The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has unveiled its plans to expedite ongoing infrastructure projects in a bid to enhance the port's capability to handle big ships in anticipation of an expected surge in demand. 

GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch made the announcement as members of the maritime and logistics community recently gathered for the 53rd Annual Georgia Foreign Trade Conference (GFTC) to provide insight and share updates in the industry. ­­

"To ensure cargo fluidity and address the needs of port users experiencing a sharp increase in demand, GPA has expedited a series of capacity enhancement projects," the port authority said in a statement.

"This will prepare Georgia’s deepwater terminals for long-term growth."

It noted that Georgia’s ports are "well-positioned" to take on additional trade and provide a gateway for Georgia products to reach the world.

The port projects that will help the gateway accommodate record volumes include: 

• Straightening a bend at Berth 1 of Garden City Terminal, to allow the Port of Savannah to simultaneously serve four 16,000-TEU vessels, as well as three additional ships. Berth 1 renovations will add an estimated 1 million TEUs per year of berth capacity by June 2023.
  
  
• The Peak Capacity project, which will add 650,000 TEUs of annual container yard capacity in two phases at Garden City Terminal, with the first phase opening in five months.
  
  
• GPA is also developing 92 acres purchased last year adjacent to the Mason Mega Rail Terminal. Housing approximately 40 rubber-tired gantry cranes and adding 750,000 TEUs of annual capacity, the development will be commissioned within two years.
  
  
• A transloading facility will be constructed on a 90-acre parcel just upriver from Garden City Terminal. Lynch said a cross-docking warehouse will be completed in 15 months, served by a yard with nine RTG cranes and an annual capacity of 400,000 TEUs.

"The long-term success of the port is tied to staying ahead of the growth curve" GPA Board Chairman Will McKnight noted.

GPA is also adding eight new ship-to-shore cranes to work larger vessels, bringing its total fleet to 38. The eight taller cranes will arrive in 2023, allowing Garden City Terminal to serve more 16,000+ TEU vessels.

In addition, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) will reach substantial completion by the end of Calendar Year 2021, providing greater scheduling flexibility for vessel transit.