He also outlined actions required to achieve new growth and prepare the Port of Brunswick for future prosperity.
“The Port of Brunswick continued its momentum, which led to a record year for auto and machinery throughput,” said Foltz. “The 40-percent increase in total Ro/Ro (roll-on/roll-off) units compared with the previous year allowed the GPA to surpass pre-recession levels and gain market share across the Southeast.”
The Port of Brunswick is the third busiest U.S. port for auto imports, behind Los Angeles, Calif., and Newark, N.J. In terms of tonnage, Brunswick’s annual volume for auto and machinery units increased 50.6% in FY2011, compared to the U.S., which increased 15.6% according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Auto and machinery market share at the Port of Brunswick represents 8.5 percent of the U.S. total and 13.9 percent of the U.S. East Coast volume.
“Georgia’s deepwater ports are one of the brightest spots in the state’s economy right now,” said GPA Chairman of the Board Alec L. Poitevint. “Brunswick has become the fifth largest U.S. auto port by having the best workforce, unsurpassed infrastructure, room to grow and a sound marketing plan to capitalize on its strengths.”
Foltz discussed infrastructure improvements that will support the export of dried distillers grain (DDG), which began arriving at Colonel’s Island in October 2010. The GPA’s board has approved the purchase of two hard-car unloaders and the construction of a conveyance system and metal structure to enclose the operation.
To accommodate the international demand for Georgia’s biomass fuels, the GPA and Logistec have agreed to upgrade the East River Terminal. The GPA will invest approximately $7 million and Logistec will invest $5 million to expand operations at East River Terminal. The facility’s new capacity will triple to one million tons annually and will create nearly 300 jobs in Georgia. The upgrade will include deepening Berths 1 and 2 and the Lanier Dock to 36 feet at mean low water.