Georgia Ports handled 5.25 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, 2024.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) said the performance constitutes a decrease of 2.3% or 123,000 TEUs compared to the previous year.  

"While we experienced lower container volumes, we have been through cycles before and are optimistic about the future," said Griff Lynch, president and CEO of the GPA.

Compared to the pre-pandemic year of FY 2019, GPA said its fiscal performance equates to a 3% compound annual growth rate.

"Despite the slight decline in volumes, Georgia Ports continues to have one of the nation's best connectivity rankings in the nation, with 35+ vessels calling every week in Savannah," GPA said in the announcement.

The Authority noted that it recently completed construction of its new Garden City Terminal West facility and continues to add new Ship-to-Shore cranes and Rubber Tire Gantry cranes built by the Finnish company Konecranes. 

Georgia Ports is the only operator in the US using 100% Konecranes in its fleet.

Georgia Ports' long-term vision to support future growth is closely coordinated with the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) integrated roadway efforts, including a US$1.5 billion Transportation Infrastructure Investment, which includes a US$500 million freight program for 18 freight-carrying infrastructure projects that improve efficiency, safety and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia.  

"At Georgia Ports, our philosophy is to continue investing for the future, even during slower periods, so that we are ready for the next up cycle," Kent Fountain, chairman of the GPA Board.

At the Port of Brunswick, the GPA had a record year in Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, handling 876,000 units of autos and high/heavy machinery in FY2024, an increase of 21% or 152,435 units compared to FY2023.

Growth factors included demand from American consumers, growing import-export trade with both Europe and Asia, new car manufacturers choosing Brunswick, and diverted cargo from Baltimore during April and May.

Last fiscal year, GPA brought online 120 acres of Ro/Ro storage at Colonel's Island.

GPA noted that another 300 acres are available for expansion, giving Colonel's Island more room to grow than any other US auto port.

GPA has also added 640,000 square feet of warehousing and processing space. Annual capacity at Colonel's Island has now increased 40% to 1.4 million units.