Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter by Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director.
Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Georgia Ports Authority hit record numbers in March 2012, handling 2.37 million tons of freight, breaking the previous record set in October of 2010. 85% of the freight was containerized cargo, breaking April of 2011's record. For the month of March, containerized tonnage grew 8.3%, or 155,308 tons, compared to March 2011.
GPA Executive Director, Curtis Foltz stated, "Record volumes for Georgia's deepwater ports are good news for our region and its economic future." Foltz also stated, "We are cautiously optimistic about continued market recovery that will spur additional manufacturing and distribution opportunities."
In Fiscal Year of 2012 through March, the GPA handled 19.5 million tons of cargo, increasing 280,035 from FY2011. Of that, 16.5 million tons of cargo, in 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent container unit, was accounted for by container traffic. The export to import ratio for FY2012 through March, 53.71% to 46.29%.
The total number of vessel calls in March exceeded February's numbers; 203 vessels calls in March, compared to 183 vessels calls in February.
While the GPA is showing strong numbers in containerized cargo, they are also seeing growth in the auto/machinery units handled at the Port of Brunswick. The Port of Brunswick is the third busiest U.S. Port. Foltz stated, "The Port of Brunswick is the third busiest U.S. port for auto imports, behind only Los Angeles and Newark." Foltz also commented on the competitive strengths of Brunswick's Port,"Brunswick's diverse carrier fleet, superior location and ample space provide the GPA's automotive clients a vital link to Europe and other global markets."
The Port of Brunswick's 2012 Fiscal year to April 19, handled 388,192 units. Of that, Brunswick's Port handled 57,001 unites, increasing 30% from March 2011 and 79% from March 2010.
1. "Georgia Ports Hit Record Numbers in March." Georgia Ports Authority. 2012. Georgia Ports Authority. 5 May 2012 <http://www.gaports.com/corporate/tabid/379/xmmid/1097/xmid/6907/xmview/2/default.aspx>.
