SAVANNAH: The Georgia Ports Authority experienced strong growth in containerized, auto and breakbulk trade in March. The Port of Savannah moved 311,770 20-foot equivalent units last month, an increase of 5.6% or 16,621 TEUs. Total tonnage across all terminals increased 9.8% (258,627 tons), moving 2.89 million tons for the busiest March ever in the Authority’s history. “Strong demand from retail and manufacturing customers –both in the U.S. and abroad – is driving growth in Savannah and Brunswick,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “As existing port users expand their trade through our terminals and new customers tap into Georgia’s connectivity to major population centers across the Southeast, we expect to see additional job and economic development opportunities for our region.”
The GPA’s cargo report follows the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission’s approval Friday of an agreement between the port authorities of Georgia and Virginia to share best practices and marketing efforts. “As our ports continue to experience record growth, it is more important than ever that Georgia and other gateway hubs begin to plan regionally for the future,” said GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood. “Cooperation between ports, with an eye toward maintaining world-class service, is a necessary part of today’s marketplace. As gateways to global commerce for the U.S. East Coast, the ports of Georgia and Virginia are critical links to the nation’s economy.”
