The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) recorded its second-busiest year on record in 2025, handling nearly 5.7 million TEUs, a 2.6 per cent increase on 2024 volumes.
The result was surpassed only by the 2022 peak, when approximately 5.9 million TEUs moved through the Port of Savannah.
GPA, President and CEO, Griff Lynch said the performance reflects the continued role of Savannah and Brunswick as economic engines for the state, linking manufacturers to global markets.
Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, echoed that view, highlighting the ports’ contribution to job creation and investment.
Operationally, Georgia Ports continued to lead in rail efficiency. Containers moved from vessel to train in an average of 22 hours, down from 28 hours at the start of the year.
READ: Georgia Ports see mixed trends in September cargo volumes
The Mason Mega Rail Terminal handled 42 double-stack trains per week, while the Appalachian Regional Port in Chatsworth processed a record 45,700 containers, up 19 per cent YoY. A new inland terminal, the Blue Ridge Connector in Gainesville, is set to open in mid-2026.
Rail volumes at Savannah reached a record 545,214 containers, marking the fifth consecutive year exceeding half a million units.
Truck operations also remained efficient, with dual moves averaging 50 minutes and single moves 32 minutes on terminal.
GPA continued to advance its $4.5 billion self-funded infrastructure programme, which includes five new container berths in Savannah and a new RoRo berth in Brunswick.
READ: Georgia Ports drive jobs and record cargo throughput
In 2025, the ports handled 1,669 container vessel calls, offering 39 weekly container services — the highest number on the US South Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
December container volumes at Savannah totalled 439,630 TEUs, down slightly by 0.6 per cent YoY.
At Brunswick, RoRo volumes faced headwinds. December RoRo traffic rose 8.2 per cent to 74,344 units, but full-year volumes declined 7.5 per cent to 832,194 units, reflecting reduced vehicle production, paused factory output in key regions, and weaker luxury vehicle exports to China amid increased domestic competition.
Recently, GPA announced that construction on the Blue Ridge Connector reached 95 per cent completion.
For more information:
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) – https://gaports.com/
