The award is part of the multi-year due diligence and permitting process for the new Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) container facility in St. Bernard Parish. The up to $4m programme management contract has a term of up to three years.
Progress on the container terminal project to date includes land acquisition in December 2020, initiation of the permitting process in June 2021, an award to AECOM for preliminary design and permitting support in July 2021, and ongoing engagement with industry and community stakeholders.
The next steps will include consideration and evaluation of a potential terminal operator and financial partners.
The project would occupy approximately 142 hectares with a 10.7metre- wharf within more than 405 hectares of developable green-field property.
The site, located within the federal government’s $14bn flood protection system, features naturally deep-draught riverfront acreage, a 15.24-meters Mississippi River Channel, documented ability to navigate ships with a capacity of up to 23,000 teu, ability to grow Port NOLA’s container-on-barge service, access to six Class I railroads through New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and access to the interstate highway system.
“We are working to deliver a state-of-the-art container terminal that meets the evolving needs of the shipping industry and serves as an economic catalyst for the state and region,” said Brandy D. Christian, president, and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and President of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
“A project of this magnitude requires experienced programme management for successful coordination of studies and design needed for a quality project. HDR Engineering’s qualifications include broad expertise, a team that has worked together on similar large container port projects, and the deep resources of a global firm with local connections,” added Christian.
HDR Engineering will serve as the technical lead for services that include, in part: terminal operation and related transportation development, risk management, procurement support, budget, and schedule management, permitting and stakeholder coordination, and environmental compliance. With more than 220 offices around the world, including Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Lafayette in Louisiana, the firm brings appropriate resources to the project.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
