The Georgia Ports Authority has given the green light for contracts worth $65.6 million for container yard enhancements at the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, marking a significant milestone in the port’s expansion efforts. The Ocean Terminal, spanning 200 acres and situated just downstream from GPA’s primary container port, is set to undergo crucial upgrades to bolster its container handling capabilities.

Griff Lynch, president and CEO of GPA, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in enhancing Ocean Terminal’s infrastructure, affirming that the developments are well on track to augment container capacity by late 2027. The board’s recent approval encompasses three pivotal project components, including earth compacting to facilitate the stacking of containers, the removal of a former bridge pier, and preliminary utility installation along the wharf structure.

Funding for these critical initiatives will be sourced from revenue bonds issued by GPA in 2022. Previous upgrades at Ocean Terminal have included the acquisition of eight ship-to-shore cranes, refurbishment of the wharf structure, and the construction of an overpass for streamlined access to US 17. Upon completion of all planned enhancements, Ocean Terminal’s annual capacity is projected to surge from 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units to over 1.5 million TEUs.

Kent Fountain, chairman of the GPA Board, reiterated the authority’s unwavering commitment to future-proofing port infrastructure to accommodate the evolving needs of port users. He emphasised GPA’s readiness to handle increased cargo volumes, ensuring top-tier service standards for its clientele.

In addition to the Ocean Terminal developments, Lynch provided updates on several key infrastructure projects, including federal funding allocations for harbor improvements at the ports of Brunswick and Savannah. Notable among these projects is the commencement of construction on a new, expansive U.S. Customs inspection facility at the Port of Savannah, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and accommodating growing cargo volumes.

Furthermore, the GPA has secured a federal grant to facilitate the replacement of Berths 2 and 3 at the East River Terminal at the Port of Brunswick. This initiative, aimed at bolstering safety and capacity for exporting wood and peanut pellets, underscores GPA’s commitment to modernising port infrastructure to support sustainable growth and enhance operational efficiency.

As the GPA continues to execute its strategic vision for port development, these ongoing initiatives underscore its dedication to advancing maritime commerce and bolstering the economic prosperity of Georgia and the broader region.

For more information visit www.gaports.com