The Port of Savannah handled a record 2.95 million TEU in 2011, 3.5 per cent more than in the previous year despite a 1.9 per cent decline in December.

Georgia Ports Authority executive director Curtis Foltz announced that the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick experienced record volumes in 2011 and handled 26.1 million tonnes of cargo, an additional 1.1 million tonnes, or a 4.3 per cent increase. In Brunswick, the authority handled a record 495,000 auto and machinery units, up 23 per cent from the previous year.

“The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick achieved record volumes in 2011 despite the nation’s economic challenges,” said Mr Foltz.

According to the US Department of Commerce, Savannah is second only to the Port of Los Angeles for the export of American containerised goods. In 2011 alone, exports accounted for over 15.5 million tonnes, or 59 per cent of the authority’s trade.

“Georgia’s position as the number-two export port in the nation provides a clear and compelling case for why the Savannah Harbour Expansion Project (SHEP) is so critical for this state, region and country,” said GPA chairman Alec Poitevint.

“The work to deepen the Savannah harbour to 48 feet is precisely the type of effort that will bring sustainable economic recovery to the United States,” he said.

Last year also marked important developments in Georgia’s effort to finalise the SHEP study and move the project towards construction. These efforts include the public review and revision of study documents, securing a total of US$134 million in state funds with an additional $46.7 million proposed by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

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