Georgia Ports Authority’s Colonel’s Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick achieved a remarkable milestone in March, with a record-breaking performance in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo handling. The terminal processed 77,236 units of Ro/Ro cargo during the month, marking a substantial increase of 21 percent compared to the same period last year.
Griff Lynch, the President and CEO of Georgia Ports Authority, attributed this unprecedented achievement to both organic growth and the acquisition of new customers. He stated, “March was the busiest month ever for Ro/Ro cargo in Brunswick, with organic growth and new customers driving increases in both autos and high and heavy equipment.”
The surge in Ro/Ro volumes was not limited to automobiles alone, as the terminal also handled 4,210 units of high and heavy cargo during March. Fiscal Year 2024 machinery volumes witnessed a significant uptick, totaling 20,113 units, reflecting a notable increase of 34 percent over the first nine months of the fiscal year.
The cumulative Ro/Ro cargo volumes from July 2023 through March 2024 stood at 628,937 units, marking an impressive 16 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last fiscal year. With a monthly average of 69,882 units, Georgia Ports is poised to surpass its all-time record of handling 800,000 units by the end of the current fiscal year in June.
Kent Fountain, the Chairman of GPA’s Board, emphasized the strategic advantages of Brunswick’s terminal location and its state-of-the-art facilities, stating, “Brunswick’s terminal capacity, its location just two miles from I-95, and on-terminal rail facilities make it the perfect gateway to serve manufacturers and dealerships across the Southeast.”
To accommodate the escalating demand and sustain growth momentum, Georgia Ports Authority is undertaking significant infrastructure enhancements. Colonel’s Island is currently undergoing a $262 million infrastructure program aimed at expanding capacity by adding 122 acres of Ro/Ro storage and 640,000 square feet of new processing space. Additionally, plans are underway to construct a fourth Ro/Ro berth to efficiently handle vessels capable of carrying 7,000-plus vehicles.
With these strategic investments and infrastructure upgrades, the Port of Brunswick is poised to further solidify its position as a premier gateway for automotive and heavy machinery shipments, catering to the evolving needs of the region’s dynamic market.
