Port of Brunswick expands to lead ro-ro trade

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has approved the construction of an additional 50 acres of paved vehicle storage area at the Colonel Island Terminal in the Port of Brunswick. The expansion will allow the terminal to more efficiently handle growing trade and solidify Brunswick’s position as the leading U.S. port for roll-on/roll-off cargo transportation.

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted the port’s position as the nation’s leading gateway for ro-ro trade, noting its expansive capacity, strategic location and best-in-class service. This infrastructure investment is in response to growing demand from automakers looking to expand their shipping volumes through Georgia. The new auto storage capacity will be operational by summer 2025, joining the recently added 120 acres of paved storage.

Kent Fountain, Chairman of the GPA Board of Directors, said this latest expansion is in addition to the $262 million already invested in automotive storage and warehouses. With more than 200 acres of land available for future development, Brunswick has unparalleled potential to expand its RoRo operations.

In fiscal year 2024, Colonel Island Terminal handled more than 870,000 units of ro-ro cargo, reflecting its growing dominance in the industry.

Brunswick Port Upgrade

The Port of Brunswick will also undergo significant port improvements with a $38 million federal grant for a maintenance dredging and expansion project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging the port in late 2024 to restore its maximum depth and improve vessel safety by increasing maneuvering space.

Freight volumes surge in August

Georgia ports saw significant growth in August 2024, handling 74,630 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo, up 21.4% from the previous year. The Port of Savannah also reported strong container throughput for the month, handling more than 490,000 TEUs, driven by early holiday shipments.