The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has posted a 16.6 per cent year-to-date container volume increase to 2.55 million TEU through the Port of Savannah, according to Shipping Gazette.
These figures include 13,353 TEU, a year-on-year increase of 4.4 per cent for August alone.
"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 US south east," he said.
The GPA board also approved expenditures of up to US$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-tyre 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 per cent per crane, eRTGs will make up 25 per cent 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 GPA 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," he said.
Another project approved by the board was 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 will secure the critical role Mayor's Point plays in the export of south eastern forest products.
