Louisiana's plastic port: biggest cargo win in years takes Baton Rouge in new direction, gives Osprey opportunity.(Transportation: Maritime)

In a boost for the container-on-barge business, the London Metal Exchange chose the Port of Baton Rouge, La., as a warehouse site for its plastic futures market.

Phillip Andrews, commercial manager for projects for Katoen Natie Gulf Coast, said Baton Rouge was chosen because of its position on the Mississippi River. Andrews said the port's nascent container-on-barge business operated by Osprey Lines was a big factor in the decision.

The more than a dozen chemical plants in the area will serve as a source for exports. Earlier this year, Shintech announced a billion-dollar project to build a facility to produce polyethylene products for the automotive industry …