THE Port of Savannah exported more loaded containers than any other port in the country from January through May, achieving a 12.2 per cent market share with its Garden City Terminal handling a total of 593,195 TEU of loaded exports during the first five months of the calendar year.

"In today's environment, businesses need every advantage to regain momentum and provide the growth that helps so many hard-working Americans to prosper," said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. "The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is a powerful economic engine for the state and a key link in the supply chain for industries across the region."

Situated at the centre of a broad logistics network, Savannah offers 37 weekly containership services reaching destinations around the world, on-terminal service from Class I railroads Norfolk Southern and CSX, and direct access to Interstates 95 and 16.

"With the expansion of the Panama Canal, and the transition of larger vessels to East Coast services, cargo owners are making the strategic decision to keep imports on the water longer," said GPA executive director Griff Lynch.

"Subsequently, export customers enjoy greater empty container availability in Savannah, lower container slot costs on neopanamax vessels, and unmatched cargo fluidity through road, rail and terminal services," said Mr Lynch.

Among Savannah's top export commodities, the biggest gainers for the period were raw cotton, which grew by 61.0 per cent (16,377 TEU) for a total of 43,234 TEU, woodpulp, up by 15.8 per cent (11,539 TEU) for a total of 84,595 TEU, and kaolin clay, up 23.7 per cent (7,964 TEU) for a total of 41,527 TEU.

Said GPA chairman Will McKnight: "Our export numbers show how the Georgia Ports Authority plays a vital role as a state and national asset, supporting farms and factories across the country. Terminal efficiency is about more than moving cargo quickly, it's about helping American companies compete in the global marketplace."

Georgia's deepwater ports are still dealing with the impact of Covid-19, but have seen steadier trade numbers than other US ports. In July, the Port of Savannah handled 360,700 TEU, down 6.8 per cent or 26,325 TEU, compared to the same month last year. Total tonnage for the month dipped 3.1 per cent, or 101,870 tonnes, for a total of 3.16 million tonnes for the first month of Fiscal Year 2021.