The Georgia Ports Authority is increasing its ability to ship cars at the Port of Brunswick. This expansion is happening because more car manufacturers are setting up operations in the state, making Georgia a key location for vehicle production and logistics.
During the annual State of the Port of Brunswick event on Tuesday, port officials discussed new investments in the automotive sector, the rising demand for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, and a nearly $5 billion infrastructure investment plan for the next ten years.
The Port of Brunswick is recognized as a top U.S. location for automotive imports and exports, with a remarkable 277% growth over the last decade. In October alone, its three RoRo berths at Colonel’s Island handled 50 vessels.
A fourth RoRo berth is currently 60% finished and is set to open in December 2027. This expansion will boost capacity and accommodate newer vehicle carriers that can transport over 10,800 car equivalent units (CEUs).
The new berth is expected to improve how quickly vessels can turn around while also allowing for future growth in vehicle imports and exports.
“Georgia Ports are creating opportunities for businesses to expand, improving long-term supply chain competitiveness on various levels and generating new job growth in the port region and across the state,” said Griff Lynch, CEO of Georgia Ports Authority.
This expansion aligns with Georgia’s ability to attract billions in automotive manufacturing investments.
Hyundai Motor Group is developing a 3,000-acre manufacturing facility near Savannah, expected to generate 8,500 jobs by 2031, with 22 suppliers already attracted to the area. Kia has operated its factory in West Point since 2009, while electric vehicle maker Rivian is building a $5 billion plant at Stanton Springs North, anticipated to create 7,500 permanent jobs by 2030.
Recently, Audi announced that it will open its first U.S. manufacturing plant near Macon, Georgia. The German company plans to invest $4 billion in the facility, resulting in around 4,500 jobs. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with production expected to start in the early 2030s.
Other major automakers, like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, already use the Port of Brunswick for shipping and processing finished vehicles.
Georgia Ports Authority President Kevin Price noted that the growth in automotive manufacturing is also boosting other cargo sectors.
“The automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to grow here. We’re also seeing significant growth in the heavy machinery market, including construction and farm equipment,” Price stated.
While Brunswick focuses on finished vehicles and heavy equipment, the Port of Savannah serves as a major entry point for containerized automotive parts.
According to the authority, Savannah sees about 40 vessel visits each week, 15,000 truck transactions daily, and 42 double-stack trains weekly through its Mason Mega Rail facility. This connects the port to inland markets via Norfolk Southern and CSX.
The nearly $5 billion investment plan from the Georgia Ports Authority includes five additional container ship berths in Savannah and the new RoRo berth in Brunswick.
Over the last ten years, the authority's board has approved $4.13 billion in infrastructure upgrades.
These investments aim to prepare Georgia's ports for ongoing growth in automotive manufacturing, vehicle exports and imports, and containerized trade as manufacturers expand their operations in the U.S.