The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) handled a record 5.9 million TEUs in 2022, translating to a 5% increase over 2021.
In the previous year, the Port of Savannah had four of its best five months for container volume, while in August the port reached an all-time high of 575,500 TEUs.
The Port of Savannah expects to increase annual capacity from 6 million to 7.5 million TEUs in 2023, and to 9 million TEUs by 2025, thanks to a renovation of Berth 1 at Garden City Terminal and the transition of Ocean Terminal to an all-container facility.
“It was a challenging year, but collaborative effort across Georgia’s supply chain ensured cargo movement remained fluid,” said Griff Lynch, GPA executive director.
In addition to setting a new record for container cargo in 2022, GPA increased breakbulk tonnage by 16% to approximately 3.3 million tons last year, an increase of 443,000 tons over 2021. Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick handled 651,101 vehicles and heavy machinery in roll-on/roll-off freight. The Ocean Terminal in Savannah transported additional 19,630 Ro/Ro units, bringing the total to 670,731, a 0.4% gain.
Last year, total tonnage transiting all GPA docks reached 42.4 million tons, an increase of almost 2% or nearly 760,000 tons.
“We’re excited about the possibilities ahead, with major infrastructure projects delivering greater capacity and efficiency for our customers,” stated Joel Wooten, GPA board chairman.
