New Calcasieu River Bridge Right on Schedule
March 2026
Ever-growing Chennault’s Latest Addition will be an $18 Million Hangar
March 2026
The Port of Lake Charles this year is celebrating 100 years of service as a linchpin of local, national and global trade.
Founded in 1926, the port has grown from a regional river port to one of the top-10 deepwater port districts in the United States, handling tens of millions of tons of cargo annually and anchoring economic activity in Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
Over its century of operation, the port has weathered historical challenges—from economic shifts to destructive hurricanes like Laura—and continually reinvented itself with strategic investments in infrastructure and capacity.
Today, the port’s influence extends through the Calcasieu Ship Channel, a 36-mile inland waterway that connects deepwater access to domestic industries and global markets.
Economic Engine
Activity along the Calcasieu Ship Channel generated $83 billion in total U.S. economic value in 2024, including nearly $42.7 billion within Louisiana. The channel supported more than 300,000 jobs nationwide, with over 135,000 in the state, and contributed billions in personal wages, tax revenues and trade flows for businesses coast to coast. Much of this activity is driven by energy exports—especially liquefied natural gas (LNG)—where facilities have helped shift the port’s cargo mix toward international trade. As a result, over 50% of cargo tonnage now flows through the port as exports, underscoring its role as a global trade hub.
100 And Growing
Since 2025 and now into 2026, the port has marked several milestones that reflect both resilience and innovation:
• A state-of-the-art warehouse topping 180,000 square feet has replaced six smaller structures and significantly expanded cargo handling capacity. The facility, funded in part by FEMA and port priority funds, also adds rail and truck docks designed to facilitate faster and more diversified goods movement.
• The addition of a modern ship loader at Bulk Terminal 1 increased heavy-bulk capacity and strengthened the port’s ability to serve industries ranging from petrochemicals to construction materials.
• Continued dredging, infrastructure fortification and technological upgrades are positioning the port to handle higher cargo volumes and withstand future seasonal storms, reflecting lessons learned from past hurricane impacts.
Century Of Service
Port leadership says the 100th anniversary will not just celebrate longevity but the port’s transformative role—from facilitating inland and international commerce to bolstering regional employment and tax revenues.
The centennial year brings a renewed focus on celebrating past achievements while amplifying the Port of Lake Charles’ enduring impact on the region and the world. With more than 65 million tons of cargo moving through its channels in recent years and ambitious future project investments in LNG, methanol and energy infrastructure, the Port of Lake Charles stands poised for continued expansion.
“As we mark a hundred years, we honor not only our history but also the partnerships that have shaped our growth and the communities we serve,” said Port Executive Director Richert Self. “With strategic planning, resilient infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainable economic development, the port’s next century looks set to be as dynamic as its first.”
The port will also celebrate its centennial with a coffee-table photo book of historical images as well as a public celebration later this year.
Learn more about the port and its history at portlc.com and on its social media platforms.
