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Savannah off 1.3pc to 3.6 million TEU in FY16, but keeps 24pc of USWC gain

CONTAINER throughput via Georgia's Port of Savannah fell 1.3 per cent in fiscal year 2016 to 3.6 million TEU, but retained 24 per cent of diverted cargo gains from last year's US west coast labour strife.

"Overall, FY16 container volumes exceeded expectations due to inflated market share associated with last year's west coast cargo diversions," said recently appointed GPA executive director Griff Lynch.



"When our new customers experienced the seamless connection between Georgia's ports, rail and roads, they decided to grow their business here. 



This coming year we will be focused on increasing our capacity, expanding our reach into new markets and providing superior supply chain solutions for our customers," Mr Lynch said. 



The GPA estimates that 24 per cent of the 320,000 TEU diverted to the Port of Savannah over FY2015, or more than 75,000 TEU, was retained.



Said GPA chairman Jimmy Allgood: "As our retention of the diverted cargo shows, customers choose Georgia when they learn of the savings in time and money that we provide."



The GPA also approved US$19.7 million to build the Appalachian Regional Port in Chatsworth, Murray County, Georgia.



The funds consist of $10 million from the state of Georgia and $9.7 million from the GPA. In addition, CSX railway is making off-site improvements to facilitate the new inland port. 



Said Mr Lynch: "The Appalachian Regional Port [ARP] will create a new gateway to the Port of Savannah serving Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and beyond, offsetting 350 truck miles per container - that's 18 million miles a year."



The new inland terminal is the second for the GPA and part of the "Network Georgia" programme designed to create inland terminals throughout the state to reduce truck traffic and greater rail capacity.



"Establishing these inland terminals will extend our rail advantage into a multi-state region, ease highway traffic congestion, and prepare Georgia's ports for a new era of growth," said Mr Allgood. 



The GPA also approved $4.3 million to upgrade electrical power for GPA's growing fleet of neopanamax ship to shore (STS) cranes. By the end of 2017, eight additional STS cranes will be added, bringing the total number of cranes to 30, more than any terminal in the US. 
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