Port of Savannah Sees Significant Growth Amidst Strong Retail Market

The Port of Savannah is experiencing substantial growth driven by a thriving retail sector and expanding customer base, according to recent reports.

In May, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) handled 490,330 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs), marking a 22 percent increase compared to the same month last year. This growth amounts to nearly 90,000 additional TEUs.

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch attributed this surge to increased orders from major retail customers aiming to replenish inventories and meet rising consumer demand. Additionally, trade among Tier 1 suppliers for the new Hyundai Meta Plant further bolstered container volumes in May.

Despite reports of congestion at other Southeast U.S. ports, Lynch assured that the Port of Savannah remains unaffected by such issues. He highlighted that the port is benefiting from manufacturers shifting their sourcing to Southeast Asian locations that prefer shipping through Savannah.

The port’s positive momentum extends throughout 2024, with consistent increases in container trade every month compared to 2023. May’s performance improved by 11 percent over April figures, with Lynch anticipating continued growth in June. Currently, over 320,000 TEUs of import cargo destined for Savannah are en route.

In intermodal cargo, the Appalachian Regional Port achieved a record in May, handling 3,600 containers through its inland rail terminal. At the Garden City Terminal, rail transport of forty-foot containers increased by 2 percent, totaling 44,000 containers last month.

Year-to-date, GPA has managed 2.2 million TEUs, marking a 12.7 percent increase from the same period in 2023. The Port of Savannah has also welcomed 770 vessels through May, 36 more compared to last year.

GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain emphasized the teamwork among GPA employees and supply chain partners as integral to delivering exceptional service to customers. He announced significant investments by the Board to expand capacity across docks, container yards, truck gates, and rail connections, reinforcing Georgia’s logistical advantage.

The Port of Savannah’s robust performance underscores its pivotal role in supporting regional and national trade amidst growing demands and evolving market dynamics.