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Port NOLA Celebrates Maritime Month

[ May 10, 2017   //   ]

The Port of New Orleans is celebrating Maritime Month through May and National Maritime Day May 22 to recognize the value of maritime commerce in the region and to pay tribute to the region’s rich maritime history.

The theme of Port NOLA’s Maritime Month is “Your Working River” and includes a number of activities to demonstrate the industry’s vital role in job creation and its connection to community.

Beginning today, WWL-TV will broadcast 15- and 30-second promotional ads throughout the month touting the benefits of “Your Working River.” Port NOLA is also partnering with the Orleans Parish School Board to bring several high school students to the port to explore maritime careers and get a firsthand look at the vibrant activity via a waterside tour of the Port. The Port also joins Global Maritime Ministries in honoring the Port’s Harbor Police Department from May 14-20 during Harbor Police Week. On National Maritime Day, May 22, Port NOLA will host WWL-TV’s Morning Show for a live broadcast from the Port of New Orleans’ Fireboat from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m.

In a more official gesture, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans will be asked to consider passing a resolution at the May 25 Board meeting officially declaring May as Maritime Month. To cap off the month-long activities, the port will host a boat tour for the public on May 26.

“We have coordinated with media partners and stakeholders to celebrate the hardworking men and women who ensure our local maritime efforts play an important role in the global supply chain,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “Ours is a competitive, tough industry, not well understood by those who aren’t directly connected with it. We want to showcase the industry’s value and the range of job opportunities.”

Declared by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day calls attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and to honor the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners.

“Nationwide, America’s seaports support 23.1 million jobs, annually generate more than $321 billion in federal, state and local taxes, account for more than a quarter of the U.S. economy and handle more than 2.2 billion metric tons of international and domestic cargo,” said Kurt Nagle, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

Photo Credit: Port of New Orleans

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