Georgia Ports Authority Unveils $120 Million Sustainability and Resiliency Initiatives
Earlier in December, at the Georgia Ports Authority meeting, President and CEO Griff Lynch announced plans to enhance sustainability and operational resiliency at the Savannah and Brunswick ports, leveraging over $120 million in federal grants. The initiatives aim to reduce emissions, improve infrastructure, and support local communities.
Resilient Power Supply at Garden City Terminal
A $49.8 million grant from the Maritime Administration will finance the construction of an advanced electricity distribution network at the Garden City Terminal in Savannah. This network, supported by GPA-owned generators and substations, will ensure uninterrupted power during emergencies like natural disasters, protecting temperature-sensitive cargo such as food and medicine.
This project supports GPA’s goal of transitioning yard equipment from diesel to electric power. Lynch noted that having resilient power infrastructure is essential to the port’s modernization efforts. GPA will provide $88.2 million in matching funds for the project, demonstrating a substantial local investment in sustainable operations.
Shore Power for Ships and Electric Truck Upgrades
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $48.7 million to GPA to install shore power infrastructure at four berths—three in Savannah and one in Brunswick. This allows docked vessels to connect to the electrical grid instead of running diesel engines, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 13,000 tons and cutting nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions by 250 tons per year.
The funding also covers the acquisition of 16 new electric terminal trucks and charging stations, replacing aging diesel-powered models. These upgrades aim to reduce emissions both on port grounds and in surrounding neighborhoods, contributing to improved air quality for local communities. GPA will contribute $5.4 million in local matching funds for this initiative.
Brunswick Rail Expansion
To address growing demand for automotive exports and imports, the GPA received $26.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete Phase II of the Colonel’s Island Rail Improvements project at the Port of Brunswick. Phase II, matched by $27.6 million from GPA and rail partner Genesee & Wyoming Inc., will significantly expand the port’s rail capacity.
When fully operational, the rail yard will accommodate an additional 500,000 Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) units annually, raising total capacity to approximately 700,000 units. Phase I of the project, funded by GPA at $22 million, is already underway.
“This expansion responds to customer demand for increased rail capacity and reduces the port’s impact on local communities,” said Lynch. “It’s a win-win for stakeholders.”
Infrastructure to Minimize Local Impact
As part of its Port Master Plan, GPA is constructing a $29 million truck overpass at Ocean Terminal in Savannah. Currently 60% complete, the overpass will connect directly to interstate highways, diverting truck traffic from local streets and improving access to inland markets.
“Although the overpass came with a higher cost, we prioritized it to maintain the quality of life for our neighbors,” said GPA Chairman Kent Fountain.
Broader Environmental Efforts
The new initiatives complement GPA’s ongoing sustainability measures. The authority is investing in electric cargo-handling equipment, designing gate infrastructure to minimize truck idling, and helping drivers access federal grants to replace older vehicles with cleaner ones.
To guide future efforts, GPA is collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local neighborhood associations to install emission monitoring equipment around the ports. This program establishes a baseline for emissions, enabling data-driven decisions to further reduce the port’s carbon footprint.
Savannah remains the largest container port in the U.S. participating in Green Marine, a voluntary certification program requiring third-party verification of sustainability data.
Record-Breaking Growth
Lynch also highlighted GPA’s October 2024 performance, reporting 494,261 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) and 68,569 Ro/Ro units—marking 10 consecutive months of growth. November is expected to show positive trends as well, with official numbers set to be released in mid-December.
“These projects are a testament to our commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental and community stewardship,” Lynch said.
