The Georgia Ports Authority reported Monday that the Port of
Savannah is on track to achieve a monthly record for September, following
closely after the all-time record set last month. Based on cargo bookings, GPA
is projecting roughly five percent growth for September compared to the same
month last year, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 era.
"We frankly didn't anticipate growth for the months of
August and September, but we are gratified by the loyalty of our customers and
the dedication of our employees," said Lynch. "Although there is
still much work to be done, Savannah's status as the number-one export port
means it will play a critical role in the nation's economic recovery."
The Appalachian Regional Port (ARP), GPA's inland terminal
in northwest Georgia, Murray County, also reported record volumes in August and
projects similar results for September. The intermodal rail-to-truck facility
at ARP connects the Port of Savannah to target markets in Georgia, Alabama,
Tennessee and Kentucky. Each roundtrip container offsets 710 truck miles on
Georgia highways, and it helps solve issues related to hours of service limits
for truck drivers. Georgia Ports is expanding ARP's storage areas to increase
the facility's annual capacity.
ARP is helping to attract investment to Murray County. GE
Appliances recently opened a $32 million logistics just two miles from the
inland terminal, and Taizhou Huali New Materials Co., Ltd. (Huali Floors)
recently announced plans to establish its first U.S. headquarters and
manufacturing facility in the county.
Other ongoing projects to increase capacity at GPA include
the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project - now 75 percent complete - and the Mason
Mega Rail Terminal, which is close to 50 percent complete. The first nine
working tracks on the expanded rail yard are now operational, and the second
set of nine tracks will be commissioned in the summer of 2021.