In October, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reported 494,261 TEUs, marking an increase of over 45,000 TEUs, or 10% compared to the same month last year.
This was GPA’s third-highest October on record, following 2021 and 2022 when the Port of Savannah processed over half a million TEUs.
“Despite the cargo increases this year, many customers continue to divert to the US West Coast while the contract negotiations are ongoing,” noted Griff Lynch, CEO and President of Georgia Ports.
GPA’s operational efficiency stands out, with containers moving from vessel to rail within a day, aided by the Mason Mega Rail facility, which connects customers to Norfolk Southern and CSX rail services, according to the GPA announcement.
“I want to thank our Georgia Ports employees, the local ILA, Gateway Terminals, the Pilots and all our port partners in Brunswick and Savannah for the great work they’re doing to keep our ports competitive and easy to use by our customers,” said Kent Fountain, Chairman of Georgia Ports.
Trade growth at the Appalachian Regional Port has also contributed to the performance, achieving a record 3,666 rail lifts in October, translating to a 4.4% increase at this Northwest Georgia inland hub.
During the first four months of fiscal year 2025 (1 July – 31 Oct. 2024), GPA has moved 1.9 million TEUs, up by 211,320 units, or 12.3% over the same period last year.
In the auto and heavy machinery sector, Colonel’s Island processed 68,569 Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) units in the previous month, with a fiscal year-to-date total of 300,647 RoRo units, representing a 10.6% increase year-on-year.
Georgia Ports boss Lynch highlighted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Ports Port grant, which GPA received in October to implement electrification infrastructure aiming to support ships at berth to plug-in to shore power and turn off auxiliary-powered diesel engines.
“The US$46 million grant also covers the replacement of diesel terminal tractors with electric terminal tractors and electric charging infrastructure,” he pointed out. “These initiatives are designed to create positive impacts on the community and ensure we’re a good neighbour.”
