The Georgia Ports Authority is moving ahead with two technology pilot programs developed by the Maritime Logistics Innovation Center to evaluate the efficiency and security of freight movement at the Port of Savannah, according to a recent GPA announcement.
"These first two pilot programs will not only evaluate an array of new asset-tracking technologies, but they will help to ensure that the GPA remains on the leading edge when it comes to the efficient and secure movement of freight, said Doug J. Marchand, GPA's executive director.
Modeled after similar efforts at the ports of Rotterdam and Singapore, MLIC is a partnership of private industry, academia, federal and state authorities and GPA that works to promote new technologies, resources and best practices for safe, efficient and secure movement of freight.
Founded in August 2003, MLIC has an entrepreneurial approach to research and project development.
"The commercialization of this research will create the newest and best ways to move freight around the world," said Wayne Hodges, director of Georgia Institute of Technology's Advanced Technology Development Center, one MLIC's partners, in a statement when the program was launched.
"By creating this strong foundation, new companies will be established, new jobs created and our state will become a world leader," he said.
The first pilot program is designed to reduce truck turn times at the Savannah port and to build a stronger communications network between GPA and customers, according to the GPA statement.
The second pilot program will monitor port equipment and machinery to gauge productivity and provide constant, real-time location of containers.
"The pilot projects are indicators of Georgia's role as a springboard for innovations that will change the way the world does business and creates jobs across all of Georgia," said Craig Lesser, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which is sponsoring the center through its Office of Science & Technology.
For more information, go to www.gaports.com.
