Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) plans to shift the majority of its breakbulk cargoes to the port of Brunswick to make way for the renovation and realignment of the docks at the port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal.
The improvements at Ocean Terminal are part of GPA’s goal to better accommodate its expanding container operations. Griff Lynch, GPA executive director, explained: “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.
“Completion of this project will improve our flexibility and allow Georgia Ports to optimise cargo movement, supporting our customers in delivering goods to market efficiently.”
Breakbulk cargo, carried by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, will be directed to Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick. Construction has started on 360,000 sq ft (33,445 sq m) of dockside warehousing that will serve auto processing, as well as three additional buildings and 85 acres (34.4 ha) of auto storage space on the south side of the island.
In Savannah, wharf renovations at Ocean Terminal are slated to start in January 2023, with completion of the entire terminal redevelopment expected in 2026. The works will increase berth space, making it possible to serve two ships simultaneously, and will see eight new cranes enter operation.
