Brunswick Vs Savannah: Port Size Comparison

The Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick are both major US seaports located in Georgia. The Port of Savannah is the third busiest seaport in the US, with the fastest-growing and largest single container terminal in the country. It has nearly 10,000 feet of berth space and is closest to major population centres such as Atlanta, Birmingham, and Orlando. On the other hand, the Port of Brunswick is the second busiest port for import and export Ro/Ro cargo. It recently set an all-time record in May 2024, handling 86,577 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo. Brunswick's port has expanded to accommodate larger cargo ships and increase its vehicle capacity. While both ports are significant, the Port of Savannah appears to be the bigger of the two in terms of cargo volume and infrastructure.

The Port of Brunswick is the second busiest port for Ro/Ro cargo in the US

The Port of Brunswick's strategic location offers immediate access to I-95, enabling shippers to reach key cities and manufacturing points within a one- to two-day drive. Additionally, the port provides Class I rail service to and from major population centres in the US Southeast, Gulf, and Midwest. The upgraded infrastructure, including roads, bridges, staging areas, and rail loading/offloading areas, enhances the port's capability to handle project cargo.

In May 2024, the Port of Brunswick set an all-time record by handling 86,577 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, reflecting a 26% increase compared to May 2023. This growth is attributed to the port's proximity to domestic manufacturers and vibrant sales markets, making it a crucial partner for the automotive industry. The port's efficient services and reliable performance have earned it the title of the "nation's most efficient gateway for autos and heavy machinery."

The Port of Brunswick's capabilities extend beyond automotive cargo. The terminals handle a diverse mix of bulk commodities and provide secure Roll-on/Roll-off facilities for various cargo types. With its competitive advantages, efficient infrastructure, and strategic connections, the Port of Brunswick solidifies its position as the second busiest port for Ro/Ro cargo in the United States.

The Port of Savannah is the third busiest seaport in the US

The Port of Savannah is a major seaport located in Savannah, Georgia, and is the third busiest seaport in the United States. It is operated by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and, as of 2021, handled 5.6 million containers, a 1 million increase from 2020. The Port of Savannah's facilities for oceangoing vessels line both sides of the Savannah River and are approximately 18 miles (29 km) from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Georgia Ports Authority has been instrumental in the Port of Savannah's success, steadily building its business over the last 20 years. The Port has seen explosive growth in the last five years, with container traffic jumping from 3.6 million containers in 2016 to 5.6 million in 2021. This growth is attributed to several factors, including geography (Savannah is the westernmost port on the East Coast) and management (the state operates the port facility rather than leasing it out to shipping companies).

The Port of Savannah's ideal location on the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern United States puts 65% of the US population within a two-day drive by ground, water, rail, or air. The Port is home to the largest single-terminal container facility of its kind in North America and serves 35 weekly services, the most in the US South Atlantic.

The GPA has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, with over $4.5 billion planned in port and intermodal infrastructure over the next decade. These projects aim to enhance the four key components of a successful port operation: berth space, yard capacity, trucking gate fluidity, and intermodal connectivity. The Port of Savannah's continued growth and investment position it as a critical hub for trade and logistics in the United States.

Brunswick's proximity to manufacturers makes it critical for the auto industry

Brunswick and Savannah are both ports in Georgia, US, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). While the Port of Savannah was the third busiest seaport in the US as of 2021, Brunswick's proximity to domestic manufacturers and vibrant sales markets makes it a critical partner for the automotive industry.

Brunswick is an Atlantic seaport located in the southeast corner of Georgia. It is one of the nation's most productive ports on the Atlantic coast. The Port of Brunswick is the primary US port of automobile imports for manufacturers Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Mitsubishi, and Volvo. Ford, GM, and Mercedes also export vehicles through the Port of Brunswick.

Brunswick's Colonel's Island Terminal offers three modern Ro/Ro berths and three on-terminal auto processors. The terminal has recently added 120 acres of processing space, with hundreds more available for development, making it uniquely able to expand to meet the needs of car manufacturers. The terminal handled a record 86,577 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo in May 2024, a 26% increase over May of the previous year.

The Port of Brunswick's convenient location and ample space provide automotive shippers with a vital link to global markets. Its immediate access to I-95 means key cities and manufacturing points may be reached within one to two days of driving. The port also offers Class I rail service to and from major population centers in the US Southeast, Gulf, and Midwest.

Brunswick's proximity to manufacturers and its ability to handle a high volume of automotive imports and exports efficiently make it a critical partner for the automotive industry. Its role as a gateway for autos and heavy machinery is expected to expand further with its additional processing space and capacity for development.

Savannah's Garden City Terminal is the largest single-operator container terminal in North America

The terminal is equipped with thirty-six high-speed container cranes, including 30 super post-Panamax and 6 post-Panamax cranes. It also has an extensive inventory of yard handling equipment. The Garden City Terminal is within 6 miles (10 km) of Interstate 16 (East/West) and 5.8 miles (9 km) of Interstate 95 (North/South). This provides immediate access to key cities and manufacturing points throughout the U.S. Southeast and Midwest within a one- to two-day drive.

CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railroad provide Class I rail service and operate on-terminal. The on-terminal ICTF (Intermodal Container Transfer Facility) is owned and operated by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). Two- to five-day double-stack rail service is available to inland destinations such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Memphis, and beyond.

The Georgia Ports Authority Police Department (GPAPD) is responsible for public safety and security at the Garden City Terminal. They monitor the facility's perimeter fencing and video surveillance systems, and they check the credentials of all port users and visitors around the clock.

The Garden City Terminal is part of the Port of Savannah, which is a major U.S. seaport located in Georgia. The Port of Savannah is operated by the GPA and, as of 2021, was the third busiest seaport in the United States. It has experienced significant growth, with a compounded annual growth rate of 16.5% between 2000 and 2005, far exceeding the national average of 9.7%.

Brunswick's port expansion will allow larger cargo ships to reach the port

The Port of Brunswick is already the nation's second busiest port for import and export Ro/Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) cargo. The expansion will further enhance its capacity and efficiency, making it a critical gateway for the automotive industry. The port's proximity to domestic manufacturers and vibrant sales markets makes it a strategic choice for carmakers.

The expansion project includes adding a fourth ship berth at the Colonel's Island Terminal, the port's main terminal. This additional berth is designed to accommodate the largest Ro/Ro ships, which can transport up to 7,000 vehicles at a time. The terminal currently offers three modern Ro/Ro berths and three on-terminal auto processors. With the expansion, the port will be able to handle even more cargo and increase the number of vessel calls each week.

The Georgia Ports Authority is also investing $247 million to upgrade Brunswick's docks and storage areas, doubling the port's vehicle capacity to 1.4 million. This investment will ensure that the port can keep up with the growing demand for automotive imports and exports, as well as handle additional breakbulk cargo.

The expansion of the Port of Brunswick is a strategic move to streamline operations and provide more efficient service to the automotive industry. With the Hyundai Metaplant near Savannah coming online soon and the Rivian factory expected to open in 2026, the demand for vehicle imports and exports is only expected to increase.

The Port of Brunswick's expansion is a significant development that will have a positive impact on the local economy and reinforce its position as one of the leading hubs for automobile imports and exports in the United States.

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