The Port of Savannah continues to thrive amidst global trade disruptions, achieving record-breaking container trade figures. According to a report, the port moved 515,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April, marking a 17% increase compared to April 2024. This surge represents the third consecutive monthly container record for Savannah, following impressive performances in February and March, with 480,000 and 534,000 TEUs respectively.
Read also: U.S. Ports Warn Crane Tariffs Will Stall Growth, Urge USTR to Reconsider
For the current fiscal year to date, from July 2024 to April 2025, Savannah has handled 4.8 million TEUs, reflecting an 11% growth over the same period the previous fiscal year. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) attributes this success to accelerated frontloading by shippers and anticipates continued growth in the coming months.
Shifting Trade Patterns and Infrastructure Enhancements
The Mason Mega Rail facility demonstrated strong performance with over 50,000 rail lifts in April, an 8% increase year-on-year. This growth suggests a shift in cargo routes back to the U.S. East Coast and Gulf. Furthermore, the Appalachian Regional Port in Georgia set a record with 4,241 lifts in April, a 49% increase from the previous year.
In terms of infrastructure, the GPA is set to open a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection warehouse at the Garden City Terminal in July 2025. This $44.5 million facility will double the agency’s previous space, enhancing efficiency with refrigerated container plug-ins and an indoor refrigerated section for agricultural imports.
Ro/Ro Expansion and Future Prospects
The GPA board has also approved the construction of a fourth berth for roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) cargo at the Port of Brunswick’s Colonels Island Terminal. This $99.8 million project will begin in mid-2025, further strengthening Brunswick’s position as the nation’s busiest ro/ro terminal for autos and heavy equipment. Despite a 22% decline in April’s ro/ro units compared to the previous year, Brunswick has processed approximately 724,000 units of autos and heavy equipment in fiscal year 2025 to date, a 2% increase year-on-year.
