The Port of New Orleans will serve a record number of cruise ship passengers this year and set a record for container traffic.

Port President/CEO Gary LaGrange says general cargo shipments through the port have increased 8.5% this year as double-digit increases in imported aluminum and steel were reported.  Imports of natural rubber were up 8%.

The number of cruise ship passengers served by the port is expected to exceed one million this year.  To build on the gains, the port plans to commence construction of a new cruise ship terminal at its Poland Avenue Wharf in 2013.

In his state-of-the-port address to 200 stakeholders on Monday, LaGrange says the future of the facility is tied to international trade.

Work will begin next year on a new intermodal terminal at the Napolean Street Wharf that will improve rail service and capitalize on the 6 railroads that serve the port.

LaGrange says the project will transform a 12-acre site into a modern freight terminal and create an additional container storage area.