Port Traffic Trends: Georgia
Georgia Ports: January-August 16.7 Percent Container Growth; $12.6 Million for Yard Crane Electrification
The Georgia Ports Authority reports container throughput at its Garden City complex in the Port of Savannah totaled some 2.55 million TEUs during the first eight months of CY 2015. That equates to an increase from last year of 16.7 percent, or 365,097 TEUs. The August count of 315,175 TEUs was up 4.4 percent from 301,822 TEUs in August 2014.
"The authority's policy of continuous reinvestment in port infrastructure has allowed Georgia's deepwater ports to accommodate unprecedented freight expansion," said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. "Constant improvement in equipment and services helps Savannah maintain its position as the leading gateway to trade for the U.S. Southeast."
During its regular meeting on September 21, the GPA board approved expenditures of up to $12.6 million for Phase 3 of Savannah's yard crane electrification. The first two phases have been completed with a total of 19 rubber-tired gantry cranes operating within the eRTG system. Construction of the third phase will add four container rows, using 16 additional eRTGs. Reducing diesel consumption by 95 percent per crane, eRTGs will make up 25 percent of the GPA crane fleet by summer 2016.
"Electrifying the RTGs will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as carbon emissions as GPA strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship," said Board Vice Chairman James Allgood. "Increasing market share, while strengthening our commitment to service, sustainability and safety, is a key strategy for the GPA moving forward."
The board also approved the refurbishment of the concrete wharf at Mayor's Point Terminal in Brunswick. The dock was built in 1983 and expanded in 1992. The improvements reinforce the terminal’s forest product handling capabilities.
Electric rubber tired gantry cranes tap into bus bars for power to lift containers at the Port of Savannah. The GPA board approved expenditures of up to $12.6 million to expand the yard crane electrification project.
Photo/Georgia Ports Authority, Stephen B. Morton)