Savannah best first quarter, up 20.1pc, back at pre-recession levels

THE Port of Savannah has posted its highest ever first quarter year-on-year container growth of 20.1 per cent to 742,637 TEU for the three months ending September 30 compared to the previous year's 618,256 TEU, according to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) executive director Curtis Foltz.

Savannah surpassed its pre-recession TEU record quarterly volume during the first quarter FY2011, which was held previously by first quarter FY2008, said a port authority statement.

"The first quarter of 2011, once again, showed that the Port of Savannah is not only increasing its value and market share by record numbers, but also its importance to the national logistics and transportation system. Today, the Port of Savannah serves 44 per cent of this country's population with majority exports. Moving forward, however, we do expect volumes to moderate through the first half of next year," said Mr Foltz.

Said GPA chairman Alec Poitevint: "It is a significant milestone for the Port of Savannah to move record TEU volume even during difficult economic times. The GPA is poised to strengthen its global leadership position weathering the storm of an economic recession and solidifying the long-term interests of our nation."

At the Port of Brunswick, the GPA handled 101,896 auto units in first quarter FY2011, which is an increase of 56.4 per cent compared with first quarter FY2010. Vessel calls at the Port of Brunswick are also up 31.8 per cent with 112 calls for first quarter 2011 compared with the same period in FY2010.
(Source:www.schednet.com)