The Georgia Ports Authority handled more than half a million twenty-foot equivalent container units in August. As a gateway port to the Southeast, the Port of Savannah handles more than 14,000 truck moves daily with 42 trains per week departing to inland markets, featuring a 20-hour average rail dwell on import containers – the fastest in the industry. (Georgia Ports)
SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 30, 2025 – The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced today that the Port of Savannah moved 534,037 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in August, marking a 9% year-over-year increase and the third-highest monthly volume in GPA history. Fiscal year-to-date, Savannah has handled more than 1 million TEUs, up 3.2% from the same period last year.
GPA also launched a new fast-track routing process this month, designed to speed up vessel transit and improve supply chain velocity. Inbound vessels temporarily dock at the Ocean Terminal lay berth before moving to Garden City Terminal, a shift that has already cut berth idle time from 12–15 hours to just 3 hours.
“This lay berth, combined with our eight start times for ship labor, creates exciting new possibilities for ships to stay on schedule or make up time,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “It’s a gamechanger for GPA and our customers. Our mission is to make it easy to do business, and the numbers show that we are delivering.”
Port of Brunswick Update
In August, the Port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal handled 63,926 units of autos and machinery, down 14.3% year-over-year, with fiscal year-to-date volumes of 132,918 units, an 11.8% decline.
Georgia Ports Drive Economic Growth
According to a University of Georgia economic impact study, GPA-supported activity now sustains nearly 651,000 full- and part-time jobs statewide, an increase of 41,770 jobs from FY2023. Port-related activity now represents 12% of total state employment.
Additional key findings:
- $174 billion in total sales (11% of Georgia’s total, up 2% from FY2023)
- $77 billion in state GDP (9% of total GDP, up 7%)
- $43 billion in personal income (7% of statewide income, up 7.5%)
“Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for over a decade in part because we’re also the best state for reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are key drivers of jobs, investment and growth for every part of our state.”
Ocean Terminal Expansion Moving Forward
The GPA Board recently approved $614 million in civil works improvements at Ocean Terminal, part of a $1.54 billion overall modernization project. Once complete in 2028, Ocean Terminal will:
- Serve two large container ships simultaneously
- Feature a renovated 200-acre container yard
- Add expanded truck gates and a direct exit ramp to U.S. 17/I-16
“Our port master plan is designed to deliver the capacity our customers need to grow their business in Georgia,” said GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint. “Ocean Terminal is a vital part of that strategy.”
Lynch added, “With new berths and expanded yard capacity, Georgia’s ability to take on new business is outpacing other U.S. ports, ensuring market leadership across the Southeast.”
Over the next decade, GPA plans to invest $4.5 billion in infrastructure, including three new big-ship berths at the upcoming Savannah Container Terminal on Hutchinson Island.
Recognizing Supply Chain Partners
As part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, GPA honored the trucking community with safety gear and breakfast for drivers. Savannah averages more than 14,000 truck moves per day, underscoring the critical role drivers play in GPA’s supply chain success.
“Our leadership team, our employees and our business partners look forward to this event every year as a way to honor our trucking community,” said GPA COO Ed McCarthy.
About Georgia Ports
Georgia’s Ports in Savannah and Brunswick are among the nation’s most competitive gateways, offering unmatched supply chain efficiency, global connectivity, and scale. The Port of Savannah moves 35 ship calls per week, 42 double-stack rail departures, and 14,000 truck gate moves daily. GPA has invested $3.2 billion in infrastructure over the last decade and plans an additional $4.5 billion over the next ten years—entirely self-financed.
For more information, visit gaports.com or contact:
Tom Boyd
Chief Communications Officer
tboyd@gaports.com
912-346-0158
