Savannah’s Ports Experience Unprecedented Growth

News Summary

Savannah’s ports are witnessing remarkable growth, with a recent address from GPA President Griff Lynch revealing plans for major expansions. With nearly 5.6 million TEUs handled in 2024, Savannah maintains its position as the fastest-growing container gateway on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. Ongoing investments and improvements in rail access are set to further boost capacity, solidifying Georgia’s ports as key players in the national economy, generating significant local job opportunities and economic impact.

Savannah’s Ports on a Tide of Growth

In the heart of Savannah, the excitement surrounding the area’s ports is palpable, following a recent State of the Port address that highlighted extraordinary developments and future plans. On February 25, 2025, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) President and CEO Griff Lynch energized an audience of over 1,700 business leaders and elected officials. The event shone a bright light on Savannah’s Port, celebrating its status as the fastest-growing container gateway on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts in 2024.

Georgia Ports Making Waves

With nearly 5.6 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last year—a jump of about 618,000 TEUs from 2023—the Port of Savannah has claimed its spot as the premier gateway port for the U.S. Southeast. This remarkable growth underscores how vital Georgia’s ports have become, impacting all 159 counties across the state. Georgia has enjoyed an impressive streak, being ranked No. 1 for business in the country for 11 consecutive years, a distinction largely attributed to the GPA’s strong performance and commitment to ongoing investments.

Looking Ahead to Expansion

As the GPA aims to accommodate increasing demands, plans are underway for substantial enhancements at Savannah’s ports. These plans include the addition of even more berth space and improvements to the container yard and rail capacity. The presentation outlined exciting initiatives such as a new lay berth at Ocean Terminal, which is designed to handle large vessels more efficiently and is expected to add up to 1 million TEUs of extra capacity per year.

The renovations slated for Ocean Terminal are projected to bolster capacity by as much as 1.5 million TEUs annually by 2028, with Phase I anticipated to wrap up by mid-2027 and Phase II by mid-2028. Long-term aspirations include the opening of the Savannah Container Terminal by 2030, which will add three new big ship berths—contributing an additional 3.5 million TEUs of capacity.

Investing for the Future

The GPA’s ambitious plans come with substantial price tags. A significant investment of $4 billion is earmarked for both Ocean Terminal and Savannah Container Terminal, aiming for a total capacity of 12.5 million TEUs by 2035. Such transformative projects promise not only to elevate the ports’ competitiveness but also to significantly boost the region’s economy.

Connectivity at its Core

Enhanced rail access figures prominently in the ongoing upgrades. The Mason Mega Rail Terminal achieved impressive figures in 2024, moving 540,850 containers by train. Improvements in rail access will make it possible for containers to leave the port within just 24 hours, ensuring swift movement. The Appalachian Regional Port has also reached new heights, reporting a record 37,840 rail lifts for the year, marking an increase of 8.3% from 2023.

Boosting Local Infrastructure

The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is also hopping on board, working on projects designed to enhance freight mobility. These include reconstructing the interchange at I-16 and I-95 and widening I-16 to better accommodate the growing logistics demands of the area. Meanwhile, the Brampton Road Connector, expected to finish mid-2026, will provide improved access to Garden City Terminal, aiding overall efficiency.

The Bigger Picture

With the Port of Savannah now ranking as the second-busiest port on the East Coast and fourth in the nation, and the Port of Brunswick taking second place for vehicle cargo, it’s clear that Georgia’s ports are not just local hubs but pivotal components of the national economy. Port activity is supporting over 609,000 jobs and generating significant economic impact across the region.

All these developments signify that Savannah and its ports are riding a wave of success, poised for even brighter days ahead. The cooperation among government bodies and supply chain stakeholders plays a crucial role in this growth story, ensuring that the Port of Savannah continues to thrive in the years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Albany Herald: Longshoremen’s Strike Silences Georgia Ports
• FreightWaves: Federal Railroad Administration Awards Grants
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Hurricane Milton Georgia Travel Alert
• GlobeNewswire: King and Queen of the Netherlands to Visit USA
• LoHud: Products Affected by Port Strike
• Wikipedia: Port of Savannah
• Google Search: Georgia Ports
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Port
• Google News: Georgia Ports Updates