Ports of Savannah and Brunswick post record handling figures for CY2011

24 Jan 2012 - Cargo volumes and throughput, Ports

• Georgia Ports handle 26.1 million tonnes of cargo during 2011 calender year

The US Ports of Savannah and Brunswick experienced record volumes in 2011 handling 26.1 million tonnes of cargo, an additional 1.1 million tons, or a 4.3 percent increase, according to the Georgia Ports Authority.

In Savannah, the Authority handled a record 2.95 million TEUs, a further 130,000 units, or a 3.5 percent increase over calendar year 2010.

In Brunswick, the Authority handled a record 495,000 auto and machinery units, up 23 percent from the previous year.

“The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick achieved record volumes in 2011 despite the nation’s economic challenges,” said Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz.

“As our ports grow market share, Georgia’s deepwater terminals provide American exporters an increasingly vital gateway to global trade.”

Additionally, the Port of Savannah, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, is second only to the Port of Los Angeles for the export of American containerized goods.

In 2011 alone, exports accounted for over 15.5 million tonnes, or 59 percent of the Authority’s trade. The figure represented 8.7 percent of the US’ total containerized cargo volumes throughout the year and 12.5 percent of the country’s containerized exports.

“Georgia’s position as the number-two export port in the nation provides a clear and compelling case for why the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) is so critical for this state, region and country,” said GPA’s Chairman of the Board Alec Poitevint.

“The work to deepen the Savannah Harbor up to 48 feet is precisely the type of effort that will bring sustainable economic recovery to the United States.”

Last year also marked important developments in Georgia’s effort to finalize the SHEP study and move the project toward construction.

These efforts include the public review and revision of study documents and securing a total of US$134 million in state funds with an additional $46.7 million proposed by Governor Nathan Deal.

Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals contribute $15.5 billion in income, $61.7 billion in revenue and $2.6 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy.