Georgia Ports Authority expands autoport in Brunswick

The Georgia Ports Authority has unveiled plans to grow capacity at its Port of Brunswick’s flagship autoport and its breakbulk terminal for forest products. The expansion is a $150 million investment.

“We’re expanding berth and terminal capacity at both Colonel’s Island and Mayor’s Point so that we are ready to take on additional trade,” said Griff Lynch, GPA executive director. “The investments we are making will lay the groundwork for job growth and new opportunity in the Brunswick region.”

As the nation’s second busiest hub for Ro/Ro cargo, behind only Baltimore, the Port of Brunswick moved 650,000 units of vehicles and heavy machinery in calendar year 2021, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year. The additional auto storage on the south side of the island will increase the terminal’s annual capacity from 1.2 million to 1.4 million vehicles.

“Home to more than 20 automaker brands, Colonel’s Island is poised to become the Southeast’s premier autoport,” said GPA Board Chairman Joel Wooten. “With more room to grow, better connections to inland markets, and an operation dedicated to Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, Colonel’s Island is the region’s busiest gateway for autos and machinery.”

“A testament to the trust customers have in the Georgia Ports Authority and its partners across the logistics community, the Port of Brunswick delivered an outstanding performance this year – despite economic headwinds,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “In the coming years, Georgia’s posture as the number one state for forestry and as a global leader in the automotive industry – for automakers of both combustion and non-combustion engines – will continue to strengthen, and I’m confident given the exemplary leadership and hardworking Georgians who keep cargo moving, that the Port of Brunswick will continue to be a driving force behind the Peach State’s success.”
 
In addition to growing the auto trade, GPA will upgrade near-dock storage areas to better accommodate heavy machinery used in agriculture, construction and warehousing operations.

SC
MR