GPA Sets Tonnage Record

By Michelle Howard July 28, 2014

The Georgia Ports Authority moved more than 3 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in fiscal year 2014. Exports accounted for just over half of containerized tonnage.

The Georgia Ports Authority moved more than 29 million tons of cargo, 3 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) and more than 700,000 auto and machinery units in Fiscal Year 2014.

“The board and staff of the Georgia Ports Authority are to be commended for their outstanding achievements this year,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “Our ports’ success is a win for us all, and a direct result of Georgia’s commitment to the GPA and support for critical port infrastructure projects such as the harbor deepening and enhanced access to I-95 and I-16. Georgia’s deepwater terminals support jobs, investment and economic development in every county across the state.”

The Port of Savannah handled a record 3.14 million TEUs in FY14, up by 6.3 percent or 186,567 TEUs compared to the previous year. It was the first time for the port to move more than 3 million TEUs in a fiscal year.

The added volume contributed to a record year in total tonnage. In the 12 months ending June 30, GPA moved 29.4 million tons of freight, up by 8 percent or 2.17 million tons.

“Our ports support a broad range of industries, ranging from forestry and food production to auto manufacturing and retail,” said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. “The additional cargo attracted to Georgia in FY14 speaks to the powerful and growing impact Georgia’s ports have on the state and region.”

In roll-on/roll-off cargo, the Port of Brunswick’s dedicated auto and machinery terminal moved 674,327 units in FY14. Savannah’s Ocean Terminal added another 26,375 for a record total of 700,702 units. GPA Ro/Ro cargo improved by 63,760 units or 10 percent on the year. Breakbulk cargo saw a gain of 5.2 percent in FY14, growing by 129,861 tons to reach 2.63 million tons. Meanwhile, bulk cargo expanded by 8.4 percent, or 212,086 tons, to reach 2.73 million tons of agricultural and other bulk goods moved across GPA docks.

“There are good reasons more than 21,000 businesses depend on Georgia’s deepwater ports to move their goods reliably and on-time,” said GPA Board Chairman James Walters. “Our unmatched customer service, central location and superior connectivity beyond our ports are what make GPA the Southeast’s hub for global trade.”