Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has passed a major milestone in the $1.6 billion redevelopment of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, with the project now more than 60% complete and a newly finished 2,650-foot berth ready to handle large container vessels.
The redevelopment is designed to transform the terminal’s capacity, increasing its annual throughput from 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 1.75 million TEUs. The expansion is a key part of Georgia Ports’ broader strategy to increase capacity in Savannah ahead of anticipated future cargo growth.
For now, GPA will continue handling smaller vessels at Ocean Terminal while work progresses on the container yard. The first phase of the yard redevelopment is expected to be completed in mid-fall 2027, with the entire yard scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Berth and gate improvements move forward
The newly renovated berth has now been fully completed and is ready to receive larger ships, GPA Chief Executive Griff Lynch told the authority’s board during its Tuesday meeting.
Work on the terminal’s truck gate has also advanced. The facility is already fully operational and, once all planned improvements are complete, will feature 12 inbound lanes and six outbound lanes.
GPA has also financed a $29 million overpass designed to improve truck movements out of the terminal. The structure will allow departing trucks to connect directly with U.S. 17 and Interstate 16, helping them avoid neighborhood streets surrounding the facility.
The scale of the redevelopment has required Ocean Terminal’s 200-acre site to be transformed while port operations continue.
Alec Poitevint, chairman of the GPA board, described the effort as a major undertaking involving the authority, its contractors and other project partners.
Ocean Terminal forms part of a broader capacity strategy
The redevelopment is included in GPA’s 10-year port master plan, which envisions approximately $5 billion in investments to expand the authority’s capacity.
Under the wider program, GPA plans to add five container berths in Savannah as well as one roll-on/roll-off berth in Brunswick.
The investments come as cargo volumes at Savannah remain substantial. GPA reported that the port handled 529,523 TEUs in August.
Loaded exports reached 117,242 TEUs during the month, representing an increase of approximately 4.2% compared with the same period a year earlier. Import loads increased 1.5% to 265,859 TEUs.
Panama Canal conditions could support future cargo flows
GPA also highlighted improving conditions at the Panama Canal, where stronger rainfall in September has increased water levels in Gatun Lake.
The Panama Canal Authority expects vessel draft restrictions to increase through November and eventually return to the 50-foot maximum. The canal also added one Neopanamax booking slot on Sept. 28.
At the same time, some ocean carriers are beginning to test renewed Suez Canal routings for cargo bound for the United States, according to the Georgia authority.
GPA identified Maersk’s MECL service and CMA CGM’s Indamex service among the offerings involved. The authority said routing cargo between India and Savannah via the Suez Canal can reduce transit times by 10 to 14 days compared with longer alternative routes.
The developments in both major waterways could therefore provide additional routing options as carriers and shippers continue to adjust their networks.
GPA is scheduled to present its fiscal 2026 performance, infrastructure program and strategic outlook during its Savannah State of the Port event on Oct. 14 at the Savannah Convention Center.
