In recent years the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has entered into partnerships with select ports around the world. Established GPA partnerships include the ports of:

• Shanghai, China
• Shimizu, Japan
• Sydney, Australia
• The Panama Canal Authority

Port partnerships are one tool that GPA’s Trade Development team uses to reach out to our customers. Such partnerships also offer access to that port’s hinterland, such as Shanghai’s rapidly growing Yangtze River region. Among the factors that are important for GPA in considering such partnerships are the likelihood that the foreign port may grow rapidly, a similar structure to GPA, and a similar business mix (containers, breakbulk and RoRo).

Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd.

GPA’s partnership with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) was signed in Savannah on October 11, 2005. The strategic partnership enables both ports to jointly promote all-water shipping routes between Shanghai and Savannah and to improve services for their customers. The partnership also enables both ports to share information and expertise in the areas of marketing, information technology, engineering and operations.

Port of Shimizu

On November 9, 1983, representatives of the Port of Savannah and the Port of Shimizu, located in Shimizu City, Japan, signed a proclamation to promote the growth and development of the respective ports through the exchanging of information related to port management and administration.

In recognition of the Georgia Ports Authority's friendship with the Port of Shimizu, The Savannah Award is presented annually to winners of a drawing contest held in honor of Japan Maritime Day.

Approximately 5,000 students from elementary schools throughout Shimizu City participate each year in the maritime drawing contest. The participants represent approximately 25 elementary schools and range in age from six to twelve. Special thanks to the Port of Shimizu for presenting The Savannah Award.

Sydney Ports Corporation

On March 12, 1996, the Georgia Ports Authority and the Sydney Ports Corporation formed a partnership to promote friendship and increase trade between the ports of Georgia and Sydney.

The Partner Ports Agreement established a relationship between the ports of Georgia and Sydney, Australia, that encourages increased levels of trade and investment between the respective regions to strengthen business, social and cultural ties. Through the agreement, the port partners exchange information concerning organizational and management systems, port construction and engineering techniques, modern technology application, cargo handling expertise and port operating procedures.

The port partners renewed the Partner Ports Agreement for an additional five years on March 9, 2006.

Panama Canal Authority

On June 20, 2003, the Panama Canal Authority and the Georgia Ports Authority signed an agreement to allow both agencies to jointly promote all-weather shipping routes between Asia and the Port of Savannah.

The strategic alliance also enables the parties to conduct joint marketing programs, as well as share data, technology and information related to modernization.