THE Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) posted a 12.7 per cent increase in July container throughput to 378,767 TEU, making it the second busiest month in the history of the port.

'July was an incredible start to our fiscal year, with double-digit growth across our container, breakbulk and dry bulk operations,' said GPA executive director Griff Lynch.

In FY2018, rail cargo at Garden City Terminal increased 16 per cent (60,000 containers) for a total of 435,000 intermodal rail lifts. July continued that trend, with the busiest month on record for intermodal cargo, at 41,070 container moves, for an increase of 20.8 per cent (7,087 containers) compared to July 2017.

'Greater capacity, via cost-effective 14,000-TEU vessels transiting the Panama Canal, makes Savannah an even more competitive option to serve the eastern US,' said Mr Lynch. 'This, in part, is driving an increase in rail moves to markets such as Memphis and Nashville.'

Since FY2016, the GPA has seen its container trade grow by nearly 16 per cent, or an additional 560,000 TEU. However, turn times for motor carriers and rail operations have not increased.

Total GPA tonnage in July grew by 10.5 per cent, or nearly 300,000 tons, for a total of 3.15 million tons. Breakbulk tonnage crossing all docks increased 14.4 per cent (33,494 tons) in July for a total of 265,891 tons.

At East River Terminal in Brunswick, bulk cargo grew by 43 per cent. Terminal operator Logistec moved an additional 29,670 tons last month, for a total of 98,483.

In roll-on/roll-off cargo, the GPA handled 53,419 units of autos and machinery, an increase of five per cent, or 2,610 units, compared to July 2017. Colonel's Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick moved the majority of that ro/ro cargo, accounting for 50,850 units of the total.