Container volumes increase 3.7 percent as Georgia Ports anticipates strong demand through the end of the year.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (October 8, 2026) — The Port of Savannah set a September container volume record, handling 504,015 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs), a 3.7 percent increase compared with September 2025. Strong consumer spending, an extended peak shipping season and rising imports supported the growth, with strong demand forecast through year-end.
The September results brought Georgia Ports Authority’s first-quarter container volume to more than 1.5 million TEUs, up 40,560 TEUs, or 2.7 percent, from the same period last year. It was the second-best quarter in GPA’s history, surpassed only by the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
At the Appalachian Regional Port, first-quarter cargo volumes increased 13 percent year over year, reflecting additional growth across Georgia’s inland logistics network.
Loaded Imports Drive Savannah’s Growth
Savannah’s loaded import volumes rose 5.5 percent compared with September 2025, leading the port’s overall container gains.
Typhoon-related delays at Asian ports shifted some peak-season shipments into September. Ocean carriers utilized Savannah’s efficient operations and proximity to major retail distribution centers to move cargo during the extended peak season.
“Thanks to our Georgia Ports employees, Gateway Terminals and the ILA, we are providing world-class service to our customers while handling record volumes,” said Griff Lynch, CEO of Georgia Ports Authority.
Infrastructure Investments Expand Capacity and Access
Georgia Ports continues to advance its $1.6 billion Ocean Terminal renovation, which is now more than 60 percent complete. The project will increase the terminal’s annual container capacity from 200,000 TEUs to 1.75 million TEUs.
“We know our customers have a choice and we’re thankful for their choosing Georgia Ports. The capital investments we’ve made are now paying off in service levels for our customers and fluidity for our trucking partners,” said Kevin Price, president of Georgia Ports Authority.
Truck access has also improved with the opening of the Brampton Road Connector in July 2026. Developed by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the connector provides a third high-volume truck corridor to Garden City Terminal’s Gate 3, allowing drivers to bypass local neighborhood roads and at-grade rail crossings.
“This September performance speaks volumes about our team and shows Georgia Ports is the key gateway to Georgia and the Southeast,” said Georgia Ports Authority Chairman Alec Poitevint. “I want to thank Gov. Kemp, the General Assembly and Georgia Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry and his team for supporting a statewide logistics network that has helped make Georgia the best state to do business for 13 years in a row.”
Panama Canal Conditions Improve
The Panama Canal Authority reported improving conditions at Lake Gatun following the start of the rainy season, offering reassurance to customers using the waterway.
Beginning October 15, the authority plans to restore the maximum number of Neopanamax vessel transits to 10 per day. This will bring total daily transits across all vessel sizes to 33. As of September 28, the maximum draft for Neopanamax vessels was 49 feet.
Brunswick Reports Heavy Machinery Gains
The Port of Brunswick handled 43,415 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo units in September, a 22 percent decline compared with the same month last year. Global market conditions remain competitive for vehicle manufacturers.
Heavy machinery shipments increased nearly 12 percent, reaching 3,754 units compared with 3,359 units in September 2025.
About Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia’s ports in Savannah and Brunswick serve as strategic gateways for international trade, connecting businesses with ocean shipping services, rail networks and highway infrastructure.
The Port of Savannah handles 40 ship calls per week, 42 double-stack trains per week and approximately 15,000 daily truck gate moves. The Port of Brunswick ranks first among U.S. RoRo ports for annual automobile volumes and supports growing machinery shipments through expanded high and heavy cargo operating space.
GPA’s nearly $5 billion, self-financed investment plan for the next decade includes five additional large-vessel container berths in Savannah and a fourth RoRo berth in Brunswick. Over the past 10 years, the GPA board has approved $4.13 billion in infrastructure improvements.
Through its community engagement efforts, GPA is contributing $6 million to a multiyear workforce housing initiative in port communities. Since its launch in September 2023, the initiative has helped more than 230 Savannah-area families repair, purchase or build a home.
For more information, visit gaports.com.
Media Contact:
Edward Fulford, Manager of Media Relations
Georgia Ports Authority
efulford@gaports.com
912-964-3806
