The Louisiana International Terminal would be able to accommodate ultra-large container vessels in the Lower Mississippi River.

Ship channel's $238-million dredging project passed a key milestone last month as ships began using a new 48-ft draft standard; last phase will relocate or deepen up to six utility pipelines in the remaining 30 miles to Baton Rouge.

Plan calls for deepening the river from Baton Rouge to the Gulf to 50 ft., from 45 ft. now.