Savannah’s Port to Undergo Major Upgrades

News Summary

The Georgia Ports Authority has approved a $614 million investment for significant upgrades at the Ocean Terminal in Savannah. This is part of a $1.54 billion project aimed at increasing the port’s efficiency and capacity, allowing simultaneous accommodation of larger container ships. Key enhancements include renovating berths, expanding truck gates, and developing new traffic flow systems. The upgrades are crucial for maintaining competitive operations nationally and are set to be completed in phases by 2028, as the GPA continues to support the economic engine of Georgia with significant job creation.

Savannah is set to experience significant advancements in its port capabilities as the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has approved an investment of $614 million for major upgrades at the Ocean Terminal. This decision is part of a larger $1.54 billion project aimed at enhancing the port’s efficiency and capacity to meet soaring market demands.

The GPA Board Chairman has highlighted that these upgrades will strengthen the competitive edge of the port operations at a national level. The improvements will empower the 200-acre Ocean Terminal, allowing it to accommodate two large container ships at the same time following the renovations.

Key enhancements in this initiative will include the renovation of two berths specifically designed for larger vessels and expanded truck gates to facilitate better logistics. Additionally, a new exit ramp for trucks is planned to streamline traffic flow, further alleviating congestion within the terminal area.

The initial phase of the Ocean Terminal renovations is projected to be completed by 2027, with a subsequent phase expected to wrap up in 2028. These upgrades are essential as the GPA has emphasized the importance of continued investment to secure the port’s future and maintain its competition within Georgia and the broader Southeastern region.

Background Context

The GPA has already undertaken a $29 million project to construct an overpass that will redirect departing truck traffic onto U.S. 17/Interstate 16, effectively bypassing local neighborhood streets. This overpass plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall efficiency of freight movement in and out of the port.

Over the next decade, the GPA plans to invest a substantial $4.5 billion in infrastructure improvements to further bolster the port’s capabilities. In tandem with the upgrades at Ocean Terminal, the GPA is also preparing to add three new large ship berths at the upcoming Savannah Container Terminal on Hutchinson Island. This development is anticipated to boost annual capacity at the Port of Savannah by over 3.5 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) by the mid-2030s.

Recent statistics indicate that the Port of Savannah is already experiencing significant growth, having handled 534,037 TEUs in August alone, marking a year-over-year increase of 9% (approximately 44,000 TEUs). For the fiscal year to date through August, aggregate container volumes have reached 1,010,725 TEUs, demonstrating a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year.

The GPA is also recognized as a vital economic engine for the state, currently supporting over 609,000 jobs across Georgia — an increase of 48,000 jobs or 8.6% from the prior fiscal year. This economic impact is bolstered by the GPA’s Mason Mega Rail Terminal, which reported record volumes in 2024 with 540,850 containers moved by train, significantly enhancing the connectivity of containers from vessels to departing trains.

To ensure seamless freight movement beyond the port, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is collaborating with the GPA on various projects aimed at improving infrastructure, including the widening of I-16 and construction of new road connections to the interstate system. The upgrades at the Ocean Terminal are specifically designed to accommodate the increasing demand while also upholding world-class service standards.

In September 2025, GPA introduced a new lay berth option, allowing incoming vessels to temporarily dock at the Ocean Terminal prior to transitioning to the larger Garden City Terminal. This new strategy enabled the CCNI Arauco ship to commence loading operations 12 hours earlier than previously possible. With this lay berth option, GPA has the capacity to manage two additional ships per week, thereby significantly enhancing berth utilization and reducing idle time by 75%.

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