Georgia Ports leadership provides insight into operations, infrastructure

Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel and his Counsel John Young recently toured several South Atlantic ports, including a stop at the Port of Savannah. The two met with Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) staff and other maritime interests.

GPA leadership shared insight into how the port has managed its growth through a focus on shipper distribution needs. The port’s investment in rail infrastructure and the recruitment of distribution centers outside its gates helps to ensure cargo fluidity.

“The combination of public and private investment across the Savannah logistics market is driving the capacity gains necessary to meet future demand,” said Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch. “A deeper harbor, a growing crane fleet, terminal expansions and an industrial marketplace of 74 million square feet and growing mean Savannah is prepared to accommodate new business as opportunities arise.”

As an example of GPA’s business model, Bentzel also visited Dynacraft Distribution Center, a leading U.S. distributor of customized bicycles. Bentzel said he was impressed with how well management and labor have come together to safely do what needs to be done to keep the supply chain moving forward.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation of the important role Georgia Ports Authority plays in delivering essential supplies and cargo to our population,” Bentzel said. “The shipping and terminal companies, port authority, longshoremen, motor carriers, railroad employees and all those in the maritime community have continued to work through COVID-19.  They are heroes.”

The purpose of the FMC visit was to better understand the unique operations, markets and management structures of Southeastern port facilities.