Cargo Connections Conference to draw industry leaders to New Orleans

Next week’s 9th annual “Cargo Connections Conference” (CCC) will be hosted by the Port of New Orleans, and will examine (among other things) the solvency of ocean cargo carriers and the anticipated impact of shifting carrier alliances.

Formerly known as the “Critical Commodities Conference,” the CCC has broadened its range to focus on global logistics management, just as eleven of the world’s largest container shipping lines come together in three new alliances, reflecting an industry-wide effort to cut excess vessel capacity and trim costs.

LM has long praised the leadership of the Port of New Orleans, recognizing its former director with our coveted John T. McCullough “Executive of the Year” award. Brandy Christian, who took over as president and CEO last January, promises to build as great a legacy by updating the gulf gateway’s master plan and investing in new infrastructure.

Christian will be among the industry keynoters addressing the conference will not doubt have something to say about the recently inaugurated CMA CGM’s direct Asia container service that will enhance the competitiveness of the Port of New Orleans and Louisiana by providing faster transit times and expanding the port’s reach for shippers,” Christian said.

“Initiating this service from New Orleans accomplishes a strategic goal for the port and will serve as a catalyst to attract new business to the region. We look forward to working with CMA CGM to ensure the service’s success,” she observes. 

The new service offers a 26-day transit time from Asia to New Orleans, which positions the Port to grow the recently opened Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal’s service to key markets such as Memphis, TN; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN and Toronto, which are all serviced daily by CN Railroad. The direct service also adds capacity and reliability for exporters and is strategically timed to serve the surge in resin exports in 2017.