New 3.5 million-TEU terminal will begin construction in January 2028, supporting plans to expand the Port of Savannah’s total capacity to 12 million TEUs.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (October 14, 2026) — Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has received U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval for its planned Savannah Container Terminal, a $2.3 billion project that will add 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) of annual capacity.
GPA President Kevin Price announced the permit approval during the annual State of the Port of Savannah event. The decision follows a three-year review process and allows Georgia Ports to advance development of the new terminal on Hutchison Island.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2028, with completion expected in the mid-2030s. The 350-acre facility will accommodate the largest container ships and support Georgia Ports’ long-term plans to increase Savannah’s total container capacity to 12 million TEUs.
New Terminal Supports Savannah’s Long-Term Capacity Growth
The Port of Savannah currently has container capacity of 7.75 million TEUs. The Savannah Container Terminal, together with other infrastructure improvements, will expand the port’s ability to serve growing cargo demand.
“We’re excited about the Savannah Container Terminal’s role in our future growth and investment plans to take us to a 12 million TEU gateway container port, serving customers in Georgia and our nation with the best infrastructure in a high growth region,” Price said.
The project represents a major step in GPA’s ongoing investment in port facilities and inland infrastructure, supporting customers across Georgia and the broader U.S. market.
Georgia Ports Outlines $5 Billion Infrastructure Investment
GPA Chairman Alec Poitevint highlighted the authority’s $5 billion investment in future port infrastructure, following $4.13 billion invested in port and inland infrastructure over the past decade.
Poitevint said the port’s master plan provides customers with a long-term roadmap for stronger supply chains and continued growth.
“Our $5 billion investment in future port infrastructure is the largest in the nation and a reassuring roadmap to customers which comes on the heels of our $4.13 billion investment the last ten years in port and inland infrastructure,” Poitevint said. “We play the long game here.”
Ocean Terminal Renovation Adds Container Capacity
The Savannah Container Terminal is part of a broader infrastructure investment and renovation program that includes the $1.6 billion modernization of Ocean Terminal.
That project will increase Ocean Terminal’s annual container capacity from 200,000 TEUs to 1.75 million TEUs. Completion is expected by the end of 2028.
Together, the terminal projects will strengthen Savannah’s cargo-handling capabilities and support the port’s planned expansion to a 12 million-TEU gateway.
CEO Griff Lynch Reflects on Port Growth Ahead of Retirement
GPA CEO Griff Lynch also addressed the event, reflecting on the authority’s growth since he joined as chief operating officer in 2011.
During that period, GPA revenues have increased 213%, container volumes have grown 90%, and roll-on/roll-off cargo volumes have risen 60%.
Lynch is scheduled to retire from his leadership role on August 1, 2027, after 16 years with Georgia Ports.
He credited GPA employees, the board of directors and past port leaders for the decisions and investments that enabled the authority to respond to changing market conditions and expand its operations. He also recognized Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, the Georgia Legislature and partner agencies for their support.
“We have been blessed with talented, dedicated people at GPA and with business partners who defined our service levels, enabling our customers to succeed and grow,” Lynch said. “I’m proud of our people, thankful for our customers and confident in the port and inland infrastructure we’ve built. We’re never done growing.”
