 feet to 50 feet. Completed in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. 2. Complete the General Reevaluation Report to update the economic impact of the deepening the MRSC to 50 feet. Completed on August 3, 2018 in the Director’s Report. 3. Fund and dredge the MRSC to 50 feet. The next phase will be to dredge

from Mile 13.4 Above Head of Passes to Mile 19.5 Below Head of Passes. Once completed this phase is expected to open the channel to 50 feet all the way to the Port of South Louisiana to the vicinity of Belmont Crossing (Mile 154 Above Head of Passes). “I’ve been advocating dredging the mouth of the River for several years now. I’m glad the Corps of Engineers has signed the evaluation documents in support of the project. Dreding the mouth of the river to 50 feet is a win-win for the state of Louisiana,” said Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin. “It will create new marshland to help prevent coastal erosion and help keep the Port of South Louisiana reliable and competitive. This will ensure economic development and jobs for years to come.” The Mississippi River Ship Channel connects more miles of navigable waterways than the rest of the world combined connecting the nation’s interior to international trade and maximizing waterborne commerce. The Mighty Mississippi is the only major navigable channel in the world connected to over 300 million acres of agricultural lands. “The Mississippi River Ship Channel deepening project has been the number one infrastructure goal of the Big River Coalition since we revital-

ized the effort with the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in 2011,” Big River Coalition Executive Directory, Sean Duffy said. “The channel deepening would generate commerce, stimulate coastal restoration and enhance the water carrying capacity of the gateway to the center of America: The Lower Mississippi River. The multiple benefits include substantive transportation cost savings to the American Farmers, job creation throughout the nation’s interior, and increased flood protection of businesses, farms and homes.” The Mississippi River remains the nation’s most economically prolific natural resource. Annually over 60 percent of the nation’s grain cargoes are exported out of the Ship Channel. The average annual cost of the deepening project is estimated to be $17.7 million while the average annual benefits are projected to be $127.5 million, making the benefit-to-cost ratio of the Final Plan 7.2 to 1. The deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel is an infrastructure project of national and international significance that would not only promote the economic prosperity of Louisiana, but also that of the nation. •

P O R Tr a i t s

Filming of HBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s television show Vice took place at the Port in early summer. This episode highlighted the need for dredging at the mouth of Mississippi River.

Dan Slane, former transition team member of President Trump along with Sean Duffy, Big River Coalition Paul Aucoin, Port Executive Director

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P O R Tr a i t s

Members of the Illinois Soybean Association visit the Port of the South Louisiana to get first- hand knowledge of the operations of the nation’s leading grain exporter

In conjunction with the World Trade Center of New Orleans, the Port hosted a delegation from the European Union, who was in the New Orleans area for programming sessions. They were given an overview presentation on the Port followed by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain DVM, who gave a presentation on trade between the U.S. and the EU. The session concluded with a brief talk by LSU Director of International Relations Ivana Tregenza followed by LSU AgCenter’s Scientist and Pilot Plant Manager Dr. Marvin Moncada’s presentation on the success of the department’s food incubator.

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P O R Tr a i t s

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES

Stanley Bazile, Commissioner, 5 years

Paul Aucoin, Executive Director, 5 years

Nyler Williams, Administrative Assistant, 20 years

Leon Robinson, Maintenance Repairer, 20 years

Cindy Martin, Director of Administration, 30 years

Alexandra Hernandez, Public Information Officer, 20 years Missing from the Photos: Lori Warner, Accounting Specialist, 25 years Aaorka Hamilton, Guard, 10 years Edward Nowell, Port Operations Assistant Director, 10 years Joseph Scontrino, Commissioner, 5 years Award presenters included: Paul Aucoin, Executive Director, Roy Quezaire, Deputy Director and Tamara Kennedy, Human Resources Director

Paul Robichaux, Commissioner, 5 years 24

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P O R Tr a i t s

Pictured are FBI New Orleans WMD Directorate / Analysts with Port officials Paul Aucoin and Lester Millet III. Team members took a waterborne tradecraft tour aboard the M/V Nathan Folse.

Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL) and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Multimodal division learn about the Port of South Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on the state and nation by being provided with a presentation and tour of the Port. Pictured (L-R) Lisa Braud, PSL; Molly Bourgoyne, La DOTD; Candace Griffith, PAL; Mathew Malphurs, La DOTD; Patti Crockett, PSL; and Brian Cox, PSL.

PORT PARTNERS WITH EDUCATION

Nicholls State University (NSU) visits the Port. (L-R) Paul Aucoin, PSL Executive Director; Linda Prudhomme, PSL Director of Business Development; Monique Crochet, Executive Director for External Affairs at NSU, Allison Clune, and Dr. Jay Clune, President, Nicholls State University.

River Parishes Community College (RPCC) visits the Port. (L-R) Vincent Caire, PSL Airport Director; Joe Trosclair, PSL Marine Ops; Abigail Stonerock, Vice Chancellor, RPCC; Dr. Dale Doty, Chancellor, RPCC; Capt. Ahmad Young, PSL Marine Ops; Roy Quezaire, PSL Deputy Director; and Todd Jacob, PSL Marine Ops.

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P O R T O W N E D FA C I L I T I E S

Globalplex Intermodal Terminal address:

155 West 10th Street, Reserve, La. 70084 P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 p h o n e : 985-652-9278 fa x : 985-653-0798 e - m a i l : info@portsl.com w e b : www.portsl.com c o n ta c t ( s ) : Paul Aucoin, Executive Director; Roy Quezaire, Deputy Director l o c at i o n : River mile 138.5 e q u i p m e n t : Two Manitowoc 2250 rail-mounted gantry cranes; 100,000-pound capacity weighing scale for trucks; 100,000 square foot warehouse; 72,000-square-foot, and 40,000-square-foot transit shed; and a 177,000 square foot paved open storage pad d o c k : 204 ft. x 660 ft. with upstream and downstream mooring dolphins. allow for dockage of panamax size vessels; 700 ft x 65 ft finger pier general cargo operators associated terminals ph : 985-536-4520 mailing address:

Globalplex Bulk Dock mailing address:

P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 985-652-9278 fa x : 985-653-0798 e - m a i l : info@portsl.com w e b : www.portsl.com c o n tac t ( s ): Paul Aucoin, Executive Director; Roy Quezaire, Deputy Director l o c at i o n : River mile 138.5 f u n c t i o n : Transfer and store bulk, primarily cement fluorspar limestone and wood chips e q u i p m e n t : An 800 tons-per-hour continuous Carlsen ship unloader, a 1,800 tons-per-hour ship-loading system, 100,000 tons of cement storage in two storage domes, 70,000 tons of storage for flourspar in an A-frame building and approximately nine acres of paved open storage for wood chips and other products. d o c k :507’ x 44’ with upstream and downstream mooring buoys to allow for panamax-size vessels phone:

ADM Reserve address:

2032 La. Highway 44, Reserve, La. 70084 985-536-1151 fa x : 985-536-1152 w e b : ADMWorld.com c o n ta c t ( s ) : Mike Landry, generale manager of commercial operations l o c at i o n : River mile 139.2 f u n c t i o n : Grain export elevator. o t h e r : Fully automated phone:

Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport A d d r e s s : P.O. Box 909, La Place, La. 70069-0909 A d d r e s s : 355 Airport Road, Reserve, La. 70084 p h o n e : 985-652-9278 w e b : portsl.com/airport-services e m a i l : psl-era@portsl.com c o n ta c t : Vincent Caire, Airport Director l o c at i o n : N30° 05.25’, W30°34.97 mailing

physical

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P O R T O W N E D FA C I L I T I E S

Plains Marketing L.P. address:

6410 Plains Terminal Road, St. James, La. 70086 t e r m i n a l m a n a g e r : Craig Ellinwood p h o n e : 225-265-2353 fa x : 225-265-3171 w e b : PAALP.com l o c at i o n : Mile marker 158.6 f u n c t i o n : Storage of petroleum products.

SoLaPort West Bank industrial site acquired for development into an industrial park located adjacent to Dow in St. Charles Parish. c o n ta c t : phone:

Paul Aucoin (985) 652-9278

Pin Oak Terminals address:

4006 Highway 44 Mt. Airy, La. 70076 c o n ta c t : Danny Guidry p h o n e : 985-224-2038 fa x : 985-535-2634 w e b : PinOakTerminals.com l o c at i o n : Mile marker 144.1 f u n c t i o n : Storage of petroleum products.

PSL Westbank St. James c o n ta c t :

Paul Aucoin (985) 652-9278 Property acquired for development. phone:

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INDUSTRY MAP

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PORT LOG TRIVIA HO W WE LL DO YOU KNOW THE PORT OF S O U T H LOU I S I ANA? 1. There are X steps required to dredge the Mississippi River. 2. Weber Marine has served the Mississippi River for X years. 3. ADM has approximately X employees in more than Y countries 4. YCI estimates approximately X construction jobs and Y permanent jobs by the end of Phase I. 5. The Mississippi is the only major navigable channel in the world connected to over X acres of agricultural lands. 6. According to GNO, Inc. the Port of South Louisiana is responsible for X jobs. 7. Located in St. John the Baptist Parish, Evergreen Plantation was built in the year X. 8. The Port is home to one of the most active Foreign Trade Zone in the United States. True or False? 9. Who is the largest exporter of grain in the United States?

Go to PortLogMagazine.com for answers and additional challenge questions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; test your Port knowledge!

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FINAL FRAME

PERSEVERANCE AT THE PORT Louisiana is ranked 18th in Wallet Hub’s 2018 report, “Hardest Working States in America”.

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