THE Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced the completion of the Savannah Harbour deepening project which will expedite the flow of cargo to and from global destinations by reducing tidal restrictions for mega-ships transiting the Savannah River.
At a ceremony marking the event, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, said: 'Completion of our harbour deepening is a testament to a shared commitment between state and federal partners - like our previous governors and current and former members of Congress who worked tirelessly to help move this project forward - to provide the infrastructure our economy needs to thrive.
'Our collaborative approach to economic development is what makes Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I also want to thank the Georgia General Assembly for their valued partnership and for backing this project through many legislative sessions.'
Dredging for the Savannah Harbour expansion project started in September 2015, adding five feet in depth to the shipping channel. Initial feasibility studies for the harbour deepening began in 1997.
'After more than 20 years in the making, we are thrilled to mark this accomplishment today,' 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 US Army Corps of Engineers study, the project is expected to net more than US$291 million in annual benefits to the nation, or approximately $7.70 for every dollar invested in the project.
Deepening the Savannah Harbour to 47 feet at mean low water (the average depth at low tide), provides ample draft for vessels carrying more than 16,000 TEU, 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.
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At a ceremony marking the event, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, said: 'Completion of our harbour deepening is a testament to a shared commitment between state and federal partners - like our previous governors and current and former members of Congress who worked tirelessly to help move this project forward - to provide the infrastructure our economy needs to thrive.
'Our collaborative approach to economic development is what makes Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I also want to thank the Georgia General Assembly for their valued partnership and for backing this project through many legislative sessions.'
Dredging for the Savannah Harbour expansion project started in September 2015, adding five feet in depth to the shipping channel. Initial feasibility studies for the harbour deepening began in 1997.
'After more than 20 years in the making, we are thrilled to mark this accomplishment today,' 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 US Army Corps of Engineers study, the project is expected to net more than US$291 million in annual benefits to the nation, or approximately $7.70 for every dollar invested in the project.
Deepening the Savannah Harbour to 47 feet at mean low water (the average depth at low tide), provides ample draft for vessels carrying more than 16,000 TEU, 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.
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