In a recent development, the Port of Savannah witnessed a significant 28% year-over-year decline in cargo volumes for the month of August, marking the continuation of a downward trend in cargo volumes that began in November of the previous year. The decline was attributed to ongoing efforts to refurbish berths, which temporarily limited the port’s shipping capacity, as explained by Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch.
The cargo volumes at the Port of Savannah for August 2023 reached a total of 413,294 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a substantial drop from the 575,513 TEUs recorded during the same period the previous year. It’s worth noting that the same month in the prior year had been the port’s busiest on record. During that time, the Port of Savannah had experienced a surge in cargo diverted away from West Coast ports due to labor contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
Despite the decline, it’s important to recognize that cargo volumes for August 2023 remained below pre-pandemic levels. When compared to cargo volumes in 2019, the East Coast port experienced a 6% decrease, indicating that the challenges faced by the Port of Savannah extend beyond the immediate impact of the ongoing refurbishment efforts.
CEO Griff Lynch shed light on the ongoing refurbishment efforts, stating, “We are in the midst of rebuilding some of our berths, which has reduced our operating capacity in August.” Berth 1 has already been completed, featuring four new cranes. Meanwhile, refurbishments at the Ocean Terminal are still underway, with plans to add a big ship berth between 2025 and 2026.
While these refurbishments are expected to enhance the port’s capabilities in the long run, they have momentarily impacted its cargo handling capacity. The Port of Savannah will likely continue to navigate these challenges as it strives to maintain its position as a critical gateway for international trade along the East Coast of the United States.
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