US federal approval has been given to an innovative agreement that allows the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) to information share to help position themselves as the US east coast''s leading container gateways.
The "East Coast Gateway Terminal Agreement" encourages the exchange of information and best practices in five areas of operational and supply chain efficiencies, safety, communications and customer service.
"Our industry is changing rapidly and as a result increased collaboration between ports is necessary to provide the service excellence our customers expect and deserve," said Griff Lynch, GPA's executive director.
"It is clear that both Georgia and Virginia are East Coast gateway ports and this step further allows us to create jobs, economic development and improve safety.”
John Reinhart, VPA CEO and executive director, added: “The agreement enables Georgia and Virginia to work together to find ways to become more efficient and effective, which will benefit the citizens of our respective states, as well as shippers and the carriers,".
He added that both ports are making significant investments to handle larger vessels and cargo volumes coming to the East Coast.
Some of the nitty-gritty information that will be shared under the agreement include cargo handling practices and terms, gate operations and access, turn-times, staffing and infrastructure.
The ports will also be able to discuss commercial opportunities regarding carriers and can meet and exchange operational information and performance criteria with carriers, shippers and other marine terminal operators.
But the agreement doesn’t cover discussions regarding purchase or lease prices for containers or chassis. It also prohibits the ports from entering into agreements on rates, charges, terms or conditions on containers or chassis without filing an agreement with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
