Port of Savannah has handled 4.8 million TEUs so far in 2025

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Port of Savannah has handled 4.8 million TEUs so far this year, though, which is up 4% from the same time last year.

The Port of Savannah’s monthly volume in October totaled more than 452,900 twenty-foot equivalent container units, which is an 8.4% decrease compared to October 2024.

Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch said, “We’ve been impacted by the trade downturn, so we look forward to seeing more trade deals come together and we’re hopeful the market bounces back in the new year.”

Colonels Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick handled 72,234 units of autos and heavy equipment in October, up 5.4% compared to the same month last year. For calendar year 2025 through October, the Port of Brunswick handled 689,662 units of autos and heavy equipment, down 9% percent.

GPA’s Blue Ridge Connector inland facility near Atlanta, Georgia, is nearing completion, according to a press release this week.

“We’re making strong progress and remain on track for a Spring 2026 opening,” Lynch added.

The inland facility costs $127 million and will be served by rail from the Port of Savannah. GPA said it will keep trucks out of Atlanta and decongest community roadways in the corridor.

“Our Blue Ridge Connector service will create new opportunities for Georgia’s commerce to flow smoother and attract more jobs and prosperity to the Peach State. This is an example of how we support Governor Kemp and our State Legislature’s goal to make it easy to do business in Georgia,” said GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint.

They anticipate the rail service to eliminate 52,000 truck trips through Atlanta in the first year of operation, and then potentially rising to 400,000 truck trips based on demand.

“This shift to rail will also reduce CO2 emissions by 90 percent or 22,510 metric tons, compared to an all-truck route in the first year of operation,” according to the press release.

STATEWIDE IMPACTS

In another press release, GPA said, “Port activity in Georgia now supports nearly 651,000 full- and part-time jobs across the Peach State, according to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.“

Compared to 2023, job growth has grown 7% and the Georgia Ports now has 12% of total state employment according to the study.

“Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for over a decade in part because we’re also the best state for reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As powerful economic drivers, the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are a key part of the pro-job creator environment we’ve fostered to ensure every part of our state can thrive.”