This particular port is located in Chalmette, Louisiana at the convergence of the Mississippi River and the U.S. Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This port is also a landlord port, which means that the port authority for St. Bernard builds wharves that are rented to different terminal operators. Rather than the port providing equipment such as forklifts and cranes, the leasing company does this and hires their own longshore workers to operate such equipment.
St. Bernard Port was established in 1960 as its own independent political entity to be governed by a board made up of 5 members. This larger port also includes an industrial park spanning 216 acres as well as a 128-acre marine terminal. Whatever lies within the boundaries of St. Bernard Parish is under the jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners. This includes both land and waterways.
St. Bernard Port sees a wide variety of inbound and outbound cargoes, which makes it difficult to narrow down. Primarily, the cargo being delivered to the port includes:
Cargo being shipped out of the port includes many of the same things. These various cargoes combine to form a whopping 5.9 million short tons per year, totaling $10 million in gross yearly revenue.
The different facilities located at this port are provided for the purpose of accommodating different types of cargo and vessels. The facilities at St. Bernard include:
Surprisingly, there are also multiple acres that have not yet been utilized or developed. Regardless, St. Bernard Port is one of the largest in Louisiana and an integral part of the maritime industry in that region.
Chalmette is the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana with a relatively large population of about 32,000. The city itself was founded by a Frenchman with the last name of Chalmette. The city has some interesting history, as it was the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. This region also has a more devastating side to its history as well. Chalmette was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina back in August of 2005. The Mississippi River overflowed and flooded a good majority of this region. It severely hurt the maritime industry as well as thousands of residents.
Chalmette is also home to the Murphy Oil facility. During the storm, the oil tanks were knocked over, causing a huge oil spill. Initial recovery took three years, but efforts are still ongoing to restore industry and way of life in this area. 7.5% of Chalmette's 7.9 square miles is water. This area may be better known by the public when it is combined with other cities in its statistical area, such as New Orleans. Overall, the region's livelihood has also been its downfall. The river is essential to industry in the region, but it has also caused significant damage.
Arnold & Itkin is passionate about serving the maritime workers of Louisiana. In our past dealings with offshore workers, we have run into many who have had dealings with and even were injured while working at St. Bernard Port. After talking about the many dangers of working in this area, let alone the maritime industry, it is necessary to conclude that injuries can have a remedy. All offshore or port workers are protected by law in the event of an injury. With the help of our firm, workers who are injured at St. Bernard Port can get compensated for their injuries.
If you are a maritime worker and were injured while performing your job duties at a port like this one, you can seek the help of Arnold & Itkin and we will be happy to analyze your claim for free. We are intensely interested in the rights of offshore workers, so even if you are unsure of whether or not you have a claim, you should come speak with us. You may work on an offshore vessel, in which case you may be entitled to seek a claim under the Jones Act. If you are a harbor or longshore worker, then you are likely entitled to benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. A maritime lawyer can help you receive these benefits in a complex situation.
Do not forego your right to vital resources—contact a maritime lawyer to determine your next step.
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