An expert in maritime transportation, Capt. Jeanne E. Ferrer is a leader in Louisiana’s maritime community, holding leadership roles for ports and railroads. With her unique perspective as a seagoing mariner, female pilot, port commissioner, and military member/reservist, Ferrer has established her capabilities in synchronizing various parties to advocate for or support the next generation of leaders in maritime logistics and supply chain.
As a master mariner, Ferrer currently serves as a commissioned Crescent River Port Pilot for the State of Louisiana, where she has been instrumental in navigating ships from Pilottown to New Orleans along a 105-mile route. In addition to this role, she is a Commissioner at the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, where she is one of seven commissioners responsible for overseeing the Port and Railroad. Her role includes operations management, economic development, and handling commercial dealings with tenants and new customers. She leverages years of professional experience working aboard cargo and offshore supply vessels to meet her responsibilities.
Professional Background
Before her current role, Ferrer held a commissioner appointment at the St. Bernard Port Terminal and Harbor District, overseeing that port’s operations and economic development. Prior to this, from 2006 to 2013, she gained invaluable experience in the maritime sector through her work with Hornbeck Offshore and Intermarine LLC. She has also spent nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Dedicated to her industry, Ferrer is an active member of various industry-related organizations, always collaborating with local and federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to grow the Lower Mississippi River’s navigation resources.
Ferrer’s professional pursuits have been aided by her academic background, which includes earning a bachelor’s degree in logistics and intermodal transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2006. She also holds a first-class pilot license and a master unlimited license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
A Maritime Professional Advocate
A dedicated maritime advocate, Ferrer is also a mentor to the next generation of maritime professionals. Her commitment to the industry and drawing awareness to the career opportunities within it is showcased further through her involvement with several civic-minded organizations, including Open Waters Louisiana and Women Offshore.
Ferrer sits on the board of directors for the Propeller Club of the United States at the Port of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Council of the Navy League of the United States. Additionally, she volunteers on the advisory council for We Work The Waterways, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to connecting our next generation of maritime leaders to the industry in their backyard.
Ferrer’s contributions to her field have earned her numerous accolades, including being named among the New Orleans 500 by Biz New Orleans in 2023 and 2024, a Top Women in Maritime by Marine Log in 2023, and Wave Maker of the Year by Women Offshore in 2022. She credits her diverse network in both the maritime industry and military for helping her bridge the gaps for various parties, navigate different facets of the industry, and collaborate.
Outside of her professional duties, Ferrer enjoys going to the gym, connecting with people, and spending time with her daughter. Looking to the future, she plans to continue advocating for the maritime industry while further building the legacy she has established through her dedication and passion for her work.
