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NEW ORLEANS —The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced the appointment of Kristi App as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In her new role, App will lead commercial operations across Port NOLA’s cargo, cruise, and industrial real estate portfolios, bringing over two decades of expertise in international trade, transportation, and global logistics.

App joins Port NOLA from J.W. Allen & Company, Inc., a leading freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and global logistics provider, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in optimizing supply chains and developing resilient logistics networks across multiple industries and borders. Her career at J.W. Allen included leadership positions such as Vice President of Business Development and Vice President of Exports.

“Kristi App’s extensive background in logistics, international trade, and commercial strategy make her an exceptional addition to our executive team,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “Her vision and leadership will be key to advancing our growth initiatives, including the Louisiana International Terminal, and driving sustainable cargo development that benefits our region and our partners across the supply chain.”

A Licensed U.S. Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), App is widely recognized as a leader in the maritime community. She received the 2024 C. Alvin Bertel Award, honoring her significant contributions to the Louisiana port community. She has also served as Vice President of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) and currently serves as a commissioner on the Louisiana Board of International Commerce. App earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Holy Cross.

“I’m honored to join Port NOLA at such an exciting time in its growth trajectory,” said Kristi App, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of New Orleans. “The Port plays a vital role in connecting Louisiana to the global economy, and I look forward to working with our partners to expand our reach, strengthen our customer relationships, and position the Louisiana International Terminal as a world-class gateway for future generations.”

As CCO, App will oversee Port NOLA’s commercial strategy with a focus on generating new revenue streams, expanding market reach, and driving strategic growth in cargo, cruise, and real estate sectors.

App’s appointment underscores Port NOLA’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth across the Gulf region.

NEW ORLEANS — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announces the appointment of Morten Møller Jensen to its executive leadership team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Jensen will oversee all port operations, with direct responsibility for the day-to-day management and successful delivery of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a transformative infrastructure project for the state and region.

With more than four decades of global experience in shipping, logistics, and port management, Jensen brings an extensive track record of operational excellence, strategic leadership, and international expertise.

“Morten’s deep experience in both operations and international business development makes him exceptionally qualified to help guide Port NOLA through this critical chapter in our history,” said Beth Branch, Port NOLA President & CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO. “As we advance the Louisiana International Terminal, his leadership and global perspective will be invaluable in strengthening Louisiana’s role as a premier gateway for global trade.”

Global Leadership and Expertise

Jensen has held senior executive roles across the world, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of MEDLOG USA, CEO of MSC’s Mexico & Central America region. He also held Managing Director positions with MSC in Sweden and Paraguay, as well as with Maersk in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Earlier in his career, he was Chief Operating Officer at Norden in Denmark and Managing Director for APM Terminals Southern Africa.

Most recently, Jensen served as Terminal Investment Director at Terminal Investment Ltd. (TiL) in Geneva, where he oversaw major global terminal investments and drove strategic business development. TiL is one of Port NOLA’s operating and financial partners in the Louisiana International Terminal. Jensen’s direct knowledge of the project and the partnership will bring unique value to its successful realization.

“Morten led complex, large-scale port and logistics projects across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas,” Branch said. “With a proven record of building public-private partnerships, securing strategic investments, and delivering projects efficiently and on budget, he is well positioned to help advance Port NOLA’s mission.”

Jensen’s Vision for Port NOLA

Throughout his career, Jensen has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative leadership and global connectivity.

“It’s an honor to join Port NOLA during this pivotal chapter,” Jensen said. “The Louisiana International Terminal will be a catalyst for expanding Louisiana’s leadership in international commerce. I’m eager to work alongside the Port’s exceptional team and partners to bring this vital project to life”.

NEW ORLEANS — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced today it continues to deliver strong momentum across its diverse lines of business: containerized cargo, breakbulk, rail, industrial real estate and cruise during the 2025 State of the Port Address. Together, these business lines are driving measurable economic impact, supporting billions in trade activity, thousands of jobs, and a vital share of Louisiana’s overall GDP**.**

This year’s program, hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans (IFFCBANO), also featured an engaging “Waterside Chat” with Port NOLA President and CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO Beth Branch, Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and COO John Orr, and Ports America President and CEO Matt Leech. Panelists discussed how Port NOLA’s multimodal connectivity, infrastructure expansion and partnerships are fueling growth.

Economic Impact Announced

Port leadership also announced the release of a new Economic Impact Report conducted by Martin Associates and completed in August 2025. It emphasizes the Port’s vital contribution to state and national prosperity.

“The Port of New Orleans is truly an economic engine not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country. With a unique transportation system of rail, barge, and truck connections, Port NOLA links America’s heartland to the world. That reach translates into billions of dollars in economic impact and supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs,” said John C. Martin, PhD, Owner of Martin Associates. "Here in Louisiana, the Port is a major driver of our economy and a cornerstone of our workforce. Continued investment in port infrastructure isn’t just smart, it’s essential to keeping this momentum strong for our state and for the nation.”

According to the report, in 2024, marine cargo activity within the New Orleans Port District supported $101.5 billion of total economic value to the U.S. economy, including $31.5 billion in Louisiana which is approximately 8.3% of the state’s GDP. Additionally, cargo activity moving through Port NOLA marine terminals supported 342,150 jobs in the nation. That includes 122,386 total jobs in Louisiana alone. The report is searchable by U.S. and State legislative districts, showing the specific economic impact in each one.

Read the full report here.

Louisiana International Terminal

The port also underscored its bold progress in developing the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a transformative infrastructure project that will redefine global trade through Louisiana**.**

The new container terminal represents the cornerstone of Port NOLA’s long-term vision to expand capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and position Louisiana as a leading Gulf gateway for international commerce.

Port Highlights Milestones and Vision

Branch spoke of resilience, innovation, and strategic progress throughout her address, reflecting on the port’s cargo, rail, and cruise operations.

“New Orleans was born of the river, and our future will rise from it too,” said Branch. “From breakbulk and container cargo to a record 1.2 million cruise passenger movements last year, Port NOLA continues to drive opportunity for Louisiana families, businesses, and communities. The Louisiana International Terminal will ensure that legacy endures connecting our river, rail, and road systems like never before and redefining how global trade flows through our state.”

Branch highlighted $49 million in breakbulk infrastructure investments, as well as strong partnerships with Ports America, and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC). She also commended the Harbor Police Department for its leadership in public safety, especially in preparation for Super Bowl LIX, through enhanced security measures and technology upgrades.

Board Chairman Applauds Unity and Bold Vision

Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Michael Thomas praised the Port’s leadership and collaborative partnerships driving Louisiana’s competitive edge on the global stage.

“The story we are writing together is one of unity, bold investment, and vision,” said Thomas. “Through the Louisiana International Terminal, the new St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, and the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement uniting five Lower Mississippi River ports, we are positioning Louisiana as the premier gateway for global trade in the 21st century.”

Thomas said the Louisiana International Terminal developed in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited and Ports America will create over 18,000 jobs, generate more than $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue, and represents one of the most significant federal investments in U.S. port infrastructure history.

“Together, we form the largest port complex in the world,” Thomas added. “By speaking with one powerful voice, Louisiana’s ports are not just gateways of trade, they are engines of transformation for our state, our region, and our people.”