The Port of Savannah offers six direct weekly ocean carrier services to India, with a total of 10 services linking Savannah to the broader Indian subcontinent. (Photo Courtesy of Georgia Ports)
Expanded trade ties expected to boost cargo volumes and strengthen U.S.–India supply chains
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is welcoming the announcement of a new trade agreement between the United States and India, a development expected to spur greater bilateral trade and create new opportunities for American exporters, importers, and logistics providers.
“This is excellent news for American exporters and consumers, for Georgia and for our customers,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO of GPA. “GPA has long believed India will be key to our future success given the market proximity our U.S. East Coast gateway port offers. Over time, this will translate into greater volumes for Georgia Ports.”
Savannah: A Key Link in U.S.–India Trade
The Port of Savannah has emerged as a critical hub for India–U.S. commerce. In fiscal year 2025, Georgia Ports handled 22% of India’s containerized trade on the U.S. East Coast. Savannah’s loaded container trade with India also climbed nearly 48% between FY2021 and FY2025, reaching 304,450 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
GPA currently offers:
- Six direct weekly vessel services between Savannah and India
- Ten total services connecting Savannah to the broader Indian subcontinent
- Eleven ocean carriers on these routes
- Transit times as short as 29 days
Direct services include calls at Nhava Sheva/Mumbai, Pipavav and Hazira, along with additional connections via Colombo, Sri Lanka.
India’s Rising Trade Potential
India is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2026, with strong demographic and economic fundamentals. The nation’s population of nearly 1.5 billion people, a youthful workforce, and expanding middle class are driving consumption and industrial growth.
According to the World Bank, India’s GDP is forecast to grow by 6.5% in 2026, outpacing many other Asian economies. For U.S. companies, sourcing from India provides supply chain diversification and competitive procurement options.
Speed-to-Market Advantage
Savannah offers faster total transit times to key inland markets such as Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville compared to many West Coast gateways. Shorter ocean routes from India to the East Coast, combined with Savannah’s rail connectivity, help accelerate cargo delivery.
GPA’s Mason Mega Rail Terminal supports:
- 42 trains per week
- Double-stack service from CSX and Norfolk Southern
- Rail availability to many inland destinations within three days
Savannah also boasts industry-leading speed-to-rail, with containers typically discharged on day one, railed on day two, and arriving at inland destinations by day three.
Ongoing Infrastructure Investment
Georgia Ports continues to invest heavily in infrastructure to support long-term growth. GPA maintains a $4.5 billion, self-funded 10-year investment plan that includes five new big-ship berths in Savannah and a fourth berth in Brunswick. Over the past decade, GPA has invested $3.2 billion in port improvements.
The Port of Brunswick remains the nation’s leading RoRo port for automotive and machinery logistics, with more than $262 million in recent upgrades and a new $100 million berth under development.
