The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and Wallenius Wilhelmsen have signed a 20-year terminal agreement consolidating the company's port and logistics operations at the Port of Brunswick.

Griff Lynch, president and CEO of the GPA, signalled enthusiasm to welcome additional business to Colonel's Island Terminal from WW, which Georgia Ports is developing into the nation's premier gateway for all carriers handling autos and heavy machinery.

"This move is an important part of our two-pillar strategy, which calls for all Roll-on/Roll-off cargo to be located in Brunswick and all container trade in Savannah," he said.

 [Source: Georgia Ports Authority]

GPA noted that specializing the ports according to cargo type improves efficiency and creates centres of excellence.

For customers such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen, expanding Brunswick's infrastructure means a greater ability to target new business opportunities.

"Our expansion and new long-term commitment in Brunswick strengthen our position as the preferred supply chain partner to North American automotive, equipment and breakbulk customers, providing our complete package of market-leading end-to-end logistics services," said Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

To increase capacity in Brunswick, GPA noted that it has developed an additional 130 acres of Ro/Ro storage and multiple warehouses to serve processing needs at Colonel's Island.

Another 300 acres are available for development.

Port officials said the 20-year contract allows manufacturers to plan for the long term.

WW now has the ability in Brunswick to perform a variety of services, including assembly, refurbishment and customizations to various construction, agricultural and mining equipment.

The facility will also include dedicated paint booths and wash bays to ensure machines are in the exact condition required by dealers and end customers. Installing customer-requested components on the terminal increases speed to market and avoids the cost of an additional haul to a separate facility.

"With the size and scope of our operations, Brunswick is an exceptional location where we can provide all of our core services — ocean and inland transportation, vehicle and equipment processing, and terminal services," said Mike Hynekamp, chief operating officer of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

He added, "The company's customers can have peace of mind knowing that all their cargo moving through Brunswick is being managed by a single provider."

 [Source: Georgia Ports Authority]

GPA said a new fumigation warehouse adjacent to the berths ensures biosecurity requirements are met for shipments to Oceania.

For breakbulk and project cargo, new dock upgrades and a new state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot warehouse provide short- and long-term storage at Mayor’s Point Terminal in Brunswick.

GPA said this modernization upgrade will help support rubber shipments delivered on Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessels.

Georgia Ports investments

GPA noted that it is nearing completion of a US$262 million investment in the Port of Brunswick to grow its capacity and services for Ro/Ro cargo.  

It received federal approval to construct a fourth berth that will be available to all Ro/Ro vessels calling Colonel's Island.

Currently, in the engineering phase, the project will more efficiently accommodate larger vessels with a capacity of 7,000-plus vehicles.