Ports

Thanks to its position on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana’s ports are among the busiest in the world, moving millions of tons of goods to major trading partners, including those in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The Mississippi River and its tributaries also provide access to 38 interior states.

  • 6 Mississippi River deep draft ports combine to handle the most domestic cargo in the nation. 
  • 5 of the top 15 U.S. ports by tonnage.
  • 25% of all U.S. waterborne commerce.
  • Largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in the country.
  • Only deepwater oil port in the nation and the largest point of entry for U.S. waterborne crude oil (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port).

Railroads

Louisiana’s railroads are critical in supplying the nation with oil, natural gas and timber. The integrated system also allows landlocked states access to international markets through intermodal hubs on the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. 

  • 6 Class I railroads, spanning over 3,000 miles.
  • Only location in the U.S. where 6 Class I railroads converge with a deepwater seaport. 
  • Flat land with low grades that ease operations, maintenance and construction.

Highways

Louisiana is home to a vast highway system that connects to major cities, neighboring states and beyond. 

  • 6 interstate highways that connect all corners of the state with major regional markets such as Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. 
  • 60,000 miles of additional highways, including 11,000 miles of state highways and 23,500 miles of parish roads.

Pipelines

Louisiana has one of the most advanced pipeline networks in the world. The fully integrated network carries some of the state’s most lucrative natural resources from the ground to refineries and process industry plants.

  • More than 50,000 miles of pipelines, integrated to crisscross every major highway, railroad and navigable waterway in the state. 
  • Located outside of Lafayette, the Henry Hub is a natural gas pipeline interchange that serves as the official delivery location for New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) futures contracts.