Feature, Freight News, Sea

St. Bernard Opens Rehabilitated Chalmette Slip

[ May 21, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

The St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District, in partnership with Associated Terminals, on May 14 celebrated the completion of more than two decades of planning in the historic opening of the Chalmette Slip Rehabilitation Project.

Originally constructed in 1907, the Chalmette Slip is fully operational for the first time in 40 years, restoring one of the Mississippi River’s most strategic maritime assets. Rehabilitation efforts began in 1997 and culminated in rehabilitation of sections A and F.

“This project was a perfect example of the power of long-term vision and strong public-private partnerships,” said Drew Heaphy, executive director of the St. Bernard Port. “The Chalmette Slip is not only a piece of our history – it’s essential to our region’s economic future and the broader Mississippi River system.”

The project was a partnership of the St. Bernard Port, Volkert Inc., Boh Bros Construction and Associated Terminals, which provides cargo handling, logistics and terminal services.

The only slip on the lowest Mississippi River, the slip plays a key role in the movement of general cargo, project cargo, and bulk commodities, reinforcing the region’s strength as a logistics and industrial corridor.

“We were honored to work with the St. Bernard Port to bring the Chalmette Slip back to life,” said Gary Poirrier, chairman of Associated Terminals, the port’s exclusive operator. “Its full restoration enhances not only our operations but also Louisiana’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

Tags: Associated Terminals, Boh Bros Construction, Chalmette Slip, Drew Heaphy, St. Bernard Port, Volkert Inc.