The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has authorised contracts worth $65.6 million for container yard work at the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, a 200-acre complex immediately downriver from the GPA’s main container port.
On 26 March, the board authorised three project components: earth compacting to prepare the site for container stacks, the dismantling of a disused bridge pier, and preliminary utility installation behind the wharf construction. The renovation will reportedly be funded by GPA revenue bonds issued in 2022.
Previously approved modifications at Ocean Terminal include the procurement of eight ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, the refurbishment of the wharf structure and the building of a flyover providing direct access to US 17.
READ: Georgia Ports splashes $127 million on expanding terminal capacity
GPA President and CEO, Griff Lynch, said: “We’re very pleased with the progress on improving Ocean Terminal’s container handling capability. We’re on track to see greater container capacity by late 2027.”
When the development is completed, Ocean Terminal’s yearly capacity will increase from 300,000 TEU to over 1.5 million TEU.
GPA Board Chairman, Kent Fountain, said: “At Georgia Ports, we never stop investing in the future. As new and existing port users grow their trade through our terminals, we’re ready to take on additional cargo, providing the world-class service that our customers have come to expect.”
Lynch reported to the board that GPA anticipates a third straight month of growth in March.
READ: Georgia Ports invests $30 million to limit terminal truck traffic
Fountain added: “I’d like to thank our local partners in the International Longshoremen’s Association and Gateway Terminals, along with our GPA employees for their work moving cargo across our docks with efficient, reliable service.
“With a positive showing in the calendar year to date, Savannah is building momentum toward a stronger second half of Fiscal Year 2024.”
In January, GPA handled 428,000 TEU, an increase of 6,300 containers, or 1.5 per cent compared to the same month last year.
