“The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick achieved record volumes despite the nation’s economic challenges,” said Foltz. “As our ports grow market share, Georgia’s deep-water terminals provide American exporters with an increasingly vital gateway to global trade.”
Savannah handled a record 2.95m teu, an additional 130,000 units or a 3.5% increase, while in Brunswick, a record 495,000 auto and machinery units were handled, up 23% on the previous year.
According to the US Department of Commerce, Savannah is second only to the Port of Los Angeles for the export of American containerised goods, accounting for over 15.5m tonnes (59%) of GPA’s trade.
“Georgia’s position as the number-two export port in the nation provides a clear and compelling case for why the Savannah Harbour Expansion Project (SHEP) is so critical for this state, region and country. The work to deepen the Savannah Harbour up to 48 feet (14.5 metres) is precisely the type of effort that will bring sustainable economic recovery to the United States,” added GPA’s Chairman of the Board, Alec Poitevint.
Last year saw important developments in Georgia’s effort to finalise the SHEP study and move the project toward construction. These included the public review and revision of study documents and the securing of US$134m in state funds, with an additional US$46.7m proposed by Governor Nathan Deal.
“By making this financial commitment, Governor Deal and the General Assembly have sent a powerful message to our customers and stakeholders that the Savannah harbour deepening is a top priority for the State of Georgia,” said Poitevint.
