Despite a slight decline in container volumes during fiscal years 2024, Georgia Ports continues to have one of the nation’s best connectivity rankings in the nation with 35+ vessels calling every week in Savannah. Compared to the pre-pandemic year of FY2019, GPA’s fiscal performance equates to a three percent compound annual growth rate, according to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) President and CEO Griff Lynch.
According to Lynch, GPA handled 5.25 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, 2024. The performance constitutes a decrease of 2.3 percent or 123,000 TEUs compared to the previous year.
“While we experienced lower container volumes, we have been through cycles before and are optimistic about the future,” Lynch said.
According to Lynch, the Authority recently completed construction of its new Garden City Terminal West facility and continues to add new Ship-to Shore cranes and Rubber Tire Gantry cranes built by the Finnish company, Konecranes. Georgia Ports is the only operator in the U.S. using 100 percent Konecranes in its fleet.
He stated that Georgia Ports’ long-term vision to support future growth is closely coordinated with the Georgia Dept. of Transportation’s (GDOT) integrated roadway efforts. Gov. Brian Kemp recently announced a $1.5 billion Transportation Infrastructure Investment including a $500 million freight program for 18 freight carrying infrastructure projects that improve efficiency, safety and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia.
“At Georgia Ports, our philosophy is to continue investing for the future, even during slower periods, so that we are ready for the next up cycle,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “That’s how we have built one of the most reliable operations in global logistics.”
According to Lynch, The Georgia Ports Authority had a record year in Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, at the Port of Brunswick – handling 876,000 units of autos and high/heavy machinery in FY2024, an increase of 21 percent or 152,435 units compared to FY2023.
Growth factors included demand from American consumers, growing import-export trade with both Europe and Asia, new car manufacturers choosing Brunswick, and diverted cargo from Baltimore during April and May.
