Port of Brunswick Expands Vehicle Storage Capacity to Meet Growing Trade Demands
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has announced plans to expand vehicle storage capacity at the Colonel’s Island Terminal by an additional 50 acres, following approval by the GPA Board during a meeting on September 24, 2024. This expansion aims to enhance the terminal’s efficiency in handling increased trade activity.
GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, “The combination of space to grow, global and domestic reach, and quality of service make the Port of Brunswick the nation’s premier gateway for Ro/Ro trade.” The expansion addresses requests from auto manufacturers looking to increase their cargo volumes through Georgia.
The newly added 50 acres will join over 120 acres of recently developed storage, significantly boosting the terminal’s auto processing capabilities. These enhancements are set to be operational by summer 2025.
GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain noted that the capacity improvements complement a recent $262 million investment in auto storage and warehousing at Colonel’s Island. “With more than 200 additional acres for expansion, no other Roll-on/Roll-off port in the nation has the ability to scale up its operation like Brunswick,” Fountain said.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Colonel’s Island Terminal managed over 870,000 units of Ro/Ro cargo, underscoring the need for expanded facilities.
In conjunction with the terminal improvements, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to undertake significant projects to enhance Brunswick Harbor. Nearly $38 million in federal funding has been allocated for maintenance dredging and harbor improvements, with $26.6 million aimed at restoring the federal waterway to its authorized depth. Dredging operations are expected to commence in late 2024.
Additional federal funding of $11.35 million, along with $6 million in state funds, will support improvements designed to enhance vessel safety and transit efficiency within the river channel. Planned upgrades include an expanded area for vessels to pass and an enlarged turning basin for ships docking at Colonel’s Island.
In a report on August trade, Lynch announced that the Georgia Ports handled 74,630 units of Ro/Ro cargo, a 21.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. The Port of Savannah also reported strong performance, processing over 490,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units, marking an 18.6 percent rise. This increase is attributed to customers anticipating demand ahead of the holiday peak season.
