Image:The Georgia Ports Authority
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has greenlit a $127 million investment in the construction of the Blue Ridge Connector, an inland rail terminal situated in Gainesville, Ga. This endeavor aims to link Northeast Georgia with the Port of Savannah’s expansive network of 35 global container ship services. Set to be operational by 2026, the terminal will play a crucial role in servicing industries pivotal to the region, including heavy equipment, food, and forest products.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the significance of such developments, stating, “Inland terminals have a proven track record of powering economic development for rural Georgians by extending port services to the doorstep of manufacturing and supply chain operations.”
The funding for the Blue Ridge Connector is a blend of GPA’s internal capital and a grant from the Federal Maritime Administration, totaling up to $46.8 million. Norfolk Southern Railroad will facilitate connectivity by linking the new facility to GPA’s Mason Mega Rail terminal in Savannah. With this project, GPA’s total investment in rail capacity, including the Mason Mega Rail Terminal and the Appalachian Regional Port, surpasses $374 million. Approximately 18-20 percent of GPA’s container cargo is currently transported by rail, alleviating pressure on Georgia highways.
GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted the positive impact on supply chains, stating, “Improved rail service to the region will increase transportation efficiency and act as a magnet for jobs and economic development.” Lynch emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that every container moved by rail will eliminate a 600-mile roundtrip by truck between Savannah and Gainesville, contributing significantly to reducing carbon footprints. The utilization of hybrid electric rubber tire gantry cranes further underscores GPA’s commitment to sustainable practices.
In a parallel move, the GPA Board approved a $44.5 million investment for a 300,000 square-foot facility on the Garden City Terminal. This facility will house offices and refrigeration facilities to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection, streamlining inspection processes. The Port of Savannah remains the sole location in the U.S. with an on-port CBP inspection facility, reducing costs and time for port customers.
Additionally, GPA recently reopened Berth 1 at the Garden City Terminal, concluding a two-year renovation project that now allows the dock to serve vessels exceeding 16,000 TEUs. With all berths operational, vessel service has returned to optimal speeds, and ship queues have been cleared.
Simultaneously, at the Port of Brunswick, GPA is progressing with a $262 million expansion program. Completed construction of 350,000 square feet of near-dock warehousing on Colonel’s Island Terminal and ongoing work on three additional buildings and Roll-on/Roll-off cargo storage space reflect the continued growth in this strategic location.
Maintaining a two-pillar strategy of development and operations, GPA focuses on container trade at the Port of Savannah and Ro/Ro cargo at the Port of Brunswick. Despite final volume numbers for November yet to be confirmed, the GPA anticipates a notable 18.5 percent increase over the same month in 2019, underscoring the resilience and growth of Georgia’s ports amid global challenges.
In a strategic move to enhance logistics capabilities and foster economic development, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has greenlit a $127 million investment in the construction of the Blue Ridge Connector, an inland rail terminal situated in Gainesville, Ga. This endeavor aims to link Northeast Georgia with the Port of Savannah’s expansive network of 35 global container ship services. Set to be operational by 2026, the terminal will play a crucial role in servicing industries pivotal to the region, including heavy equipment, food, and forest products.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the significance of such developments, stating, “Inland terminals have a proven track record of powering economic development for rural Georgians by extending port services to the doorstep of manufacturing and supply chain operations.”
The funding for the Blue Ridge Connector is a blend of GPA’s internal capital and a grant from the Federal Maritime Administration, totaling up to $46.8 million. Norfolk Southern Railroad will facilitate connectivity by linking the new facility to GPA’s Mason Mega Rail terminal in Savannah. With this project, GPA’s total investment in rail capacity, including the Mason Mega Rail Terminal and the Appalachian Regional Port, surpasses $374 million. Approximately 18-20 percent of GPA’s container cargo is currently transported by rail, alleviating pressure on Georgia highways.
GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted the positive impact on supply chains, stating, “Improved rail service to the region will increase transportation efficiency and act as a magnet for jobs and economic development.” Lynch emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that every container moved by rail will eliminate a 600-mile roundtrip by truck between Savannah and Gainesville, contributing significantly to reducing carbon footprints. The utilization of hybrid electric rubber tire gantry cranes further underscores GPA’s commitment to sustainable practices.
In a parallel move, the GPA Board approved a $44.5 million investment for a 300,000 square-foot facility on the Garden City Terminal. This facility will house offices and refrigeration facilities to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection, streamlining inspection processes. The Port of Savannah remains the sole location in the U.S. with an on-port CBP inspection facility, reducing costs and time for port customers.
Additionally, GPA recently reopened Berth 1 at the Garden City Terminal, concluding a two-year renovation project that now allows the dock to serve vessels exceeding 16,000 TEUs. With all berths operational, vessel service has returned to optimal speeds, and ship queues have been cleared.
Simultaneously, at the Port of Brunswick, GPA is progressing with a $262 million expansion program. Completed construction of 350,000 square feet of near-dock warehousing on Colonel’s Island Terminal and ongoing work on three additional buildings and Roll-on/Roll-off cargo storage space reflect the continued growth in this strategic location.
Maintaining a two-pillar strategy of development and operations, GPA focuses on container trade at the Port of Savannah and Ro/Ro cargo at the Port of Brunswick. Despite final volume numbers for November yet to be confirmed, the GPA anticipates a notable 18.5 percent increase over the same month in 2019, underscoring the resilience and growth of Georgia’s ports amid global challenges.
Source:The Georgia Ports Authority
