The GPA also announced overall tonnage for the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick reached the second highest monthly volume ever in May with 2,352,302 tonnes, which was a 16.7% increase compared with May 2010.
“While the global economy continues its modest and fragile recovery, the GPA reported increases in all category groups,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J Foltz. “We anticipate a strong end to the fiscal year, reflecting record volumes and container throughput approaching 12% growth.”
Container volume remained strong with container traffic up 10.1% in May, handling 143,447 units or 254,329 TEU. Loaded exports increased 16.7% compared with May 2010.
“Carriers are repositioning empty containers into Savannah to support our robust export growth,” said Foltz. “Export volumes remain our dominant direction, outpacing imports 54% to 46%.”
Ocean Terminal’s breakbulk cargo was up 45.7% in May 2011 with 106,782 tonnes and a fiscal-year-to-date volume of 1,004,563, which is an FYTD increase of 36.5%. This growth was due to growth in import/export machinery, export wood pulp and export automobiles, as well as global demand for iron/steel, lumber and machinery.
Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick handled 43,843 auto and machinery units in May, which yielded a 21.8% increase compared with May 2010 and the Authority’s highest monthly volume ever. Roll-on/roll-off volume at the facility has increased 43.6% for the fiscal year (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012).
“Global demand for Georgia’s products has been essential in helping our state weather the economic recession and will be critical in our region’s growth,” said Poitevint. “Our balanced export-to-import ratio promotes efficiency and has helped to drive economic recovery throughout the state of Georgia and the entire Southeast.”