The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced that it obtained certification on August 1, 2023, for all GPA terminals from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to unload cargo from vessels prior to being cleared by CBP.

"Vessels calling on the Port of Savannah can now start work as soon as they arrive, without having to wait for final clearance from US Customs and Border Protection, thanks to the federal AQUA Lane program," GPA said in a statement.

It noted that 'Fast Lane' for port operations enables faster unloading of ships, and shortens port stays, saving time and money for ocean carriers and supply chains.  

To participate in the Advanced Qualified Unlading Approval Lane benefit, ocean carriers must be enrolled in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, be in good standing with CBP and stipulate AQUA Lane status when they transmit their manifest to US Customs prior to arriving in a US port.  

Vessels must still obtain Customs clearance, but AQUA Lane allows port operations to start immediately with unloading and loading cargo – while the clearance process is underway. 

GPA said crewmembers, however, will still need to await normal clearance from CBP before disembarking.

"GPA works closely with our customers and our CBP partners to find ways to safely improve supply chain flow and reduce port costs for customers. Ocean carriers calling our facilities are looking for ways to make their port stay more productive and improve their end-to-end supply chain service for customers," said Ed McCarthy, chief operating officer at GPA.

"AQUA Lane brings more certainty to supply chain velocity with faster cargo operations on inbound vessels," he added.

In the past, vessels would have to wait for US Customs to clear cargo and crew prior to the start of cargo operations.

GPA noted that the duration of the clearance process is unpredictable  — which often results in port labour waiting for dockside to start operations.

"AQUA Lane is an important step that benefits the entire supply chain and reduces time and cost," McCarthy added. 

Georgia Ports Authority has been enrolled in the CTPAT program since 2003.