November 4 - Heavy automobile and machinery throughput at ports in Brunswick and Savannah ports has helped the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) enjoy a growth of five percent in Q1 of FY2012 to 6.5 million tonnes of cargo.

In the same quarter of FY2011, the ports moved 300,000 tonnes less.

Breakbulk activity in Brunswick and Savannah continues to lead port growth, reporting 16.3 percent quarterly and 31.8 percent September increases. Heavy automobile and machinery throughput is leading the volume surge. Brunswick's quarterly output, measured in tonnage, showed a 24.8 percent increase over last year, rising from 363,374 tonnes to 453,358 tonnes.

"We are developing new opportunities for growth during these challenging economic times," GPA executive directorCurtis J Foltz said. "Although our ports are growing market share and volume, we will continue to closely monitor broader economic conditions in the coming months."