Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global leader in maritime logistics, is making significant strides in bolstering its operational capabilities in the United States. The company has announced a landmark 20-year lease agreement with the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) for the expansion of its terminal and processing facilities in Brunswick, with options extending up to 30 years. This strategic move underscores Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s commitment to enhancing its presence and services in the US Southeast region.
Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, highlighted the importance of this expansion, stating, “Our investment in Brunswick reaffirms our dedication to providing top-notch supply chain solutions to our North American clientele, spanning automotive, equipment, and breakbulk sectors.” Kristoffersen emphasized the company’s comprehensive suite of end-to-end logistics services, positioning Wallenius Wilhelmsen as the preferred partner for customers in the region.
Kent Fountain, Chairman of the GPA Board, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with Wallenius Wilhelmsen and expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced services to come. Fountain remarked, “With the efficiencies brought by the expanded Brunswick operation, GPA and Wallenius Wilhelmsen are poised to uphold world-class reliability for our shared customers.”
The expansion of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s operations in Brunswick will solidify its status as the premier logistics partner for North American clients. The upgraded facilities will complement the company’s existing network of terminals and processing centers, catering to a wide array of industries including automotive, construction, mining, and agriculture.
The enhanced Brunswick footprint will encompass expansions and improvements to the terminal and auto vehicle processing center (VPC). Notably, a new equipment processing center (EPC) will be established to accommodate the storage, customization, assembly, exercise, and distribution of machinery on behalf of equipment OEMs and dealers. These cutting-edge facilities, coupled with strategic advantages in the shipping network, will offer unparalleled benefits to Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s stakeholders.
Mike Hynekamp, Chief Operating Officer of Logistics Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, lauded the state-of-the-art facilities, emphasizing their capability to provide factory-like conditions for servicing customers’ products. Hynekamp noted, “The upgraded facilities are purpose-built to ensure the safe and efficient handling, inspection, and distribution of our customers’ products without the need for off-site transportation.”
Griff Lynch, President and CEO of GPA, expressed enthusiasm for the increased business at Colonel’s Island Terminal resulting from Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s expansion efforts. Lynch affirmed, “We are committed to developing Colonel’s Island Terminal as the nation’s premier gateway for carriers handling autos and heavy machinery.”
