THE Port of New Orleans handled a record 537,285 TEU over the 12-month period through September, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.6 per cent.

The throughput reflects a more than doubling of container volume in the Central American trade lane, buoyed by banana imports, paper and chemical exports.

"It's another milestone that comes on the heels of four record years in a row," port president and CEO Gary LaGrange said during the 29th Annual State of the Port Address hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs House Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO).

"We anticipate continued growth in our container market, along with a robust breakbulk and project cargo market, as we recently set 14-year highs in tonnage moved over port docks," he was quoted as saying in a report by MarineLink.com.

Looking to the future, Mr LaGrange said the maritime industry must work together to educate the public on the economic impacts and community benefits of international trade in Louisiana.

"Most people in this room are intimately involved with some form of trade or transportation business," Mr LaGrange said. "However, many of our friends and neighbours have no idea of the broad impact of our industry. This is not a unique problem to New Orleans."

Industrywide, ports are making an effort to communicate the importance of international trade and the port of New Orleans is leading its own effort with radio and television advertising and an aggressive community outreach effort.

In the next year, the port will update its economic impact report and will soon embark on an ambitious new master plan to determine the best investments and facilities as new cargo trends impact the indust