The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is planning US$142 million in capital spending at the Port of Savannah, where a new empty container depot is planned as well as a new ‘Gate 8’, which aims to add eight interchanges on cranes, as well as other investments on infrastructure and equipment during its 2016 fiscal year, according to the Journal of Commerce.
James Allgood, Vice Chairman of GPA, said: “Georgia is making the investments necessary to maintain and strengthen our position as the premier gateway for trade to the US Southeast.”
Curtis Foltz, Executive Director of GPA, said: “In fiscal year 2015, we experienced unprecedented growth, with West Coast diversions to East Coast ports, a recovering US economy and import market share gains leading to all-time highs in cargo volume.
“The fact we were able to handle this influx of business without congestion has opened doors to long-term opportunities for Georgia. This new improvement plan will continue to keep Savannah's capacity ahead of demand.”
Among the equipment to be delivered to the Port of Savannah is four new ship-to-shore cranes and 30 new rubber-tyre gantry cranes.
In other news, the Philadelphia Port Authority has issued a request for qualifications for private developers in for building the Southport Container Terminal.
Fact File: The Port of Savannah had its best performing month in March, 2015 and is the only port along the East Coast to be serving all 11 Suez shipping services.
