Overview of Georgia Ports Authority’s Growth and Expansion

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has reported significant growth and major infrastructure expansion in early 2025. This section provides an overview of the GPA’s achievements and future plans, highlighting key performance indicators and infrastructure projects.

Port of Savannah’s Performance

The Port of Savannah has shown remarkable performance, handling over 2.8 million TEUs in the second half of 2024, marking an 11.4% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to increased global trade and demand for U.S. imports and exports [gCaptain]. The port has also seen a 4.7% increase in TEUs handled in December 2024 compared to December 2023, highlighting its consistent growth throughout the year.

Infrastructure Projects

The GPA has undertaken several significant infrastructure projects to support this growth. Notably, the port has installed new ship-to-shore cranes and expanded its U.S. Customs inspection facility, which doubled in size and is set to open in March 2025. These improvements are expected to enhance efficiency and capacity [World Cargo News]. Additionally, the Blue Ridge Connector project is underway, aiming to connect the port to the Blue Ridge Mountains, further expanding its reach.

Port of Brunswick Improvements

The Port of Brunswick has also seen notable improvements. The port moved 443,763 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo during the first half of fiscal 2025, up 7.5% over the first six months of the previous year. This growth is driven by new warehousing, processing space, and Ro/Ro cargo storage facilities [Savannah Now].

Bulk Cargo Operations Growth

The GPA has also seen growth in bulk cargo operations, particularly at the East River Terminal & Lanier Dock. The terminal’s expansion is set to increase its current 250,000 annual twenty-foot-equivalent units to more than 1.5 million TEUs, further diversifying the port’s cargo handling capabilities [Yahoo].

Future Plans and Goals

Looking ahead, the GPA has outlined ambitious future plans and goals. President and CEO Griff Lynch has emphasized the importance of operational sustainability for neighboring communities in Savannah and Brunswick. The GPA is actively pursuing federal grants totaling more than $120 million to support these initiatives [Georgia Ports]. Additionally, the port is investing $4.5 billion over the next ten years to expand cargo handling capabilities and support future supply chain requirements [Construct Connect]. These investments reflect the GPA’s commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.

Port of Savannah Achieves 11.4 Percent Growth

The Port of Savannah has achieved significant growth in container volume handling, particularly in the second half of 2024 and December 2024. The port handled over 2.8 million TEUs in the fiscal year-to-date 2025 (July 1 – Dec. 31), marking an 11.4% increase over the same period in 2024. This growth is a testament to the port’s efficiency and strategic investments. In December 2024, the Port of Savannah handled more than 442,000 TEUs, an increase of 4.7% compared to December 2023. This consistent growth over twelve consecutive months reflects the port’s ability to adapt to market demands and maintain high performance levels. Looking ahead, the fiscal year outlook remains positive, with continued investments in infrastructure and operational improvements expected to support further growth in container volume handling [Georgia Ports Authority].

Georgia Port Authority Continues to Focus on Infrastructure Renovation

The Georgia Port Authority continues to invest in infrastructure renovation to enhance port operations. This section explores the improvements made at the Port of Brunswick and the growth in bulk cargo operations.

The Port of Brunswick, one of Georgia’s two seaports, handles approximately 10 percent of all U.S. roll-on/roll-off trade—third in the U.S., behind the ports of Los Angeles and Newark. The port moved 443,763 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo during the first half of fiscal 2025, up 7.5% over the first six months [Savannah Now]. The growth in bulk cargo operations, particularly at the East River Terminal & Lanier Dock, is driven by the port’s strategic location and its ability to handle large volumes of cargo efficiently. The East River Terminal & Lanier Dock has seen significant growth, with the terminal’s expansion set to increase its current 250,000 annual twenty-foot-equivalent units to more than 1.5 million TEUs. This expansion is part of a broader plan to enhance cargo handling capabilities and support future supply chain requirements [Yahoo].

Georgia Ports Authority Announces 12 Months of Growth Across System

The Georgia Ports Authority has experienced twelve consecutive months of year-over-year container volume growth, marking a significant milestone in the state’s port operations. This growth is attributed to various factors, including strategic infrastructure investments and efficient operational management. The Port of Savannah, in particular, has seen substantial increases in container handling, with the Garden City Terminal playing a crucial role. The terminal’s expansion, featuring thirty-six high-speed container cranes and extensive yard handling equipment, has significantly enhanced its capacity to manage the increasing volume of cargo. Additionally, the Ocean Terminal’s specialization in breakbulk cargo has been instrumental in supporting the port’s overall growth. At the Port of Brunswick, the Colonel’s Island Terminal and Mayor’s Point Terminal have also contributed to the overall growth, with their efficient handling of breakbulk and project cargo. The Appalachian Regional Port, which opened in 2018, has further expanded the port’s reach, serving additional markets in Alabama and Tennessee. The Northeast Georgia Inland Port, set to open in 2021, will provide a direct link to the Port of Savannah, further strengthening the port’s connectivity and capacity. These infrastructure projects, along with the efficient management of port operations, have collectively driven the twelve months of growth. The Georgia Ports Authority’s commitment to continuous improvement and investment in modern infrastructure has positioned the state’s ports as a key player in the global supply chain, supporting economic growth and job creation in Georgia [WSB-TV].

Georgia Ports Authority Outlines Infrastructure Improvements

The Georgia Ports Authority is undertaking several infrastructure improvements to support its growth and expansion. This section outlines the key infrastructure projects and their expected timelines.

Blue Ridge Connector

The Blue Ridge Connector, an inland port serving the Gainesville region, is a significant project underway. The project aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency in the region, with an expected completion date of 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate inland ports with coastal facilities, facilitating smoother cargo flow and reduced transit times. The Blue Ridge Connector is expected to handle a significant volume of cargo, contributing to the overall growth of the Georgia Ports Authority’s network.

Port of Brunswick Improvements

The Port of Brunswick has undergone substantial improvements, including the addition of new warehousing, processing space, and Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo storage. These enhancements are designed to increase the port’s capacity and efficiency, supporting the growing demand for roll-on/roll-off services. The improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, aligning with the port’s strategic plan to expand its Ro/Ro handling capabilities. The new facilities will allow the Port of Brunswick to better serve its customers and meet the increasing demand for car and truck transportation [Savannah Now].