About the Port

A Strategic Location

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is strategically located on the Mississippi River and is an integral part of the national maritime industry and Louisiana economy. Handling a diverse range of cargo and accommodating special requests is a trademark of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, and we have proof: the Port of Greater Baton Rouge ranks among the U.S. top ports in total tonnage. Present us with a challenge or a unique situation, and we'll always respond with, "We can handle that!"

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge Location Facts:

  • Located in Port Allen, LA, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is situated at the convergence of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and is linked to other major ports between north Florida and south Texas and through the Mississippi River inland waterway system.

  • The port is adjacent to the Port Allen Lock, which is the northernmost point on the Mississippi River where barges can access the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

  • The port is the head of deepwater navigation on the Mississippi River; a 45-50 foot shipping channel to the mouth of the Mississippi River is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  • The jurisdiction of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge falls within river mile 168.5 AHP to the south (Sunshine Bridge) and 253 AHP to the north (ExxonMobil Refinery), a total of 85 miles, on both the east and west banks of the Mississippi River. 

  • The port's jurisdiction includes the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge.

  • The Port of Greater Baton Rouge provides excellent accessibility to all types of intermodal transportation. The port is located adjacent to U.S. Interstate 10, and is in close proximity to U.S. Interstate 12, 49, 55, and 59; U.S. Highway 61, 65, and 90 and LA Highway 1.

  • The port’s excellent public infrastructure and connectivity provide direct access to ship, barge, truck and rail. Our strategic location provides ready access to the nation’s heartland via nearly 15,000 miles of inland water transportation as well as to the Gulf of Mexico and ocean trade lanes to and from Latin America and the rest of the world. The port provides easy accessibility to world markets and the newly expanded and widened Panama Canal.