Intermodal: Georgia, Houston
Print this Article | Send to Colleague
Georgia Ports CEO Lynch Announces Mid-American Arc Strategic Rail Initiative
In his annual Savannah State of the Port address, Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch detailed a new strategic rail initiative. GPA's Mid-American Arc will focus on the growth of intermodal rail, extending the Port of Savannah's reach to new markets across the Southeast and Midwest United States.
"This enhancement of our rail capacity is a game-changer in the market to serve cities ranging in an arc from Atlanta to Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago and the Ohio Valley," Mr. Lynch said. "Additional track will allow us to build unit trains, 10,000 feet long, completely on terminal, while reducing rail crossings and impact on the local community."
Included in the plan is a $128 million project that will link Garden City Terminal's two rail yards, improve efficiency and grow the terminal's rail lift capacity to approximately 1 million containers each year. Funding includes a $44 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Port of Houston Authority and Freight Shuttle International Sign Cooperation Agreement
The Port of Houston Authority and Freight Shuttle International (FSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding a Joint Project to Evaluate Freight Shuttle Deployment Options in Port of Houston Area.
In his annual Savannah State of the Port address, Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch detailed a new strategic rail initiative. GPA's Mid-American Arc will focus on the growth of intermodal rail, extending the Port of Savannah's reach to new markets across the Southeast and Midwest United States.
"This enhancement of our rail capacity is a game-changer in the market to serve cities ranging in an arc from Atlanta to Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago and the Ohio Valley," Mr. Lynch said. "Additional track will allow us to build unit trains, 10,000 feet long, completely on terminal, while reducing rail crossings and impact on the local community."
Included in the plan is a $128 million project that will link Garden City Terminal's two rail yards, improve efficiency and grow the terminal's rail lift capacity to approximately 1 million containers each year. Funding includes a $44 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Port of Houston Authority and Freight Shuttle International Sign Cooperation Agreement
The Port of Houston Authority and Freight Shuttle International (FSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding a Joint Project to Evaluate Freight Shuttle Deployment Options in Port of Houston Area.
The signing preceded a demonstration and media briefing of the Autonomous Freight Shuttle System Bryan (TX) co-sponsored by Governor Greg Abbott, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and FSI.
Freight Shuttle International Chairman and President, Dr. Steve Roop and Port of Houston Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther sign Memorandum of Understanding
Photo/ Business Wire
Texas A&M Transportation Institute initiated the Freight Shuttle System concept for the purposes of finding a low-emissions alternative to moving freight and relieving congestion created by trucks in heavy freight corridors. The Freight Shuttle moves truck trailers up to 53 feet, domestic intermodal containers up to 53 ft., and all sizes of ocean shipping containers via emissions-free, electric-powered transporters on elevated guideways in the medians of highways or other rights-of-way over distances of up to 500 miles. Learn more.
"Throughout its 102 year history, the Port of Houston has pursued innovation and technological advances to meet demand and protect the environment," said Houston Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria. "The Freight Shuttle has the potential to reduce freight congestion, transportation costs, and air emissions and we support these goals."
FSI acknowledged the value of the partnership with the port authority for the success of this project. "Innovation requires challenging current ways of thinking," said Gordon Dorsey, Vice President, FSI Commercial Development. "FSI has come up with a practical and elegant solution to freight transportation, but it also requires partnerships to come together to bring ideas into reality."
"Container volumes continue to grow," added Executive Director Roger Guenther. "We’ve continually innovated our terminals to accommodate that demand through expanded capacity and increased cargo velocity. The potential that the Freight Shuttle provides to complement the existing road and rail transportation system and contribute to economic growth and creation of jobs is truly exciting."
"Throughout its 102 year history, the Port of Houston has pursued innovation and technological advances to meet demand and protect the environment," said Houston Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria. "The Freight Shuttle has the potential to reduce freight congestion, transportation costs, and air emissions and we support these goals."
FSI acknowledged the value of the partnership with the port authority for the success of this project. "Innovation requires challenging current ways of thinking," said Gordon Dorsey, Vice President, FSI Commercial Development. "FSI has come up with a practical and elegant solution to freight transportation, but it also requires partnerships to come together to bring ideas into reality."
"Container volumes continue to grow," added Executive Director Roger Guenther. "We’ve continually innovated our terminals to accommodate that demand through expanded capacity and increased cargo velocity. The potential that the Freight Shuttle provides to complement the existing road and rail transportation system and contribute to economic growth and creation of jobs is truly exciting."
Back to AAPA Seaports Advisory
