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Georgia Ports Battle Higher Costs, Softer Demand as Container Volumes Slip

The Port of Savannah handled 4.7 million TEUs during its July-April fiscal year, down 2.5% from the prior period. April traffic declined 14% to 443,650 TEUs as customers contend with elevated operating costs and weaker market conditions. The Port of Brunswick posted a modest 2% year-over-year gain in April vehicle imports at 64,305 units, though fiscal year-to-date auto traffic fell 11.8%. Despite current headwinds, the Georgia Ports Authority continues advancing a $5 billion, 10-year expansion program targeting 54% growth. Recent completions include the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port, which offers direct rail connectivity to Savannah and aims to shift 26,000 containers from trucks in its first year. Savannah's Ocean Terminal renovation project is halfway complete, with the first upgraded berth now operational.