Port Log Fall 2023 by Renaissance Publishing

CONTENTS

P O R T S TA F F chief executive officer Paul Matthews chief administrative officer

Chambrel Riley-Williams

chief commercial officer Julia Fisher chief operating officer Brian Cox executive Assistant Patti Crockett director of administration

Vickie Lewis-Clark

director of communications Micah Cormier director of finance Grant Faucheux director of human resources

Tamara Kennedy

public information officer

Alexandra ‘Alex’ Hernández

port of south louisiana P.O. Box AE Reserve, LA 70084 www.portsl.com Phone: (985) 652-9278 | Fax: (504) 568-6270 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.

PUBLISHED BY RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING LLC

4 6

ceo ' s log

overview

editor

planning for the future

Learn how the Port is beefing up cybersecurity with new funding.

art director digital director senior production designer production designer

around the port

2023 Legislative Session Recap

12 what ' s new The Port salutes a record-breaking fiscal year. 14 what ' s new Working with Ukraine Sea Ports Authority to help rebuild. 18

what ' s new

22 airport update See and hear the sights and sounds of progress. 24

port raits

port owned facilities

port map

final frame

Poirrier and Fuller celebrate 25 years at Associated Terminals.

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Drew Hawkins Ali Sullivan Rosa Balaguer Meghan Rooney Ashley Pemberton

William Kalec Misty Milioto Fritz Esker contributors

To advertise call Meghan Schmitt at (504) 830-7246 or email Meghan@BizNewOrleans.com. 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.bizneworleans.com Copyright 2023 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.

CEO'S LOG

ryan burks

judy b. songy

ch ai rm an

v i c e c h ai rwo m an

stanley bazile

whitney hickerson

sec retary

co m m i s s i o n er

robbie leblanc

t reas u rer

louis joseph

co m m i s s i o n e r

paul matthews

ceo

katie klibert

com m i s s i o ner

Records continue to be broken at the Port of South Louisiana and the global shipping industry is taking notice. In the last fiscal year, our Port saw the highest revenue generated since our creation. That follows a year in which PortSL saw its first net increase in tonnage in six years. It’s not a coincidence that these trends are being reversed. Our team is focused on producing results and attracting new activity at the nation’s second largest tonnage port. Recently, Port of South Louisiana’s Foreign Trade Zone moved from the number four spot to having the second highest overall economic impact in the nation. In 2022, it received $72.5 billion in merchandise [a 50% increase from 2021 ($48.4)] and employed 5,533 people. This truly illustrates the value of the Port of South Louisiana and how we are driving the region, state and nation’s economy. In this day in age, businesses and agencies across the globe face an ever-evolving series of cybersecurity threats. We have made our security, especially in the cyber space, a top priority. By being bullish in seeking resources in this space, PortSL was awarded $1.9 million in Port Security grants from FEMA to make a variety of improvements to the port, including cybersecurity enhancements, facility resilience, and geographic information system (GIS) implementation. This is in addition to the nearly $1 million in funding the Port received last year. This will ensure that the Port is protected from threats that would interrupt the commerce that affect the nation’s national security. We continue to monitor global shipping trends and i mport/export activity, especially with our sister ports. As America’s

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p. joey murray, iii

co m m i s s i o n er

d. paul robichaux

co m m i s s i o n e r

leading grain exporter, it was a natural fit for our Port to enter into a MOU with one of Europe’s top grain producing countries. 10% of the world’s wheat and 15% of the world’s corn pass through the Port of Odessa under the Ukraine Sea Ports Authority. Our MOU aims to create a cooperative alliance that will share best practices and help to reconstruct port infrastructure and operations once the Russian conflict subsides. Our agreement solidifies PortSL’s support for the Ukrainian people in the defense of their freedom and creates economic prosperity for our regions. Our Louisiana Legislature has wrapped up its final session of this term and our Port was successful in passing important legislation and acquiring capital outlay funding thanks to our incredible River Parish delegation. I want to especially commend Senator Smith, Speaker Schexnayder and Representative Gaines whose legislative service has come to an end due to term limits. Our Port has reached incredible heights thanks to their phenomenal leadership and support for over a decade. As we enter into the final quarter of 2023, I wish all of our industry partners success as we navigate challenges that come our way. Know that PortSL stands ready to assist in any way we can and remain a steadfast partner with you as we collectively grow Louisiana’s economy. Our door is always open for anyone who wants to do business at Port of South Louisiana. After all, we are A BETTER WAY TO CARGOI Paul Matthews Chief Executive Officer

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TRANSPORTATION CENTER OF THE AMERICAS The state legislature established the Port of South Louisiana in 1960 to promote commerce and industrial development along the 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through the St.

58.1

59.4

SUGAR / MOLASSES / OTHER 0.29 (<1%)

COAL / LIGNITE / COKE 2.2 (4%)

56.9

EDIBLE OILS 0.3 (<1%)

STEEL PRODUCTS 1.5 (3%)

58.8

CONCRETE / STONE 0.9 (1%)

61.9

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

16.6

13.9

17.7

16.8 12.5

12.2

11.3

14.6

(IN MILLION SHORT TONS)

10.8

SOYBEAN 4.5 (8%)

14.93

TOTAL TONNAGE: 58,092,045

15.30

PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA SECOND QUARTER 2023

18.2

17.67

CHEMICALS / FERTILIZERS 3.8 (7%)

18.0

MAIZE 11.5 (20%)

ORES / PHOSPHATE ROCK 3.2 (6%)

PETROCHEMICALS 10.1 (17%)

WHEAT 0.7 (<1%) SORGHUM (MILO) + RICE 0.2 (<1%)

CRUDE OIL 15 (26%)

PHILOSOPHY FACILITIES The Por t’s philosophy of development is Within the Por t’s jurisdiction, there are to entice companies to set up regional seven grain elevators, multiple midoperations within its boundaries. The streaming operations, more than 40 Por t ser ves primarily as a “landlord” liquid and dr y-bulk terminals, the Glopor t to more than 30 grain, petroleum balplex Intermodal Terminal and the and chemical companies. The exception Por t’s Executive Regional Airpor t. to this is the por t-owned world-class PORT ARE A intermodal Globalplex facilit y SoLaPor t, The Port covers a 54-mile stretch of the and the St. JamesS T Westbank proper t y. CONCRETE / STONE 0.9 (1%) EEL PRODUCTS 0.8 (1%) lower Mississippi River between New EDIBLE OILS 0.3 (<1%) WORLD’S L ARGEST PORT DISTRIC T Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port begins SUGAR / MOLASSES / OTHER 0.105 (<1%) COAL / LIGNITE / COKE 2.6 (4%) The por ts of South Louisiana, New at river mile 114.9AHP near the Louis ORES / PHOSPHATE ROCK SOYBEAN 14.5 (23%) Orleans, Baton3 .Rouge, St. Bernard and Armstrong New Orleans International 8 (6%) Plaquemines make up the world’s largAirport and winds through St. Charles, St. est continuous por t district. They are John the Baptist and St. James parishes. CHEMICALS / FERTILIZERS responsible for moving one-fif th of all It continues north to river mile 168.5AHP 4.1 (7%) U.S. foreign waterborne commerce. PORT OF just north of the Sunshine Bridge.

SOUTH LOUISIANA FIRST QUARTER 2023

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TOTAL TONNAGE:

12.6

16.5

2023

2022

16.4

2021

13.8

2020

ANIMAL FEED 4.1 (7%)

14.04

NUMBER OF BARGE MOVEMENTS: 10,737

2019

NUMBER OF VESSEL CALLS: 878

PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA TOTAL TONNAGE SECOND QUARTER COMPARISON (IN MILLIONS OF SHORT TONS) EXPORTS

DOMESTIC SHIPPED

IMPORTS

DOMESTIC RECEIVED

MISSION The Por t is charged with a mission to promote maritime commerce, trade and development, and to establish public and private par tnerships for the creation of intermodal terminals and industrial facilities. GOVERNANCE The Por t is under the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana and authorized by the state constitution. A ninemember board of commissioners directs the Por t; all of them are unsalaried.

LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS RECAP BY MIC HA EL PATRIC K WE LCH

Senators and House Representatives who advocate for the Port of South Louisiana’s tri-parish district had an active and productive 2023 legislative session. Get to know your legislators and learn about some of their main priorities and achievements.

Gary Smith (Senator) Senator Gary Smith is dedicated to the service of the 19th District, encompassing Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parishes. As a legal practitioner with strong ties to his native Norco in St. Charles Parish, Senator Smith has tirelessly represented his constituents in the Louisiana Legislature for 24 years. Smith has consistently supported legislation that supports the state’s maritime industry, including HB2, the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget, which promises additional funding for the Port of South Louisiana, a vital economic lifeline employing a significant portion of his district. Thanks to his determined efforts, the bill successfully navigated the legislative process. Smith passionately emphasizes the pivotal role of the Port, hailing it as a "solid backbone of industry, employment, and support for businesses and taxes" that benefits not only the region but the entire state. He underscores the Mississippi River as the "most important natural infrastructure" underpinning commerce and agriculture nationwide. Senator Smith's service in the legislature is coming to an end due to term limits but his contributions to the Port of South Louisiana will be felt for years to come."

Edward J Price (Senator) Senator Ed Price, a dedicated representative of District 2, oversees a vast expanse spanning portions of eight parishes, primarily along the Mississippi River. Price has demonstrated a dual commitment, addressing the needs of both state retirees and the vital infrastructure of the state. His dedication to retirees was exemplified through the authorship of Senate Bills 5, 6, and 7, aimed at providing additional payments and adjustments to support eligible retirees and beneficiaries, including retired teachers, state workers, and state police. Price takes pride in securing a cost of living adjustment for these retirees, a significant achievement in enhancing their financial well-being. He also fervently supported the allocation of surplus funds to enhance the state's infrastructure, notably channeling millions of dollars toward the state's ports. Recognizing the economic importance of the Mississippi River, Senator Price emphasized the need to bolster all ports, ensuring their continued vitality in supporting the state's economy.

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Eddie J Lambert (Senator) Senator Eddie J. Lambert is a dedicated representative for District 18, encompassing segments of Ascension, St. James, and Livingston parishes. He boasts a remarkable legislative career that commenced in 2003 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. Since 2016, he has been diligently serving as the face of District 18 in the State Senate. Lambert has channeled his extensive experience into a diverse array of bills, touching on topics ranging from the revival of the state's Department of Environmental Quality to the creation of specialty license plates. He also championed the recognition of April 18-24 as "Love the Boot Week." Lambert's commitment to securing funding for the state's ports through the Capital Outlay process has yielded tangible results. He notes with pride that the Port of South Louisiana has surged to prominence over recent years, emerging as one of the nation's premier ports.

Clay Schexnayder (House) Representative Clay Schexnayder has been serving Louisiana's 81st District, a region that encompasses parts of Ascension, Livingston, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes, since his initial election in 2011. In 2022, he assumed the pivotal role of Speaker of the House, presiding over every session, ensuring the resolution of vital questions and measures, and offering clarity on procedural rules. Beyond his duties as Speaker, Representative Schexnayder authored impactful legislation that subsequently became law, addressing a spectrum of critical issues. His legislative contributions extended to supporting firefighter training, enhancing agricultural production, and fortifying the state's emergency preparedness. Moreover, Schexnayder has been a steadfast advocate for the Port of South Louisiana. His unwavering commitment came to fruition in the 2022 legislative session with the passage of HB2, which earmarks over $10 million in additional funding for the Port. This financial boost underscores his enduring support for this crucial economic hub. Speaker Schexnayder's service in the legislature is coming to an end due to term limits and PortSL wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Randal L Gaines (House) Representative Gaines is a dedicated public servant representing the heart of the River Parishes in the 57th district, which encompasses St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes. His commitment to his constituents has been evident since his initial election in 2011, and his background as a military veteran with 25 years of service, including during significant events like Desert Storm and Hurricane Katrina, reflects his dedication to fighting for and supporting his community. A Laplace-based attorney, Gaines actively participates in legislative committees such as the House Select Leadership Committee and the Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. Notably, Representative Gaines has consistently championed the state's ports, and his advocacy culminated in his involvement in the Tiger Grant Application. This initiative sought federal funding for the Port of South Louisiana's Globalplex complex, emphasizing his commitment to the expansion and revitalization of the Port's infrastructure. Due to term limits, Representative Gaines' time in the legislature has come to an end and PortSL is appreciative of his leadership through the years."

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Gregory A Miller (House) Representative Miller is a dedicated advocate for the constituents of the 56th district, encompassing a substantial portion of St. Charles Parish and a section of St. John the Baptist Parish. Hailing from the local community, with his educational journey taking him through Norco, De La Salle in New Orleans, and LSU, he boasts an intimate understanding of the region's needs and aspirations. The Port of South Louisiana, serving and employing his friends, neighbors, and those he grew up with, holds a special place in his heart. He celebrated the responsible allocation of surplus funds for investments such as a $1.2 billion committed to coastal restoration and hurricane protection and $60 million earmarked for training in high-demand professions like broadband and healthcare at Louisiana community and technical colleges. Miller has also consistently supported efforts to secure additional funding vital for the Port's continued growth and prosperity. Rep. Miller was elected to the State Senate and will fill the seat being vacated by Senator Smith.

Ken Brass (House) Kendricks “Ken” Brass represents District 58, which includes portions of Ascension, Iberville, and St. James parishes. A committed and dedicated public servant, Brass has been working to help his community both inside and outside of working in the legislature. He’s served on numerous local boards and commissions and still manages to carve out time in his schedule to coach Biddy Basketball and T-Ball. “My goal as a public servant is to always try my best in making a difference in the community and in the lives of the people in which I have been elected to serve,” Brass said. In this year’s session, Brass focused much of his attention on education, but he’s also supported efforts to help expand the Port of South Louisiana and bring more jobs and economic benefits to the region, including voting for the Capital Outlay budget, bringing millions of dollars to the Port.

Joseph A Stagni (House) Rep. Stagni serves the good people of the 92nd district of Louisiana, which includes the parishes of Jefferson and St. Charles. Rep. Stagni was elected in 2017. But while he may be relatively new to state politics, he’s been public service for decades now. Stagni previously served on the Kenner City Council, where he was known for his commitment and work ethic. Because of his work in the community, Stagni was awarded the Monte M. Lemann Award from the Louisiana Civil Service League. Stagni has supported funding efforts for the Port. He worked to have HB2 approved in 2021, and he supported appropriations for the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans, which received a combined $120 million for infrastructure projects. In addition to funding the Port’s expansion projects, those funds will bring more growth, jobs, and opportunity to the region Stagni represents.

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CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION BY MISTY MILIOTO

The Port of South Louisiana salutes a record-breaking fiscal year.

Instrument al changes at the Por t of South Louisiana (and in the transpor t ation industr y) have resulted in record-breaking revenue—$18.1 million— during the Por t ’s most recent fiscal year (May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023), representing a 3.9 percent increase over the previous year. According to Chambrel Riley-Williams, who has worked as the chief administrative of ficer for the Por t of South Louisiana since December 2022, within the last five years, the Por t ’s 2018 to 2019 revenue was the nex t highest at $17.4 million resulting in

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a 3.5 percent grow th. Riley-Williams, whose role ent ails projec t management, grant management, and overseeing financial and administration policies and procedures, says that a number of fac tors have contributed to this significant increase in revenue.

IN T E R N AL P R O G R E S S For st ar ters, the Por t of South Louisiana hired Paul Mat thews as the new executive direc tor in Januar y 2022. “He has implemented a culture

that focuses on ef ficiencies, and at trac ting cargo and investment,” Riley-Williams said. Secondly, a new $11.6 million, 30,000-square-foot administration building in Reserve now serves as the Port of South Louisiana’s headquarters, a move that further shows Matthews’ aim of growing the upriver industrial port complex. In fact, Matthews sees the new threestory building as the economic development center of the River Parishes. The new building now houses all of the Port of South Louisiana’s staff under one roof for the first time in history. Previously, the main administration and executive building was in LaPlace, while other positions were spread out in various buildings at the Globalplex multimodal complex in Reserve. The new building, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, also has meeting space available to other governmental agencies. Furthermore, the Port of South Louisiana also recently announced a rebranding, which is another sign of the Port’s aggressive growth strategy, showing that the Port of South Louisiana is the smartest locale from which to move cargo. It includes a new catchphrase (“A Better Way to Cargo”), alongside a four-quadrant logo depicting rail, river, airways and roads. The new brand messaging now informs the maritime industry that the Port of South Louisiana is easily accessible via four modes of transportation that allow access to more than 60 percent of the United States and two Canadian provinces. Meanwhile, the rebranded materials also inform local, state and federal officials that the Port of South Louisiana is an undeniable driver of the regional and state economies, and that support for Port infrastructure funding will further advance industry in the River Region. Finally, the new brand also communicates the Port of South Louisiana’s economic impact on the River Region’s residents and workforce. This impact comes in the form of creating jobs, higher earnings and tax revenue, and the Port’s commitment to reinvesting in the community.

IN DUS TRY CHAN GE S The Port of South Louisiana, which is the largest in Louisiana in terms of tonnage, receives most of its volume from private companies that move oil, bulk commodities and energy products from private facilities. Last year, the Port of South Louisiana saw its first-year net tonnage increase since 2017. In fact, the Port saw almost 240 million tons of volume move through the Port in 2022 compared to about 230 million tons in 2021.

“In 2022, the Port of South Louisiana saw an 11 percent increase on ships and vessels calling on the Port, resulting in a revenue increase of $1.673 million from April 2021 to April 2022,” Riley-Williams said. “[We also saw] a 14 percent increase in soybean and a 20 percent increase in wheat exports; and a 38 percent increase in sugar tonnage; while the construction industry, concrete and stone products saw a 111 percent increase. Animal feed-exports went up 40 percent from 5.2 million tons to 7.3 million tons, and the energy industry saw growth as it continued to fuel America and the world—a 16 percent increase in crude oil and a 15 percent increase in petrochemicals.” For the Port of South Louisiana, revenue growth is equivalent to growth in the community. “[It] increases the tax base, creates jobs, increases the partnership with the community to support workforce development programs, protects the environment and coordinates on land-use planning to incorporate community amenities,” Riley-Williams said. “The Port plans to reinvest its profits back into the Port to support its mission of being an economic development engine for the region.”

LO O K I N G T O T HE F U T U R E Moving forward, the Port of South Louisiana aims to continue increasing revenue by at least two to four percent. “We have also set development goals, such as new terminals and new leases, that could potentially double Port revenues for next year,” Riley-Williams said. Future expansion plans include the purchase and sale of the 254-acre Avondale Global Gateway, which is met with support from local leaders. “This acquisition of Avondale Global Gateway sets the stage for exciting new developments at the waterfront industrial park and will serve as a catalyst for new economic activity in Jefferson Parish and across our region,” Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng told WWL in January. With no public docks between the mouth of the Mississippi River and St. James Parish, companies on the West Bank often transport cargo via trains or trucks. The acquisition of Avondale Global Gateway allows companies in the area to transport cargo via water at a lower cost. As a result, the Port of South Louisiana sees this as an opportunity for more companies to relocate to the area, thereby increasing jobs and spurring additional growth. An important move for the Port, the acquisition is in alignment with its plans to expand upon its 54-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River.

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Honorary Counsul Edward Hayes, Consul for Economic Issues Pavlo Moiseischenko, Ukraine Consul General Vitalii Tarasiuk, PortSL CEO Paul Matthews, PortSL Commissioners Katie Klibert, Joey Murray and D. Paul Robichaux

EXTENDING A HELPING HAND BY WILLIAM KALEC

In late August, the Port of South Louisiana agreed to a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with Ukraine Sea Ports Authority to work together once the post-conflict rebuild begins abroad.

T he connec tion and the kinship — as unlikely as it f ir s t appear s — is bor n from the commonalities these t wo countries and regions share despite being a half-world apar t .

A nd jus t like the majorit y of A meric an gr ain get s expor ted through the Por t of South Louisiana , a large por tion of gr ain from Uk r aine passes through the Por t of O des a along the Black Sea basin.

Like the United St ates , Uk r aine s t ands as one of the top gr ain-producing nations on the planet — 10 percent of the world wheat mar ket , 15 percent of the world cor n and maize mar ket , 13 percent of the world barley mar ket , according to s t atis tic provided by the European Commission.

In response to disr uptive flooding at the Por t of O des a c aused by Russian at t ack s on the near by K ak hovka Dam , the Por t of South Louisiana agreed to and signed a non-binding ‘Memor andum of Under s t anding ’ with Uk r aine G ener al Consul representing the Uk r aine Sea Por t s Authorit y, set ting for th a

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PortSL Commissioner D. Paul Robichaux, PortSL CEO Paul Matthews, Ukraine Consul General Vitalii Tarasiuk, PortSL Commissioners Katie Klibert and Joey Murray

cooper ative alliance aimed at the recons tr uc tion of por t infr as tr uc ture and oper ations once the Russian conflic t subsides. Since the Augus t 29 th signing , the Por t remains commit ted to this agreement as the technic al det ails of what this ar r angement might specif ic ally ent ail continue to evolve. “A s t wo of the world’s leading gr ain expor ter s , the f ar mer s and wor ker s of the United St ates and Uk r aine are tough and t ake pride in their role feeding the world,” Por t of South Louisiana CEO Paul Mat thews s aid shor tly af ter shaking hands on site with Uk r aine G ener al Consul V it alii Tar asiuk . “ T his agreement solidif ies the Por t of South Louisiana’s suppor t for the Uk r ainian people in defense of their freedom and creates an alliance with our Uk r ainian por t par tner s that focuses on our shared mission of ser ving global cus tomer s and creating economic prosperit y for our communities.” T he Russian conflic t has severely hindered Uk r aine’s nor mal c apacit y to produce crops and ship produc t to the res t of the planet , leaving a gap in the global food supply that other gr ain-growing countries have had to tempor arily f illed. According to a Febr uar y 2023 repor t published by agricultur al exper t s at

the Univer sit y of Illinois , Uk r aine’s annual gr ain expor t number s have been 20 percent shor t of projec tions since the f ighting began in early 2022 . “ Since Uk r aine is such a massive gr ain-producing and gr ain-expor ting countr y and since 6 0 percent of this nation’s gr ain is expor ted out of the Por t of South Louisiana – we have that common connec tion ,” Por t Direc tor of Communic ations Mic ah Cor mier s aid. “O bviously, we under s tood that the world would be looking to the Por t of South Louisiana to f ill the gr ain expor t gap c aused by the conflic t in Uk r aine. T he eyes of the world looked to us to get more and more gr ain out .” “ But when the conflic t ends , and Uk r aine begins to rebuild, the focus will shif t on retur ning Uk r aine to it s previous s t atus as a gr ain expor ter to aid the global food supply,” Cor mier continued, “so this agreement to wor k together and share bes t pr ac tices will be benef icial on a various levels for various reasons.” Mos t recently, the Uk r ainian Por t s ys tem has had to deal with the af ter math of a man-made dis as ter – the submer sion of the K ak hovka Dam by Russian occupier s on June 6 , 2023 and the subsequent

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PortSL Commissioner D. Paul Robichaux, PortSL CEO Paul Matthews, Ukraine Consul General Vitalii Tarasiuk, PortSL Commissioners Katie Klibert and Joey Murray

des tr uc tive flooding c aused by the breach. Built in 1956 along the D nieper R iver in souther n Uk r aine, the K ak hovka Dam was s tr ategic ally cons tr uc ted to power the near by hydroelec tric plant , provide ir rigation to f ar mer s , and aided multi-direc tional tr avel on the water – an imper ative s tr uc ture vit al to sever al indus tries and the countr y ’s qualit y of life, in gener al. O n the f ir s t day of the Russian conflic t , invader s — k nowing the impor t ance of the power plant — inf iltr ated the f acilit y by force. A s the bat tle r aged on in the summer months of 2022 , maritime commerce near the dam grinded to a near-halt , although (repor tedly) the s tr uc tur al integrit y of the dam remained s t able despite ar tiller y at t ack s. Months later, following media r umor s of suspec ted Russian foul play, an explosion at the site eliminated the inter modal c apacit y of the f acilit y, des troying r ail and road route atop the dam . But the dam it self

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held s trong. W ithin days , Russian of f icials opened reser voir gates to keep Uk r ainian forces from crossing the river and seizing back control of the dam and power plant . T he r uthless milit ar y move c ar ried dire consequences for the Uk r ainian people as levels in the reser voir dipped to dangerously low levels that af fec ted ir rigation and drinking water. By the nex t spring , the dam was ill-equipped to handle the seasonal increase in river flow as water cres ted and spilled over the top of the s tr uc ture, flooding near by, lower-lying areas. Finally, in June, the dam was completely compromised when an inter nal explosion des troyed the centr al sec tion and c aused massive, des tr uc tive flooding. According to the United Nations , the dam dis as ter endangered the lives of thous ands and ultimately killed 50 Uk r ainians. Technic ally, the c ause of the explosion remains unsolved, as Russian leader s have repeatedly denied claims of s abot age. E xper t s es timate it will t ake f ive year s to repair the dam .

PortSL CEO Paul Matthews and Ukraine Consul General Vitalii Tarasiuk

Under s t andably, the flooding of key water ways coupled with the threat of milit ar y force has massively impac ted Uk r aine’s maritime commerce indus tr y as shipper s and gover nment of f icials have had to f ind creative, cos tly, hard-to-detec t ways to tr anspor t gr ain to s afe har bor s. While nothing compares to the hor ror s of war, maritime shipping leader s throughout the G ulf South have also had to deal with flooding and des tr uc tion dis tur bing their business and creating unforeseen challenges for dec ades. T he back-to-back s tor ms of Hur ric ane K atrina and Hur ric ane R it a in 20 05 severely hampered maritime commerce along the entire Louisiana shoreline for months as the los t economic impac t r anged in the billions. A nd, more recently, C ategor y 4 Hur ric ane Ida in 2021 ripped through the Por t Dis tric t with des tr uc tive 150 -mph winds and tor rential r ain. T henPL SA E xecutive Direc tor Paul Aucoin told sever al media outlet s that Ida damaged ever y building along the Por t ’s 5 4-mile s tretch of Mississippi R iver, displaced barges on both bank s , damaged sec tions of dock s that made it uns afe to receive vessels , and k nocked out power

necess arily to r un and oper ate the machiner y needed to sor t and expor t har ves t season food supplies. Beyond agriculture, Ida tempor arily halted oper ations in the various energ y and produc tion sec tor s headquar tered at the Por t . “O ur Por t ’s infr as tr uc ture and pret t y much all infr as tr uc ture in south Louisiana undergoes ex treme s tress and requires tremendous resilienc y when f aced with flooding , high winds and conditions associated with hur ric anes and tropic al s tor ms ,” Cor mier s aid. “ So, bec ause of that , we’ve dealt with rebuilding , we’ve dealt with how to be par tially oper ational even when cer t ain aspec t s aren’t f ully f unc tional.” “ For us , the protec tion of por t s is not only a national securit y issue but also is vit al in global tr ade, so I think through this agreement we’ll be able to t ake some ‘bes t pr ac tices’ from the Uk r aine Sea Por t s Authorit y ’s recons tr uc tion ef for t s and possibly apply them to the nex t time any kind of issue comes our way. It ’s a shared interes t and shared benef it for both our countries and both our region – to f ind ways to feed the world.”

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CRANES, COMMUNITY, AND GOOD COMPANY BY M.M. KAUFMAN

Poirrier and Fuller celebrate 25 years at Associated Terminals

Founded in 1990 by David Fennelly, Associated Terminals is acknowledged today as the leading stevedoring and terminal operator on the lower Mississippi River and beyond. This year the Port of South Louisiana is celebrating two men who have fostered that growth for more than two decades: Gary Poirrier and Todd Fuller. “Over the course of 25 years, I’ve seen some astounding growth created by the hard working and talented individuals of Associated Terminals and Turn Services,” said Todd Fuller, President and Co-owner. “I have seen our team grow from 35 team members to 1,000 team members. While some would say that with this type of growth you tend to lose touch with the individuals in the organization, I believe that the culture that the early team had created has been infectious throughout the organization as new team members join!” Chairman Gary Poirrier has witnessed significant changes at Associated Terminals over his career. From a small fledgling company with a simple structure, the company has now grown to what he describes as a “multifaceted, professional and well-structured organization, that claims the top spot in terms of diversity and volume of materials handled on our lower Mississippi River system.” The benefits between Associated Terminals and the Port have certainly flowed in both directions. Associated has brought their deep and diverse customer base spanning bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo customers, as well as their unmatched team of stevedoring professionals, who prioritize satisfying the needs of their customers. “The marriage of our access and connection to all of these customers along with the talent of our team members, coupled with the Port’s location and facilities, has been a great roadmap for success,” Poirrier said.

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The past and present show sunny days, but both entities still have their eyes on a bright horizon. Associated Terminals’ commitment to the Port is long-term as they are at the beginning of a 30-year lease. They believe the Port is well positioned to continue to expand and improve their facilities to meet growing demands in the market. The long history of successful partnering between Associated and the Port is certainly all the evidence needed to ensure fruitful decades to come. It is evident that Todd Fuller and Gary Poireer, having worked alongside one another for many years, have found great success together. But their similar answers when asked about their favorite personal achievements is notable and heartening. When reflecting on the past 25 years, one moment that stood out to the duo was their community of team members banding together in times of crisis. “One thing that ‘swells’ my chest with pride is the way our team rallies together and becomes even stronger after major challenges presented by natural disasters which occur within our communities and locations in which we work,” Fuller said. “Much of our team puts aside their own individual needs to help those who are affected the most. This includes even individuals who don’t necessarily work for Associated Terminals and Turn Services A few years ago, a major tornado tore through a community very close to our main office in Convent. Our team jumped into action to provide food, water, any other supplies, first aid, or just a sympathetic ear to many families affected by this unfortunate weather event.” Gary Poirrier echoed the same sentiment, “I believe some of our greatest achievements have typically come in times of significant stress—such as the 9/11 terror

Gary Poirrier & Todd Fuller | Photo courtesy of Associated Terminals

attacks, Hurricane Katrina, a number of economic recessions, Hurricane Ida, and most recently the Covid pandemic. At the onset of such events, they seemed insurmountable , and threats to the stability of our company. But in all of these cases, Associated and its culture came out the other side much much stronger than when we encountered each challenge. All because our entire team was willing and able to rally around each other, pull each other up, and make sure we all moved forward together to beat these obstacles.” Maybe the only thing that can match the symbiotic collaboration between Associated Terminals and the Port of South Louisiana, is the working relationship, and friendship, between President Todd Fuller and Chairmen Gary Poirrier. “Gary is one of my best friends, and he and his family are members of my family!” Fuller said. “I can say that Gary is one of the most brilliant and sharpest people I know. While I’m usually a gut feeling

kind of person when it comes to making a decision, Gary will keep me in check on thinking and analyzing the process. Our collaboration on decision making has provided the groundwork for long-term, shared success. And for Poirrier, what he admires most about Fuller is his “uncanny ability to remember every customer, their names, their volumes, their history with Associated, where their products are coming from and going to, and with all this knowledge, truly understand what’s most important in each relationship and how we can best service those customer’s needs!” It has been twenty-five years of mutually beneficial success for Poirrier and Fuller at Associated Terminals, from inside and outside of the company, and the Port of South Louisiana has no doubt the next twenty-five will show just as much, if not more, smooth sailing.

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GRANTS TO AID PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA IMPROVEMENTS

BY FRITZ ESKER

The Port has secured new funding to help secure and protect vital security infrastructure.

The Port of South Louisiana recently received grants designed to make a variety of improvements to the port, including cybersecurity enhancements, facility resilience, and geographic information system (GIS) implementation. Businesses everywhere, including the Port of South Louisiana, face an ever-evolving series of cybersecurity threats. While an average internet user might think of a cybersecurity threat as someone clicking on a malicious link in an email or on social media or visiting a website that has been hacked, the reality is far more complex, challenging, and concerning than that. An October 2023 article in Homeland Security Today identified drones lurking above sensitive maritime facilities as a “common occurrence.” The Baton Rouge Area Maritime Security Committee Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Working Group received reports from May-August 2022 about an unmanned aerial surveillance drone observed flying slowly over a Maritime Transportation Security Act-regulated facility several nights a week.

The grants will also provide for GIS system improvements. Danos said the enhanced GIS system will provide a fuller understanding of the facility status and its performance. It will bring together departments, business systems, and data sources to aid the Port of South Louisiana in disaster recovery and continuity planning. Disaster recovery is a major point of emphasis for the port in light of recent major hurricanes that have struck south Louisiana within the past five years, including Laura, Zeta, and Ida. “Part of the Port of South Louisiana’s GIS Strategic Plan is to provide the viewing of buildings and the location of assets along with emergency information, such as weather patterns and disaster zones, and give the port the information they need to make decisions quickly and easily,” Danos said. Regarding GIS systems, the Port of South Louisiana is currently in phase one of its GIS implementation, which includes the aforementioned GIS Strategic Plan to determine the most important aspects of the GIS system that will provide access to port security personnel and public safety agencies in the port’s 54 miles of jurisdiction along the Lower Mississippi River.

So, the challenges facing the Port of South Louisiana are more complicated than many realize. But the new grants will help the port face these challenges head-on and protect one of the region’s vital economic engines.

“The GIS system will provide up-to-date information to maintain port-wide risk management for critical infrastructure, transportation, and utility networks and the location of hazardous materials,” Danos said.

“The PSL is looking to improve cybersecurity of its critical infrastructure by meeting minimum levels of cybersecurity identified by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework,” said April Danos, a consultant for the Port of South LA.

Danos listed the primary goals of the project as the following: information sharing systems for risk mitigation, enhancement of command-and-control facilities, updating port-wide risk mitigation plans, development and enhancement of security plans and procedures, improved information-sharing technology, and resilience to cybersecurity attacks.

Danos also added that some of the more specific tactics the Port of South Louisiana will use to combat cyber terrorist threats cannot be revealed publicly due to security reasons, but emphasized that the port is upgrading certain parts of its network infrastructure to stay ahead of the curve on cybersecurity issues.

Physical security is also being improved at the Port of South Louisiana through updating access control locations and installing additional cameras to its existing video-management system throughout the port’s jurisdiction. This will allow security personnel to monitor the port-wide area and be proactive in any response to physical security matters.

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THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF PROGRESS BY WILLIAM KALE

The Continuing Cycle of Infrastructure Improvements and Additions at the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport Stands as Testament to Port Leaders Staying True to its Mission of Providing a Premier Travel Hub for Business and Leisure In and Around the River Parishes.

At the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Regional Airport in Reserve, the song, if you will, sounds the same nearly every single day. The periodic roar of planes taking off and landing mixes with the consistent hum of construction. For facility operators and officials like K APS airport manager Charles Palmer, those sweet tones of progress have served as the regular soundtrack of the workweek for quite some time now. “During my time here, the transformation of this airport for the better has been something that hasn’t stopped, really,” Palmer said. “There’s so much potential for this airport to grow and so many areas for expansion left within this [facility’s] footprint. Our leaders and commissioners at the Port have recognized and continue to address the opportunities available that will accommodate current and future business at this airport.” Most notably, final touch-ups on the airport’s second set of 10 T-Hangars was completed in the middle of this past summer, with lessees expected to house their aircraft in the new facility before the end of 2023. The thought of constructing a second batch of “Nested” T-Hangars – a specific design that better utilizes space and cuts project costs by allowing for the tail sections of the aircraft to rest in the center of the structure – first arose during the building phase of the first batch, as public demand to rent these hangars quickly outweighed the Port’s initial supply of 10. In fact, the engineers of the 10 new T-Hangars purposely designed the $1.8 million facility to handle the dimensions of aircraft owned by those on the original wait list, such as Cessna 340s, Beechcraft 55 Baron, Daher TBM 900, among others.

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Once fully operational, the new T-Hangars will serve as the third-publicly accessible aircraft storage structure at the Regional Executive Airport, joining the aforementioned original set of 10 T-Hangars commissioned in 2018 and the 8,000 sq-foot Transient Hanger built in 2017 that can be rented out on a short-term basis when needed, similar to the ways travelers rent hotel rooms. While the T-Hangar 2.0 project nears its conclusion, another vital airport improvement is set to break ground in either November or December 2023. Just recently, surveyors completed preliminary work and environment impact studies on an approved airport runway and taxiway signage system – marking aids that provide pilots, the FA A , and airport support staff location indicators during the taxiing process either

pre-take off or post-landing. Currently, there’s no specific labeling to identify what runway turnoff or “exit” a pilot is taking at K APS’ half-dozen taxiways. “The signage system is something that helps with communication and direction on a couple different levels,” Palmer said. “For pilots in the air en route to the airport, we’re able to relay information about taxiway status. Say a tire blew out on the ground and an aircraft is stuck as its repaired…we’d be able to relay that information to inbound pilots so they’d know which taxiway to avoid after landing. ‘There’s an aircraft down on A1. Please use A2 or A3.’ It just helps our people, pilots, and emergency personnel better identify where there’s an obstruction or an issue or where a particular area is closed down.”

“Instead of saying, ‘Debris on the northside…’ we can now pinpoint the exact location,” Palmer said. “It works the same way mile markers work on the side of the highway – an exact indicator that helps eliminate confusion and speeds-up fixing or addressing issues. You say A1, you know to go South. You say A7, you know to go North. It provides a sense of location.”

As a real-life example, Palmer noted that during the construction of the most recent batch of T-Hangars, inclement weather pushed debris near one of the taxiways. While the debris didn’t pose any danger or cause an obstruction, pilots still needed to be aware of the situation. Unfortunately, without a signage system marking the different runway outlets, pilots unfamiliar with the layout of the PSL A Executive Regional Airport might not have known what specific taxiway was being spoken about.

Finally, Palmer addressed key personnel additions at the airport which have aided in the facility’s day-today operations. In April 2023, Monica Pierre leant her administrative expertise to the airport, filling in for the retired Janeen Benn. Landry “Matt” Mathieu celebrated his one-year return to the airport after he was temporarily displaced because of Hurricane Ida. And maintenance worker CJ Bright expanded his role at the Port after passing the required training to assist with daily procedures at the airport.

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P O R Tr a i t s

VALBRIDGE SCHOLARS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Young students enrolled in the 2023 Valbridge Scholars Internship program visited the Port of South Louisiana in July. The program, which is designed to offer students exposure to commercial real estate appraisal, gives interns the chance to learn best practices from industry leaders.

PortSL Staff Ernest Gray, Brian Cox, Chambrel Riley Williams, Julia Fisher, Bertel Award Recipient Jack Jensen, PortSL Staff Alex Hernandez, Patti Crockett, Ted Knight, PortSL Commissioner D. Paul Robichaux

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P O R Tr a i t s

PORTSL OPS-US COAST GUARD EXERCISE

U.S. Coast Guard training exercise at KAPS in late September to familiarize PortSL's Operations team with USCG's HH-60 Jayhawk and rescue procedures associated with the aircraft.

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P O R Tr a i t s

Paul Matthews giving an update of the Port during August's St. James Parish council meeting.

PortSL CEO Paul Matthews was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authories at its annual conference in Aurora, CO. This year's USMMA interns Jackson Tinkis (L) and Talsen Smith (R), pictured here with PortSL's Ted Knight, at the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce annual policy luncheon.

INTERN BRIONNE PRESENTATION

Brionne Brumfield was Port of South Louisiana’s GNO, Inc HBCU Intern this summer. She presented a PowerPoint presentation on her experience working at the Port.

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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 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box AE Reserve, Louisiana 70084 PHONE: 985-652-9278 FAX: 985-653-0798 E-MAIL: info@portsl.com WEB: www.portsl.com CONTACT(S): Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer LOCATION: River mile 138.5 EQUIPMENT: Two Manitowoc 2250 rail-mounted gantry cranes; 100,000-pound capacity weighing scale for trucks; 100,000 square foot warehouse; 72,000-sq. foot, and 40,000-sq. foot transit shed; and a 177,000 sq. foot paved open storage pad DOCK: 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

Globalplex Bulk Dock MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box AE Reserve, Louisiana 70084 PHONE: 985-652-9278 FAX: 985-653-0798 E-MAIL: info@portsl.com WEB: www.portsl.com CONTACT(S): Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer LOCATION: River mile 138.5 FUNCTION: Transfer and store bulk, primarily cement fluorspar limestone and wood chips EQUIPMENT: An 800 tons-per-hour continuous Carlsen ship unloader, a 1,800 tons-perhour 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. DOCK: 507’ x 44’ with upstream and downstream mooring buoys to allow for panamax-size vessels

ADM Reserve ADDRESS: 2032 La. Highway 44, Reserve, La. 70084 PHONE: 985-536-1151 FAX: 985-536-1152 WEB: ADMWorld.com CONTACT(S): Mike Landry, generale manager of commercial operations LOCATION: River mile 139.2 FUNCTION: Grain export elevator. OTHER: Fully automated

Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 909, La Place, La. 70069-0909 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 355 Airport Road, Reserve, La. 70084 PHONE: 985-652-9278 WEB: portsl.com/airport-services EMAIL: psl-era@portsl.com CONTACT: Brian Cox, Chief Operating Officer LOCATION: N30° 05.25’, W30°34.97

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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 TERMINAL MANAGER: Craig Ellinwood PHONE: 225-265-2353 FAX: 225-265-3171 WEB: PAALP.com LOCATION: Mile marker 158.6 FUNCTION: Storage of petroleum products.

SoLaPort West Bank industrial site acquired for development into an industrial park located adjacent to Dow in St. Charles Parish.

MPLX L.P. (Pin Oak Terminals) ADDRESS: 4006 Highway 44, Mt. Airy, La. 70076 CONTACT: Gregg Qualls PHONE: 504-533-8783 WEB: PinOakTerminals.com LOCATION: Mile marker 144.1 FUNCTION: Storage of petroleum products.

PSL Westbank St. James CONTACT: Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer Property acquired for development.

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INDUSTRY MAP

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INDUSTRY MAP

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FINAL FRAME

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA HERNANDEZ

Tug Under the Hale Boggs Bridge

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