“The Georgia Ports Authority’s double-digit growth is significant for our state in a recovering economy because it creates additional jobs,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. “Our strong logistics and transportation network in Georgia — on land, sea, rail and by air — is key to job development in the Southeast and enables our state to stand out for its ability to move people and goods efficiently.”
In FY2011 (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011), the GPA handled 2,927,338 TEU, which is an 11% increase or an additional 289,595 TEU compared with the previous year. Automobiles and machinery units at the Port of Brunswick yielded a 40.1% increase for FY2011 with a total of 465,342 units. Break-bulk tonnage for all terminals totaled 2,195,047, which is a 37.5% increase compared with FY2010 or an additional 598,423 tonnes.
“Heavy volumes throughout the year have been driven by continued market share gains by our ports, modest domestic US recovery and strong global rebound in the BRIC developing nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China),” said Foltz. “We achieved increases in volume and maintained market share in our trade lanes thanks to the hardworking men and women of the GPA and the entire maritime community that made this remarkable year of growth a reality. Our strategic location, logistical advantages including recent capacity expansion continue to make Savannah the Southeastern gateway to world markets.”
Export commodities grew by 12%, compared to nine-percent growth in imports. Overall, export throughput comprised 53% of the GPA’s total containerised cargo. The fastest growing export trade lanes were Southern Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
“Georgia’s strong position as a regional hub for export commodities is highlighted in the strong performance of the past fiscal year,” said GPA’s Chairman of the Board Alec L Poitevint. “In addition, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) passed important milestones this past year, and we are confident this nationally significant infrastructure project will gain necessary approvals and proceed according to the proposed schedule.”
The US Army Corps of Engineers released the SHEP Draft General Re-evaluation Report (GRR) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in November 2010. The study, authorised by Congress in 1996, reflects an extensive analysis of the engineering alternatives, environmental impacts, and economic costs and benefits of deepening the Savannah Harbor and shipping channel. The project’s final public review and comment period is scheduled for Fall 2011.