Australian State Minister Visits Savannah during Tour of U.S. Ports

Joseph Tripodi

A minister from the Australian state of New South Wales met with Doug Marchand, the Georgia Ports Authority’s executive director, during a visit to Savannah June 13.

Joseph Tripodi, New South Wales’ minister of small business, regulatory reform and ports and waterways, visited the Georgia city during a tour of U.S. ports including Los Angeles and New York.

The Georgia Ports Authority signed an agreement with Sydney Ports Corp., which manages New South Wales' largest port, in 1996. That agreement facilitates exchange of best practices, information and technology between the two ports.

Container movement between Australia and Savannah has grown since the agreement became active, reaching 41,000 units in 2007, according to a Georgia Ports Authority statement.

“The strong performance our ports have experienced since signing our agreement has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Mr. Marchand said. “Continuing the dialogue with our colleagues in New South Wales will enable both ports to continue this positive trend.”

For more information, visit www.gaports.com.