STATE OF GEORGIA

GPA, Shanghai Port Group Sign Agreement

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) signed an historic agreement recently that will allow both port systems to jointly promote all-water shipping routes between Asia and the Port of Savannah. "China's economy continues to fuel world trade among all nations and in doing so is growing a new domestic market of its own for the world economies to service via exports to China," said Doug J. Marchand, GPA's Executive Director. "This strategic alliance will allow GPA and the Shanghai International Port Group to improve services for our customers and generate new economic opportunities for Georgia and the Southeastern United States." The agreement provides for both parties to promote a strong working relationship and exchange information and expertise in the areas of marketing, communications, management, training and safety. The agreement also calls for concerted efforts to expand international trade through both ports by supporting the market presence in their respective countries and with common customers. "Georgia grown, processed and produced products exported to China have increased by more than 30 percent in just the past year," said Marchand. (See attached chart.) "The State of Georgia can only benefit from this trend and by increasing ties with China through initiatives such as the MOU signed last week between GPA and SIPG."

USS Georgia (SSGN 729) Delivered

The Ohio class guided missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) rests pierside at Naval Station Norfolk. Georgia made a brief stop at NS Norfolk while conducting sea trials after leaving Norfolk Naval Shipyards November 29, 2007, following the ship's conversion from a ballistic missile to a guided missile submarine. Georgia is the last of four submarines to be converted to SSGN. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dean Lohmeyer (Released)

Panama Canal Hosts Georgia Governor

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) welcomed Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue (pictured left) to the Panama Canal September 24. Joined by senior leaders from the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Georgia Department for Economic Development, Governor Perdue visited the Canal to learn about the historic expansion of the waterway and the anticipated benefits the project will bring to Georgia. ACP Administrator/CEO Albert Alemán Zubieta met with the Georgia delegation during their visit

APM Terminals Expands into Eastern Black Sea Port

APM Terminals Poti in Georgia is Europe’s newest gateway to the Caucasus and Central Asia, projected to be among the pace-setters ineconomic development and trade growth. Poti, Georgia – In line with APM Terminals investment strategy in high growth markets, the company has announced the acquisition of an 80% share in Poti Sea Port, which is located on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The shares have been bought from Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) of the United Arab

Georgia Port Funding Announced

Governor Sonny Perdue announced awarding $1.695 million in Port Security Grants to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). "I want to thank President Bush, Secretary Ridge, and our excellent delegation in Washington for these homeland security funds that will help protect Georgia's coast from acts of terrorism and provide further security enhancements for our ports," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "We must continue to work with our

$50m More for $650m Port Deepening Project

Gov. Nathan Deal has announced that as part of his FY2014 budget proposal, he will seek an additional $50 million in funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project at the Georgia Ports Authority Board meeting.   “I am committed to allocating funds and time to this pivotal link in our logistics network,”said Deal. “Expanding the Savannah Harbor is vital to our renewed economic growth and plays an integral role in helping make our state the No

Steamship Historical Society Publishes History of Savannah Line

The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of The Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah: The Savannah Line by Edward A. Mueller. When it was chartered in 1872 to carry passengers and freight between Savannah, Georgia and New York, the Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah was the only coastwise steamship company with headquarters in the South. Better known simply as The Savannah Line

Meeting of Commission on Ocean Policy

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will hold its first regional meeting (the Commission’s third meeting overall) to hear and discuss issues of concern to the southeastern region of the United States, covering the coastal area from Delaware to Georgia. The meeting will be held on January 15-16, 2002 in Charleston, South Carolina. 66 Fed. Reg. 65767

Georgia Ports Participate in C-TPAT

GPA among first in the Nation to enroll in program U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., on Wednesday, May 28, announced that the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is participating in the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. The C-TPAT program is designed to enhance the prevention of terrorism throughout the entire supply chain by combining the security efforts of organizations involved in global commerce.

Savannah River Closed Following Explosion at Sugar Refinery

The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Savannah River to navigation following a large explosion at a sugar refinery at Port Wentworth, just upstream from Savannah, Georgia. The Coast Guard defines the safety zone in the area near the sugar refinery. The safety zone will remain in effect until shoreside emergency response efforts are complete and the river has been surveyed for objects that may have fallen into the river as a result of the explosion