SIMIC

This would include consideration of APM Terminals as the future terminal operator of the facility that is in the early stages of development 50 miles up the Mississippi from the Gulf of Mexico.

The tentative plan is to have the gateway port cater to exporters and importers who could tap into the multimodal routing options from rail, truck and river-going container vessel.

Said CEO of APM Terminals North America Wim Lagaay: "The appeal of Plaquemines protected river port location and export/import market strength makes this a very unique supply chain offering for customers and our growth ambitions."

The proposed container terminal will be powered by a combination of LNG and electricity. It will encompass up to 1,000 acres and 8,200 feet of Mississippi River frontage just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Special focus will be on utilising modern infrastructure technology for withstanding storm surge and wind damage.

Phase one of construction is expected to take as little as two years and will deliver the capability to handle 22,000-TEU class vessels with the ability to expand capacity if needed.