In container trade, the Port of Savannah handled 441,000 TEUs in April, marking an 8% increase, or more than 32,000 TEUs, compared to the same month last year.
This made it GPA’s third busiest April on record, following 2021 and 2022.
In addition, import loads reached 211,900 TEUs in April, an increase of 8.3% or 16,200 TEUs compared to April 2023. Export loads totalled 122,500 TEUs last month, up by 4,235 TEUs or 3.6%.
Furthermore, in April, the Georgia Ports Authority set a new record by handling 80,600 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, marking its busiest month ever for autos and heavy equipment.
This represents an increase of over 44%, or 24,760 units, compared to the same month last year, as reported to the GPA Board.
During the 21 May meeting, Board members re-elected chairman Kent Fountain, vice chairman Alec Poitevint, and secretary-treasurer Chris Womack to serve a second term in their respective positions. These officers were initially elected in 2023, and their new terms will begin on 1 July.
“I want to thank Kent, Alec, and Chris, as well as the entire team at GPA, for their leadership in making our ports an incredible driver of economic opportunity. Thanks to their efforts, Georgia’s ports have navigated recent challenges in global trade while continuing to outpace the competition,” stated Gov. Brian Kemp.
According to GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch, multiple factors are contributing to the growth at the Port of Brunswick.
“Asian imports remain strong, but we are also seeing an uptick in vehicle exports, new customers have chosen Georgia Ports, and we have increased capacity for existing customers. Additionally, manufacturers are working to raise dealership stocks from the current 14-day inventories to 30 days’ worth of vehicles,” added Lynch at the GPA board meeting.
In addition to organic growth, diversions from the Port of Baltimore have boosted volumes at Colonel’s Island Terminal. Approximately 9,000 import vehicles and another 1,000 units of high/heavy equipment were redirected to Brunswick. Heavy machinery exports increased by 500 units, surpassing GPA’s monthly average of 246 units for fiscal year 2024.
“We are expecting the impact of diverted cargo to taper off in June, as the Port of Baltimore works to fully restore service,” Lynch noted.
For the first three-quarters of FY2024 (1 July 2023 – 31 March 2024), GPA averaged 69,880 units per month in total Ro/Ro cargo.