In what was its busiest July ever, the Port of Savannah handled more than 336,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs), contributing to an overall 10.8 percent increase in TEUs for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) in the current calendar year, GPA reported last week.
Through July, GPA saw total tonnage crossing its docks jump 13 percent to 20.67 million tons, and break bulk cargo increased 12.3 percent to 232,390 tons.
“It is through the incredible efficiency and productivity of GPA employees and the International Longshoremen’s Association — as well as the continued commitment of shippers and customers — that these record volumes are possible,” Griff Lynch, the executive director of GPA, said. “Georgia’s renewed investments, strong support from Gov. Nathan Deal and state leaders, and superior logistics are encouraging customers to bring more business here.”
A burgeoning construction industry helped Savannah’s Ocean Terminal nearly double its lumber volume from July 2016, settling at 7,702 tons last month. Total tonnage at Ocean Terminal in July grew 22 percent, reaching 123,150 tons.
“Our July performance underscores the value of our deepwater ports to the nation’s economy,” Jimmy Allgood, chairman of the board for GPA, said. “Our terminals support the exports of our farms and factories, supply components for domestic manufacturing and ensure the efficiency of retail commerce.”
Meanwhile, East River Terminal in Brunswick handled 49,011 tons of wood pellets used for fuel in July, rebounding from zero last July. Overall, East River Terminal’s overall bulk cargo grew 75.7 percent year-over, settling at 68,813 tons.