Georgia Ports Authority renovates Savannah docks

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On Tuesday, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced it had approved plans to renovate and realign the docks at the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal.

The renovations will better accommodate the port’s growing container operation and expedite vessel service, the GPA said.

“For nearly 40 years, Ocean Terminal has been handling a mix of container ships and breakbulk vessels. The realignment is part of a broader effort to transform the terminal into an all-container operation, shifting most breakbulk cargo to the Port of Brunswick,” said Griff Lynch, GPA executive director. “Completion of this project will improve our flexibility and allow Georgia Ports to optimize cargo movement, supporting our customers in delivering goods to market efficiently.”

Cargo carried by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean will be shifted to Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick, GPA said. Construction has already begun on 360,000 square feet of dockside warehousing, as well as three additional buildings and 85 acres of auto storage spaces on the south side of the island.

The Ocean Terminal facility modification will rebuild the docks to provide an additional 2,800 linear feet of berth space, allowing the facility to serve two big ships simultaneously.

“As the dock construction progresses, GPA will continue to operate container ships at Ocean Terminal,” said Ed McCarthy, chief operating officer at Georgia Ports. “The work – which is funded by GPA’s Series 2022 Revenue Bonds – will be conducted alongside container and breakbulk operations.”

The facility will also see expanded gate facilities and paving to make room for 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent container units of annual capacity. Those renovations are scheduled to start in January 2023, with the entire project scheduled for completion in 2026.

Port officials said the renovations will help expedite vessel service, which saw backlogs during the height of demand.

“While we are beginning to see an anticipated market correction, it is important that GPA move forward with projects like the Ocean Terminal enhancements to accommodate business growth,” said GPA Board Chairman Joel Wooten. “Through continued infrastructure improvement, we will ensure the free flow of commerce and our ability to meet expanding customer demand.”