Record number of containers move through Port of Savannah

Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced today that the GPA moved more than a quarter million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in July 2010, marking the best month ever in GPA’s history and continuing eight consecutive months of double-digit growth.

“We have set a new benchmark for monthly volume at the Port of Savannah by moving more than a quarter million TEUs in July,” said Foltz. “Our strategic planning has ensured that Georgia’s deepwater ports are poised to handle the growth demands necessary to advance economic development and opportunity. Even during the recessionary conditions experienced during the past two years, the GPA has continued to invest for the future to ensure growth can be handled more efficiently than ever.”

In July 2010, the GPA moved 251,126 TEUs, which is a 20.7-percent increase or an additional 43,040 TEUs compared with July 2009 volume. Overall tonnage for July 2010 totaled 2,203,587 tons, which was a gain of 15.6 percent or an additional 297,417 tons compared with July 2009.

“Global demand for vessel space and equipment availability remains strong in most markets with demand outpacing available capacity,” said Foltz. “However, current projections for continued strong activity into the third quarter are less certain, as we move out of this year’s upcoming holiday shopping. We continue to be cautiously optimistic as we plan for upcoming volume and remain well positioned for long-term growth and increased economic gains for our state.”

At the Port of Brunswick, the movement of auto and machinery units also averaged double-digit growth for the past eight months. Colonel’s Island Terminal moved 35,789 total units in July 2010, which is an 89.3-percent increase compared with July 2009. Breakbulk volume also increased at the Port of Brunswick with Mayor’s Point posting a 25.4-percent increase.