SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GEORGIA TRADE AND LOGISTICS
equipment . Its 2024 throughput exceeded 2 million tons of roll-on / roll-off ( ro / ro ) cargo .
Georgia ’ s trade and logistics volumes continue to grow , but market conditions can change quickly . Ports must flex to match cargo volume demands , and the industry is working hard to stay ahead of anticipated growth with new capacity , new services , greater flexibility and nonstop innovation .
“ That ’ s why Georgia Ports plans for and maintains a 20 % buffer in extra capacity to absorb cargo surges and ensure business resiliency ,” said GPA ’ s Manager of Media Relations Edward Fulford .
Substantial expansion proposals include projects valued at $ 4.2 billion for added port capacity and inland connectivity over the next decade .
These projects include enhancing
“ berth space , yard capacity , truck gates and intermodal connectivity , with plans to grow from 7 million TEUs [ of ] annual capacity to 12 million TEUs in less than a decade ,” Fulford said .
One recently completed project is the $ 204 million Garden City Terminal West facility . Opened in June 2024 , the facility provides strategic flex capacity for importers and exporters managing supply chain fluctuations .
The Blue Ridge Connector can eliminate a 600-mile round-trip truck haul to and from the Port of Savannah .
The port is making further investments in ro / ro , including $ 262 million in improvements at Colonel ’ s Island Terminal to expand processing capacity for everything from light vehicles to heavy equipment . Construction has also begun on a new rail yard at Colonel ’ s Island that ’ s designed to improve the port ’ s capacity to serve inland markets .
Further inland , GPA ’ s forthcoming inland rail terminal , the Blue Ridge
Connector , will open in 2026 . The terminal can eliminate a 600-mile round-trip truck haul to and from the Port of Savannah , making it a sustainability victory .
“ At full capacity of 200,000 containers , 173,157 metric tons of CO2 and 120 million truck miles would be avoided each year ,” Fulford said .
These hefty investments in multiple industry sectors have attracted global attention . India , for example , has become one of GPA ’ s fastest-growing trading partners .
India ’ s “ rising middle class and growing production capabilities make it an important market for our customers both now and into the future ,” Fulford said .
Five weekly direct vessel services operate between Savannah and India , and 12 ocean carriers serve Savannah-Indian subcontinent routes . Ocean transit times are as short as 29 days .
“ With Savannah ’ s reliable service ; speed of delivery ; and direct , port-to-port connections with India , GPA customers can reach their customers with unmatched efficiency ,” Fulford said .
This is because , compared to West Coast ports , the Port of Savannah saves approximately eight days on inbound transit to markets such as Atlanta ,
Investing in America ’ s future
Operating the national gateway ports of Savannah and Brunswick , Georgia Ports Authority ( GPA ) enables customers to compete more strongly in world markets .
GPA is investing in the future of America , with $ 4.2 billion in capacity enhancements over the next 10 years included in its port master plan . These investments will expand cargo-handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements .
The Port of Savannah is one of the fastest-growing container ports in the US , serving as a gateway to 70 % of the nation ’ s population , which is reachable within three to four days via Savannah . With more than 35 container ship services and 24 / 7 vessel operations , Savannah is one of the bestconnected ports in the country .
The on-terminal rail facility , Mason Mega Rail , moves cargo quickly to and from inland markets , with 42 trains per week and an industry-leading 22-hour average rail dwell between import cargo discharged from vessel and train departure . Savannah truckers can make seven to nine trips per day to local warehouses thanks to 50-minute turn times and 80 % dual transactions .
The Port of Brunswick is also one of the fastest-growing auto and heavy equipment ports . In 2024 , it became the nation ’ s busiest port for roll-on / roll-off ( ro / ro ) cargo , handling over 900,000 units . An investment of $ 262 million was recently made by GPA to prepare the port to become the premier US ro / ro port .
Georgia ’ s ports and inland terminals support 610,000 jobs throughout the state annually , contributing $ 40 billion in income , $ 171 billion in revenue and $ 5.3 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia ’ s economy .
As part of GPA ’ s community engagement efforts , the authority is donating $ 6 million to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year local workforce housing initiative .
Georgia is a long-term attractive business destination , with CNBC ranking the state # 1 in US infrastructure in America ’ s Top States for Business , and Area Development ranking Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for 11 consecutive years .
Visit www . gaports . com .
68 Journal of Commerce | March 3 , 2025 www . joc . com