Savannah April box volume up 25pc, fifth month of growth

GEORGIA Ports Authority's (GPA) executive director Curtis Foltz has announced a 25.6 per cent increase in container volume April at the Savannah terminals, the fifth consecutive month of double-digit growth.

"The volume increases experienced in most commodity groups signals a continued economic recovery in most global markets," said Mr Foltz. "We are especially pleased that our ports are adding jobs. "

Overall tonnage for April 2010 reported gains of 16.4 per cent, which brings the port authority's fiscal year-to-date (July 2009-April 2010) volume to a six per cent increase compared with the same time period last year. Export containers continued to lead the recovery, posting a 30.4 per cent increase.

"A relatively weak US currency and strong foreign demand for our commodity groups are expected to continue," said Mr Foltz in a company statement. "Trade projections remain optimistic with growing economic demand replacing the recent increase caused by inventory replenishment."

At the Port of Brunswick, the movement of car and machinery units has also experienced growth for the past five months. Colonel's Island Terminal moved 33,815 total units in April, which is a 75.9 per cent increase compared with April 2009.

"Even during the recession, the GPA continued to add capacity and improve operations," said GPA chairman Stephen Green.

Source: www.schednet.com