Georgia anchorage, Vol. 40, no. 3 (3rd quarter 2000)

Third Quarter 2000

Volume 40 No. 3

I am pleased to report the details regarding our fiscal year 2000 performance on pages 10 through 17 of this issue of the Georgia AnchorAge. During fiscal year 2000, ending June 30, our public facilities statewide accommodated more than 12 million tons of cargo, representing the 13th consecutive year of growth and establishing yet another all time handling record.
Many people played very important roles in help- ing to achieve that milestone. Our employees, whose commitment, determination and energy, are truly the dynamic force behind the Authority's operations. Our service-scctor partners - from agents, motor carriers, railroads, stevedores and longshoremen to freight forwarders, custom brokers, river pilots, truck drivers, and many others. The support of elected officials and business leaders from the local, state and federal levels has also been vital to our success.
If it were not for our valued carriers and shipper clients, of course, none of our achievements could have been possible. Carriers and shippers seeking the best return possible on their transportation expenditures can certainly find the best value available right here in Georgia.
A few highlights of our successful year include substantial increases in container volumes, automobiles and heavy machinery, and bulk agricultural products. Although general cargo showed a slight decrease, business created by new shippers in recent months should prove beneficial for this important segment of our business in the coming year.
New service announcements and increased capacity allocations also highlighted the past year. China Shipping Group, Evergreen and Maersk/Sealand joined our outstanding roster of world-class ocean carriers during FY2000. ZIM-American Israeli Shipping Company also renewed its strategic alliance with the Georgia Ports Authority; extending a very productive 28 year old relationship.
Preparation was a key item on our FY2000 agenda and will be so again in FY2001. In Savannah, our capital project list includes the development of an eighth container berth, the construction of an intermodal container transfer facility, the acquisition of additional equipment and a navigation improvement project to increase the draft available in the channel.
At Brunswick, the opening of the new Sidney Lanier Bridge during calendar year 2001 will significantly enhance the port's ability to handle current and future vessel traffic. Plans also call for deepening the Brunswick navigation channel to accommodate deeper draft vessels. To enhance and promote the growth in the automobile and machinery sector, the construction of a third dock at the Colonel's island Terminal is underway and scheduled for completion by the Summer of next year.
Thanks again to our employees, our customers, our business partners, our elected officials and business leaders for their efforts and active support during FY2001. We will continue our program of work in FY2002 to implement new services and technology, enhance port facilities, and promote the growth and prosperity of Georgia's ports for the citizens of Georgia.
Sincerely,

Doug J. Marchand Executive Director