Peach Tree Times

Georgia Ports Authority has reported a record year in 2020, making way for expansion and a need for workers. 

For the first time ever, 5.3 million 20-foot equivalent container units have been moved through the Port of Savannah, marking 20% cargo volumes growth in the fiscal year. 

Over the last 15 years, the Port of Savannah has seen a steady increase in operations with an average rate of 6.2%, according to Savannahnow. In 2019, the website reported, the port saw a record 4.4 million 20-foot equivalent containers – a record that was subsequently broken in 2020 – making Savannah among the busiest ports for containerized cargo in the country.

“Our ports play a major role in Georgia being named the number one state for business eight years in a row. I am thankful to @GaPorts for their great work over the past year to grow Georgia’s trading capacity and expand our world-class business environment.” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a tweet on Tuesday. 

With the growth in volume, Savannahnow reported, Georgia plans to pursue a $525 state-issued bond to fund improvements to help address the needs of the Ports Authority. This is in addition to the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project that will provide a new, deeper harbor of around 54 feet at high tide for heavier loads and minimal restrictions. 

The project is set to be completed by December.