The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reported the completion of the Savannah Harbor deepening project which is seen to expedite the flow of cargo in the port by reducing tidal restrictions for mega-ships transiting the Savannah River.

In a statement, GPA noted that Georgia exporters now have greater opportunity to move goods overseas, because ships can take on more cargo.

Additionally, it added that faster vessel service means the Port of Savannah can handle more ships each year.

"The Port of Savannah is the gateway port for our region and the first choice of businesses serving the US Southeast," said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp during the ceremony marking the event.

Harbor deepening project

Dredging for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project started in September 2015, adding five feet in depth to the shipping channel. Initial feasibility studies for the harbor deepening began in 1997. 

"After more than 20 years in the making, we are thrilled to mark this accomplishment," said Griff Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.

"A deeper channel means more than just efficient passage for the largest vessels calling the US East Coast. It means continued opportunity, job growth, and prosperity for the people of our state.”

According to a Corps of Engineers study, the project is expected to net more than US$291 million in annual benefits to the country or approximately US$7.70 for every dollar invested in the project.

Deepening the Savannah Harbor to 47 feet at mean low water (the average depth at low tide), provides ample draft for vessels carrying 16,000+ twenty-foot equivalent container units, allowing ships to transit the river with more containers each trip and during more hours of the day.

Along with Savannah's 7-foot tidal swing, the water is as deep as 54 feet at high tide.

The deeper water enables ships to load up to approximately 1,000 containers worth of additional cargo, for increased efficiency in vessel transport.

Joel Wooten, GPA board chairman: "The harbor deepening directly complements our overall mission to support growth through global commerce."