Louisiana’s role as a major U.S. maritime and freight gateway is taking center stage this week as port executives and industry leaders gather in New Orleans for the American Association of Port Authorities Annual Convention.
The 2026 AAPA Annual Convention runs from Sept. 28 through Sept. 30, bringing together port authorities and maritime industry stakeholders at a time when U.S. ports are facing mounting demands for infrastructure investment, greater cargo capacity and more resilient inland connections.
The Port of New Orleans highlighted those issues ahead of and during the gathering, pointing to Louisiana’s position on the Mississippi River and its connections with international shipping, rail networks, highways and the U.S. inland waterway system…