Port staff reports ferry fire during sea trial; multiple ferry projects ongoing

At its meeting, the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District received a staff report that both ferries were in operation but that Port Authority 2 had suffered a fire during a sea trial and is undergoing assessment. Staff said the vessel "caught on fire coming around Algiers Point during the sea trial" and is at Caterpillar while an adjuster assesses damage and next steps.

The staff presentation gave timelines for several projects. Belle Chasse 2 is expected "early May" once wheelhouse and engine-room doors are installed. A new diesel-electric ferry is scheduled to go out to bid in June 2026. The Point à la Hache ferry landing replacement is in survey-processing with estimated construction near the end of 2028. The Belle Chasse landing repairs and security dock work are continuing; several of those projects are funded in part by Federal Transit Administration grants and port security grants.

Commissioners and members of the audience questioned staff about the cause of the Port Authority 2 fire and who would determine responsibility. Staff said adjusters will inspect to determine whether a fuel line failure or a turbo caused the blaze. Commissioners also raised concerns about the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) conducting inspections on port property without prior notice and about liability if an inspector were injured while on port property.

The report covered additional infrastructure items including progress on the rail extension project and the Peters Road vehicle bridge; public meetings for the Peters Road bridge are scheduled for May 21 at the Belle Chasse auditorium. Staff also reported phase-one completion activities for the water booster station and anticipated feed-line work in June–July 2026.

The commission did not take formal action on the ferry report; staff said they will continue assessments and return with any required follow-up.