First two phases of Mississippi River channel deepening completed

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has completed the first two phases of the deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel, which presently provides a maximum draught for vessels to the Port of New Orleans at 50 ft.

Since phase one work began in September 2020, the ship channel has been mechanically deepened for approximately its first 200 miles, but additional efforts are required to open the deeper draught north of the Huey P. Long Bridge.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: “The deepening of the Mississippi River Ship Channel is a transformational project that will bolster our economy, create and sustain jobs, and solidify Louisiana’s status as a global anchor for trade.”