In January, the Port of Savannah experienced a moderate increase in container throughput, handling a total of 428,000 TEUs, representing a 1.5% rise compared to the same period last year. Rail cargo throughput also saw a significant surge, reaching 47,132 containers, marking a notable 27% increase from the previous period. This increase in activity follows the completion of GPA’s Mason Mega Rail project, a $220 million investment that expanded the on-terminal track by 24 miles in the previous year.

Griff Lynch, CEO and president of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), highlighted Savannah’s growing popularity among customers located 250 miles inland and beyond for various exports and goods. The investments in rail capacity not only increased the port’s container handling capacity but also extended its reach to new markets effectively.

Additionally, the Port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal saw robust activity, managing 65,400 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo during the same period. The GPA’s focus on Roll-on/Roll-off operations has yielded positive results, with 51 vessel calls recorded last month. The authority expects a record-breaking year, projecting to handle approximately 800,000 vehicles in Fiscal Year 2024.

Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the monthly average for Ro/Ro cargo, with 69,000 units recorded so far in the fiscal year, compared to the previous year’s monthly average of 60,400 units for the same period. Griff Lynch emphasized the significance of the Port of Savannah for trade activities in major markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Memphis, facilitating import and export operations with speed and efficiency, thereby supporting business growth in these regions.