Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Shipping in the Port of Savannah
Savannah's port is one of the busiest in the United States. The terminals that serve the port are only surpassed in East Coast trade volume by the combined ports of New York and New Jersey. Some of the world's largest merchant vessels bring in cargos from Asia, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and Africa and return with American commodities. Much of this freight is handled as containerized cargo. The Port of Savannah welcomes over 3,000 vessels per year.
Hapag- Lloyd Flag Maersk-Sealand Flag NYK Lines Flag
A variety of ships travel the Savannah River. In addition to private boats and stern-wheelers, container vessels from a number of shipping lines including Maersk- Sealand, NYK and Hapag-Lloyd, transport cargo to and from terminals.
Tugs Assist with Navigation and Docking
Tugs play a critical role in the maritime commerce of Savannah. Without their meticulous guidance, large ships could not maneuver in the tight bends and turning basins of the Savannah River.
LNG Ship
Downriver below Savannah, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers can be
seen with their distinctive half globes aligned on deck.
Container Ship
Inbound and outbound ships pass within yards of River Street and provide a unique view of international vessel traffic.
Cranes at the Port of Savannah
Port of Savannah exports include forestry and solid wood goods, steel, automobiles and industrial equipment. Today, these items are shipped from terminals controlled by the Georgia Ports Authority in conjunction with nearby private distribution centers owned by Target, IKEA, Heineken, Home Depot, Pier One, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Dollar Tree and Best Buy. A complex network of rail lines and direct access to the interstate supports the terminals. The port generates over 286,000 jobs and $6.3 billion in annual revenue.
Roll on-Roll off
In addition to container ships, the port is equipped to handle RoRo (Roll on-Roll off) vessels that transport motor vehicles.
Erected 2009 by U.S. Dept. of Transportation Federal Highway Administration,Georgia Dept. of Transportation. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 32° 4.854′ N, 81° 5.233′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. Marker is on East River Street, on the left when traveling east. near Lincoln St. Ramp, Riverside. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Savannah's Wharves (a few steps from this marker); Christmas in Savannah 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); Savannah Marine Korean War Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Georgia Hussars (about 300 feet away); Savannah, Birthplace of Prince Hall Masonry in Georgia (about 300 feet away); Savannah's Cobblestones (about 400 feet away); Salzburger Monument of Reconciliation (about 400 feet away); Savannah's Irish and Robert Emmet Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009
7. Shipping in the Port of Savannah Marker as a Container ship passes by
The first container ships carried about 2,500 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units). These ships grew in size until the first Post-Panamax ships arrived with beams in excess of 106 feet, too wide for the Panama Canal.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,559 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on May 30, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.