St. Bernard Port wrapped up 2025 with more than just decent numbers. The district posted stronger cargo volumes and scored a long-awaited infrastructure win as the Chalmette Slip officially came back online. Port leaders say the revived slip, paired with steady marine traffic, helped push up cargo totals and local economic activity, catching the eye of downstream shippers and industrial players that work the lower Mississippi.
According to New Orleans CityBusiness, the port district handled more than 6.6 million short tons of cargo in 2025 and has moved over 80.5 million tons in the last decade. The outlet reports nearly 300 vessel calls last year and notes that Chalmette Dock 2, specifically sections C through F, was the workhorse of the waterfront. Inbound metallic ores and minerals accounted for more than 32% of 2025 tonnage, while grain and feed contributed about 15%. CityBusiness also points to an economic-impact study, completed with the University of New Orleans Transportation Institute, that estimates port activity supports roughly 2,267 jobs and about $183.2 million in regional output.
Chalmette Slip Back Online
In a news release on the port’s website, officials marked the completion of a multi-million-dollar rehabilitation that returned the Chalmette Slip to full service and brought long-idle berths back into the rotation after years of aging infrastructure issues. Executive Director Drew Heaphy said, "This project was a perfect example of the power of long-term vision and strong public-private partnerships," and the port says the slip is now fully operational. The release is posted on St. Bernard Port.
Funding And Partners
The rebuild was powered by a public-private team that included Volkert Inc., Boh Bros Construction and Associated Terminals, which now oversees midstream operations at the slip. A press release on the May dedication details how the project drew on state backing through the Port Priority Program along with other federal and local commitments that helped close the funding gap. Those pieces are laid out in the project announcement from Biz New Orleans.
Price Tag And Timing
Reporting on the total cost lands in a narrow range. New Orleans CityBusiness puts the reconstruction tab at roughly $38 million and notes that the slip was demolished in 2020, clearing the way for the overhaul. A separate message from port leadership describes the work as a roughly $40 million rehabilitation that wrapped up in late 2024. Both accounts emphasize that the project revives a century-old logistics asset and positions the district to compete more aggressively for midstream and industrial business along the river.
Local Impact And Next Steps
Port leaders say the restored Chalmette Slip is being lined up to handle fuel, chemical and grain shipments and to serve as a magnet for additional industrial users on the lower Mississippi. Officials are already working on the next round of applications for funding and federal-state grants as they sketch out future projects aimed at expanding capacity and tightening up connections across the Gulf Coast trade network.
For St. Bernard Parish, still rebuilding and retooling its industrial footprint, the slip’s return is both a visible payoff from long-term investment and a fresh talking point for recruiters courting new cargo and industry. Local officials and terminal operators say they will be watching 2026 traffic closely to see whether the momentum from the Chalmette rehab turns into lasting business growth and new hiring on the parish’s riverfront.
