Savannah port volume up record 20.7pc to 250,000 TEU in July

THE Georgia Ports Authority has announced that its Port of Savannah handled more than 250,000 TEU in July 2010, an increase of 20.7 per cent year on year, and making it the strongest monthly on record and the eighth month in a row of double-digit growth.

"We have set a new benchmark for monthly volume at the Port of Savannah by moving more than a quarter million TEU in July," said GPA executive director Curtis Foltz. "Even during the recessionary conditions experienced during the past two years, the GPA has continued to invest for the future to ensure growth can be handled more efficiently than ever."

Overall tonnage for July totalled 2,203,587 tons, up 15.6 per cent compared to the same month a year earlier.

"Global demand for vessel space and equipment availability remains strong in most markets with demand outpacing available capacity," said Mr Foltz.

"However, current projections for continued strong activity into the third quarter are less certain, as we move out of this year's upcoming holiday shopping. We continue to be cautiously optimistic as we plan for upcoming volume and remain well positioned for long-term growth and increased economic gains for our state."

At the Port of Brunswick, the movement of auto and machinery units has also averaged double-digit growth for the past eight months. Colonel's Island Terminal moved 35,789 units in July, an 89.3 per cent increase compared with July 2009. Breakbulk volume also rose at the Port of Brunswick with Mayor's Point posting a 25.4 per cent increase, a statement from port authorities said.
(Source:www.schednet.com)