Savannah container volume increases in May by 25pc

GEORGIA Ports Authority's (GPA) executive director Curtis Foltz announced that the Port of Savannah experienced 25.3-per cent container growth in May and has recorded six consecutive months of double-digit growth.

"May was the sixth busiest month ever recorded for container throughput and continued the string of double-digit growth experienced since last December," said Mr Foltz in a port statement. "The growth experienced in the second half of this fiscal year continues to signal improved economic recovery, retail inventory re-stocking and ongoing strength in US products overseas with significant export increases."

Overall tonnage for May reported gains of 12.4 per cent, which brings the GPA's fiscal year-to-date (July 2009 through May 2010) volume to a 6.5-per cent increase compared with the same time period last year. Import growth increased during May as well, while export products and empty container repositioning also supported the extremely strong month.

At the Port of Brunswick, the movement of auto and machinery units has also experienced growth for the past six months. Colonel's Island Terminal moved 35,873 total units in May 2010, which is an 82.4-per cent increase compared to same period 2009.

"It is clear just how strong an economic engine our ports have become and how that engine is helping to fuel our economic recovery," said GPA's chairman of the board Stephen S Green. "The GPA's focus on the future even during the economic recession is starting to pay dividends today."

Georgia's deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 295,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute US$15.5 billion in income, $61.7 billion in revenue and $2.6 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia's economy.
(Source:www.schednet.com)