“While we experienced lower container volumes, we have been through cycles before and are optimistic about the future,” said GPA CEO Griff Lynch at a recent board meeting.
Compared to the pre-pandemic year of FY2019, GPA’s fiscal performance equates to a 3% compound annual growth rate, according to the Authority.
Despite the slight decline in volumes, GPA says it continues to have one of the nation’s best connectivity rankings in the nation with more than 35 vessels calling every week in Savannah. GPA recently completed construction of its new Garden City Terminal West facility and continues to add new Ship-to Shore cranes and Rubber Tire Gantry cranes built by the Finnish company, Konecranes. GPA is the only operator in the U.S. using 100% Konecranes in its fleet.
GPA’s long-term vision to support future growth is closely coordinated with the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) integrated roadway efforts, the Authority noted. Governor Brian Kemp announced a $1.5 billion Transportation Infrastructure Investment, including a $500 million freight program for 18 freight carrying infrastructure projects that “improve efficiency, safety and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia.”
“At Georgia Ports, our philosophy is to continue investing for the future, even during slower periods, so that we are ready for the next up cycle,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “That’s how we have built one of the most reliable operations in global logistics.”
Also at the board meeting, Chairman Fountain reported that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp had reappointed Vice Chairman Alec L. Poitevint, II, Secretary-Treasurer Christopher C. Womack and members David J. Cyr and Don A. Grantham, Sr. to the GPA Board.
Port of Brunswick
GPA also reported that it had a record year in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo, handling 876,000 units of autos and high/heavy machinery in FY2024, an increase of 21%, or 152,435 units, compared to FY2023.
According to the Authority, 169,100 automotive units were moved via rail at the Port of Brunswick in FY24. Of those, 168,510 were moved by Norfolk Southern (NS) and 590 were moved by CSX.
“Growth factors included demand from American consumers, growing import-export trade with both Europe and Asia, new car manufacturers choosing Brunswick, and diverted cargo from Baltimore during April and May,” according to GPA.
Last fiscal year, GPA brought online 120 acres of Ro/Ro storage at Colonel’s Island. Another 300 acres are available for expansion, giving Colonel’s Island more room to grow than any other U.S. auto port. GPA has also added 640,000 square feet of warehousing and processing space. Annual capacity at Colonel’s Island has now increased 40% to 1.4 million units.
According to the Authority, GPA anticipates the number of CSX Ro/Ro units to expand with the completion of the new rail yard on the south side of Colonel’s Island, the first phase which is expected to open in summer 2025.
