Savannah April container volume up 8pc, second highest level ever

GEORGIA Ports Authority (GPA) executive director Curtis Foltz announced a "surprisingly strong container volume" in April, its second highest monthly volume ever at 260,035 TEU, eight per cent up year on year.


Overall tonnage recorded a new monthly record of handling 1,996,346 tons across its ports with exports outpacing import growth.


Mr Foltz said the increase reflects continued demand tied to global economic recovery. "Export volume growth remained robust due to increased demand for semi-finished and raw materials as well as grain-based commodities and a competitive US dollar."


Overall break-bulk tonnage for the month totalled 207,103 tons, a 29.3 per cent increase year on year. At the Port of Savannah's Ocean Terminal, the GPA handled 111,685 tons during April, an increase of 40.3 per cent year on year.


Auto and machinery units handled 38,010 tons at Colonel's Island Terminal in Brunswick, marking an increase of 12.4 per cent compared to April 2010 attributed to demand for iron-steel, lumber and machinery. In the fiscal year to date, roll-on and roll-off volume increased by 46.6 per cent. Port of Brunswick experienced uplift also in linerboard and woodpile.


GPA chairman Alec Poitevint said the month's impressive results serve as an economic catalyst for the southeast. "Additional cargo, especially export commodities, translates into new jobs for our entire region."
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)