The Port of Brunswick maintained its position as the nation’s busiest port for automobiles for the second consecutive year in 2025, handling 779,000 units of autos plus more than 53,000 units of heavy machinery, representing both import and export movements. A total of 731 ships called the Port of Brunswick during calendar year 2025.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp addressed the audience at the Georgia International Trade Conference, stating that innovation and port investments by the Georgia Ports Authority are helping to keep the state ranked number one for business while positioning it as a true leader in global trade. He described the ports as an economic engine for the entire state.

Georgia Ports Authority Chairman Alec Poitevint affirmed that ongoing investments will further solidify the Port of Brunswick as the number one RoRo port in the United States.

Georgia Ports president and CEO Griff Lynch outlined the authority’s vision for the Port of Brunswick to become a world-class shipping and logistics hub for RoRo customers. Lynch highlighted the port’s US market access and global connectivity, a new berth under construction, expanded on-terminal rail infrastructure, and new vehicle storage space. He noted that when Berth 4 opens in November 2027, vessel operators will be able to turn ships faster, reduce costs, and optimise their fleets more competitively.

Infrastructure Investment Underway

To prepare for anticipated growth in both vessel size and overall cargo volumes, a series of infrastructure projects are now underway. These enhancements include a new $100 million berth for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, improvements to outdoor vehicle storage, dredging, and other harbour modifications.

Construction of a fourth berth at the Port of Brunswick’s Colonels Island — designed to accommodate vessels with an overall length of 975 feet, is 30 percent complete, with the final piling for the main dock driven in early April.

The Georgia Ports Authority is investing ahead of RoRo demand to ensure its capacity to handle growing future volumes, particularly as manufacturing growth across the U.S. Southeast drives demand for large machinery and oversized project cargo.

New Harbour Improvements Underway

GPA’s berth enhancements are supported by major federal harbour improvements. Maintenance dredging by the US Army Corps of Engineers in Brunswick’s inner harbour concluded in March, with outer harbour dredging expected to be completed in September 2026, restoring the full channel to its authorised depth. The deeper channel will improve vessel efficiency by allowing fully loaded ships to transit without waiting for high tide.

A separate project will widen key channel bends and expand the existing turning basin for vessels docking at Colonels Island, which received 607 vessel calls in 2025. The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to award a construction contract in summer 2026, with work likely beginning in the fall. Congress has approved $11.35 million for the federal share, the state has allocated just over $6 million, and the Georgia Ports Authority is contributing approximately $6 million to the project.

Expanding Capacity in Brunswick

In fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), the Georgia Ports Authority completed $284 million in self-financed improvements at the Port of Brunswick.

Enhancements included expanded on-terminal heavy equipment processing infrastructure, 350,000 square feet of covered on-dock storage, 330,000 square feet of covered space on the south side of Colonels Island, and more than 160 acres of outdoor vehicle storage. At 1,700 acres, with a further 264 acres available for future expansion, Colonels Island offers more capacity for new RoRo cargo than any other US port.

Georgia Ports also opened Phase I of the Southside Railyard, a $22 million project that increased annual rail capacity from 175,000 to 370,000 vehicles. Phase II is scheduled for completion in 2029, adding a further 250,000 units of capacity. Officials noted that the expanded capacity opens new inland markets, enabling more auto and equipment producers to access the authority’s global connectivity. All major RoRo carriers serving the US East Coast call Brunswick, linking it to key markets in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

To mitigate the risk of storm-related flooding, GPA raised a 20-acre lot near Berth 4 by an average of three feet at a cost of $11 million, with a further 20 acres planned for similar treatment.

At Mayor’s Point Terminal, GPA constructed a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse for breakbulk cargo, replacing a smaller existing structure.

For more information visit www.gaports.com