SAVANNAH — The Georgia Ports Authority achieved record volumes in fiscal year 2012 for total tonnage, containers and autos, according to Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz.

Breakbulk cargo saw 15.6 percent growth over FY2011, for an increase of 342,446 tons to 2.53 million. The ports boosted overall tonnage to 26.5 million for an increase of 561,038 tons. In autos and machinery, Colonel’s Island at the Port of Brunswick led the GPA to greater than 19 percent growth. Georgia Ports reached 569,984 roll-on/roll-off units moved across all terminals in FY2012.

With the U.S. economy facing soft to stagnant recovery over the past 12 months, the Port of Savannah moved 2,982,467 TEUs, for an additional 55,221 TEUs, or 1.9 percent over FY2011.

Amid higher cargo numbers across an array of global markets, the Port of Savannah now hosts the most shipping services of any port on the East Coast, for a total of 40 weekly services. Total vessel calls reached 2,916 in FY2012, an increase of 2.2 percent over the last fiscal year.

“Strong growth in breakbulk and auto cargoes complemented record volumes in total tonnage and container traffic,” Foltz said. “Georgia’s deepwater ports continued to attract additional cargo and sustain and create jobs throughout this region.”

“The GPA’s double-digit growth in Ro/Ro cargo emphasizes Georgia’s role as an important corridor in global trade,” GPA Board Chairman Robert S. Jepson Jr. said. “Handling more than half a million units in a single year is clear evidence of the efficiency and reliability of service our customers enjoy.”