The Port of Savannah recently announced it is now the top port for the export of containerized agricultural products, citing the gateway's proximity to major producers, direct access via road and rail, and global network.

In the calendar year 2019, agriculture accounted for 60% of Savannah's exports or more than 843,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units. Forest products such as wood pulp, paper and logs made up the largest category of goods, followed by clay, cotton, poultry and peanuts.

For the fiscal year to date (July 2019-May 2020), total loaded exports have increased by 15,500 twenty-foot equivalent container units to 1.33 million TEUs.

"As this country's No. 1 port for the export of agricultural products, Savannah provides vital support for the state and nation, helping our farmers reach overseas buyers efficiently," said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. 

Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Executive Director Griff Lynch noted that the production of raw material and agricultural goods, along with their supply chains, have remained strong throughout the pandemic.

In a statement, GPA noted that it has focused on ensuring both chassis and empty containers are available to support the movement of export commodities. Through its association with the South Atlantic Chassis Pool II and the completion of a new on-terminal chassis yard, the Port of Savannah provides customers with access to the largest chassis pool in the Southeast.

Infrastructure projects 

On-terminal projects to expand export capacity have continued throughout the crisis, including the Mason Mega Rail, with the first nine of 18 new working tracks complete and two new rail-mounted gantry cranes slated to begin work in July.

"GPA's laser focus on the seamless flow of export commodities and the impressive growth at the ARP has created new avenues for American farmers to serve international customers," said GPA Board Chairman Will McKnight.