APM Terminals looking to take role in LNG-powered Mississippi container terminal

APM Terminals has agreed to work with Plaquemines Port on the design and development of a deep water container terminal on the Mississippi river that will be powered by a combination of LNG and electricity.

In a statement issued yesterday (6 May), the company said the discussions will include the ‘consideration of APM Terminals as the future terminal operator’.

As previously reported, the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District (PPHTD) facility is located 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and is currently in the early stages of development.

When Plaquemines Port announced that it had signed a letter of intent with other project partners to develop the container terminal in August 2020, it emphasised that a proposed new LNG terminal adjacent to the facility will ‘open the door for large LNG-powered containerships in the US’.

In yesterday’s statement, APM Terminals said that first phase of the construction for the new container terminal is expected to last two years and will deliver the capability to handle 22,000-TEU class vessels ‘with the ability to expand capacity if needed’.

Wim Lagaay, CEO of APM Terminals North America said: ‘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. We look forward to working with PPHTD, their partners and with state and local leaders to ensure the port is set up for long-term success.’