Port of NOLA to close prior to TS Francine

The port of New Orleans (Nola) in Louisiana and terminal operators there are limiting operations today in preparation for a full closure Wednesday as tropical storm Francine passes.

Terminal operators are expected to reopen on 12 September after damages are assessed.

United Bulk Terminals (UBT) issued a force majeure this morning from the Davant terminal on concerns for employee safety. The company did not disclose a timeline for reopening. UBT specializes in coal and petcoke along with other commodities.

Associated Terminals will suspend operations 11-12 September and will assess damages on 13 September.

The National Weather Service forecasts Francine to make landfall tomorrow on the Louisiana coast as a hurricane. Commodities including petcoke, coal, agriculture and fertilizer are likely to be affected by the port closure.

By Meghan Yoyotte