SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The Port of Savannah is now moving record-breaking volumes of cargo.
For the time in history, the Port of Savannah has moved 5.3 million 20-foot equivalent container units, Georgia Ports announced Monday. That means it has grown its cargo volumes by 20% in fiscal 2021.
American companies are continuing to choose the Port of Savannah as a gateway to global trade, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said. Georgia's ports are a key reason that it remains a strong state for business, the governor said.
Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch said the project to deepen Savannah Harbor, the Mason Mega Rail terminal and other capacity upgrades are preparing Georgia for future cargo demand.
The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is now nearly 90% complete, Georgia Ports said. The project is expected to finish in December 2021. With a high-tide depth of 54 feet, the deeper harbor will allow vessels to take on heavier loads with fewer tidal restrictions.
"A major strength for the Port of Savannah is its ability to respond to the needs of customers as they expand their positions in Georgia," Lynch said.
The Georgia Port Authority's trade in the auto and heavy machinery industries also saw significant growth, the authority said Monday.
Georgia's ports have seen explosive growth in recent years. Savannah is among the busiest U.S. ports for containerized cargo, while Brunswick has become a major U.S. hub for shipping automobiles.