Brunswick emerges as US leading port for autos and heavy equipment

At the Brunswick State of the Port event, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted that Colonel’s Island Terminal has become the US busiest port for automobiles and heavy equipment, processing over 2 million tons of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo in 2024.

Brunswick also claimed the top spot in the nation for RoRo exports last year, handling 600,000 tons, according to USATradeonline. In terms of individual RoRo units, the port achieved a record-breaking year with 901,912 units of vehicles and heavy equipment processed—an increase of 13.3% in automobiles and a remarkable 160% growth in heavy equipment. This success is attributed to GPA’s investment in expanded storage and processing capabilities.

In 2024, GPA completed US$262 million in enhancements at the Port of Brunswick, including new warehousing, processing facilities, and 494,000 m² of additional RoRo cargo storage. Construction is also underway on a new railyard at Colonel’s Island Terminal, while plans for a fourth RoRo berth are in the engineering phase.

The new railyard on the south side of Colonel’s Island will boost the US port’s vehicle export capacity by rail.

Additionally, upgrades to the Myd Harris Yard will bring rail switching directly onto the terminal, reducing impacts on the surrounding community. Lynch explained that this added rail capacity will expand Brunswick’s service reach by offering a cost-effective option for moving cargo from inland factories to the Georgia coast.

Phase I of the railyard project, set to be completed by mid-2025, will increase annual rail capacity from approximately 150,000 to more than 340,000 vehicles. Phase II will further expand capacity to 590,000 units, more than tripling current levels. Notably, over 90% of vehicles transported by rail through Brunswick are US-made exports.

Separately, construction works in a fourth RoRo berth are slated to begin in the summer of 2025, with completion expected by 2027. The new berth will accommodate larger vessels carrying 10,800 or more car equivalent units (CEUs), significantly improving the port’s efficiency in handling high-capacity RoRo ships.

During the event, Lynch also announced a 20-year agreement signed in April 2024 with Wallenius Wilhelmsen, consolidating the company’s Georgia logistics operations at the Port of Brunswick. This partnership aligns with GPA’s strategic vision of creating specialized ports, with Brunswick focusing exclusively on RoRo cargo and Savannah on container trade. This specialization enhances efficiency and establishes Brunswick as a centre of excellence for RoRo operations.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen launches new Brunswick hub facility in Georgia

The expanded infrastructure at Brunswick, including the forthcoming berth, increased processing capacity, enhanced connectivity, and harbour improvements, provides customers like Wallenius Wilhelmsen and International Auto Processing with new growth opportunities.

Lynch emphasized that market trends support Brunswick’s continued expansion. Key drivers include the rising US Southeast population and increased manufacturing activity, both of which fuel growth in auto exports and imports. Auto exports increased by 9% in 2024, while auto imports at Colonel’s Island grew by 20% compared to 2023.

“Our vision is to design, build and operate the #1 RoRo port in the world with our customers and partners. Across-the-board improvements in our shipping channel, berths, rail capacity, storage and processing capacity will help ensure that as their volumes grow, our customers will continue to enjoy world-class service and make long-term gains in their business,” commented Kent Fountain, GPA Board Chairman.

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