Georgia ports receive $120 million in federal grant

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has received more than $120 million in federal grants to enhance operational sustainability and infrastructure at its Savannah and Brunswick facilities. The grants fund projects designed to enhance energy resiliency, reduce emissions and expand rail capacity, making Georgia Ports a leader in sustainable port operations.

Also Read: Georgia ports celebrate truckers, highlight industry efficiency and investments

Savannah Terminal Power Restoration and Electrification

The U.S. Maritime Administration has allocated $49.8 million to fund the construction of a terminal power distribution network at the Garden City Terminal in the Port of Savannah. The project, which includes GPA-owned generators and substations, is designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially during natural disasters for temperature-controlled goods such as food and medicines.

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch emphasized that reliable power is critical to the Authority’s continued transition from diesel to electric yard equipment. GPA will donate $88.2 million to the project, matching the federal grant.

Shore power and emissions reduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded GPA $48.7 million to install shore power infrastructure at four berths, three in Savannah and one in the Port of Brunswick. Shore power allows ships to shut down their engines when docked and is expected to reduce emissions by 13,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 250 tons of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter per year. GPA will supplement the grant with $5.4 million in local funds.

Additionally, the EPA grant includes funding for 16 electric terminal trucks and their charging infrastructure to replace older diesel-powered models. This transition is expected to significantly reduce emissions within the terminal and surrounding communities.

Strengthen community connections

To mitigate the impact of port operations on local communities, GPA is advancing construction of the Savannah Marine Terminal overpass, which is currently 60% complete. The $29 million project will allow trucks to bypass local streets and go directly to interstate highways and simplify access to inland markets.

“Although more costly, grade separation was chosen to prioritize the quality of life for our neighbors,” said Kent Fountain, chairman of the board.

Expanding Braunschweig rail capacity

GPA also received a $26.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the second phase of the Brunswick Harbor Colonel Island Rail Improvement Project. The $27.6 million program, co-funded by GPA and rail partner Genesee & Wyoming Inc., is designed to respond to growing vehicle import and export volumes. When completed, the expanded rail infrastructure will increase annual production capacity by nearly 500,000 ro-ro vehicles, bringing the total to approximately 700,000 units.

The first phase of the $22 million GPA-funded rail project has begun. This expansion supports growing demand for rail capacity, particularly for vehicle and heavy machinery exports, while reducing the impact on port traffic for local communities.

long term partnership

In April, GPA signed a 20-year terminal agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen to integrate logistics and port operations in Braunschweig. The partnership underlines the port’s commitment to providing enhanced capabilities and sustainable solutions to its stakeholders.

“These federal grants will help us reduce community impacts while increasing our business resiliency and reducing our carbon footprint,” Lynch said. “This is a win-win for all port stakeholders.”