Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, March 7, 2014

Bechtel to manage pre-construction of largest deep-water port in U.S.

Bechtel, a company that plans and builds port and marine projects, announced it has been selected by LIGTT Project Company to manage pre-construction of the Louisiana International Gulf Transfer Terminal, which will be the largest deep-water port in the U.S.

The new cargo transfer terminal off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast will cater to the new classes of massive, more economical ships. LIGTT Project Company says the new port will generate more than 33,000 jobs in Louisiana and Mississippi.

“This terminal will increase America’s shipping efficiency by accommodating the larger vessels to come through the expanded Panama Canal, as well as the even-larger Super Post-Panamax vessels currently in operation,” said Patrick Harvey, principal of LIGTT Project Company. “It will also expand America’s shipping capacity by using a hub-and-spoke system to transport goods to and from America’s heartland via the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Given the high-level nature of this project, we’re glad to have such a world-class partner in Bechtel, a company synonymous with quality.”

Bechtel said it has already begun pre-construction work for the 250-acre deep-water port and will provide preliminary services for overseeing the design and permitting of the facility.

The company also will prepare for early procurement and terminal operator integration.

“We will build on our long-term presence in the Gulf Coast region to support the development of job creation and training programs,” said Walker Kimball, managing director of Bechtel's global infrastructure business. “with an emphasis on hiring veterans. We look forward to working with LIGTT Project Company on this important project."

Bechtel reports it has overseen more than 80 port and harbor projects around the world, including Jubail Port in Saudi Arabia, Port of Los Angeles Container Port, Hay Point Coal Terminal in Australia, and the recently completed Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.