The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has received more than $120 million in federal grants to enhance the operational sustainability and infrastructure of its Savannah and Brunswick facilities. The projects funded by these grants aim to bolster energy resilience, reduce emissions, and expand rail capacity, positioning Georgia Ports as leaders in sustainable port operations.

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Power Resilience and Electrification at Savannah Terminal

A $49.8 million grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration will fund the construction of an on-terminal electricity distribution network at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal. The project includes GPA-owned generators and substations designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly for temperature-controlled cargo like food and medicine during natural disasters.

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch emphasized that reliable power is crucial to the Authority’s ongoing shift from diesel to electric-powered yard equipment. GPA will contribute $88.2 million to the project, matching the federal grant.

Shore Power and Emissions Reductions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded GPA $48.7 million to install shore power infrastructure at four berths—three in Savannah and one at the Port of Brunswick. Shore power allows vessels to turn off their engines while docked, cutting annual emissions by an estimated 13,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 250 tonnes of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. GPA will supplement this grant with $5.4 million in local funding.

Additionally, the EPA grant includes funding for 16 electric terminal jockey trucks and their charging infrastructure, replacing older diesel-powered models. This transition is expected to significantly reduce emissions within the terminals and surrounding communities.

Enhancing Community Connectivity

To mitigate the impact of port operations on local communities, the GPA is advancing the construction of an overpass at Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, which is now 60% complete. This $29 million project will route trucks directly to interstate highways, bypassing local streets and streamlining access to inland markets.

“While more costly, the grade separation was chosen to prioritize the quality of life for our neighbors,” said Board Chairman Kent Fountain.

Expansion of Rail Capacity at Brunswick

The GPA also secured a $26.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Phase II of the Colonel’s Island Rail Improvements project at the Port of Brunswick. The initiative, co-funded with $27.6 million from GPA and rail partner Genesee & Wyoming Inc., aims to handle the growing volume of automotive exports and imports. When complete, the expanded rail infrastructure will add nearly 500,000 RoRo units of annual capacity, increasing the total to approximately 700,000 units.

Phase I of the rail project, funded at $22 million by the GPA, is already underway. This expansion supports the increasing demand for rail capacity, particularly for automotive and heavy machinery exports, while reducing the local community’s exposure to port traffic.

Long-Term Partnerships

In April, GPA signed a 20-year terminal agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen to consolidate logistics and port operations at Brunswick. The partnership underscores the port’s commitment to delivering enhanced capacity and sustainable solutions for stakeholders.

“These federal grants will help us reduce community impacts while strengthening our business resiliency and reducing our carbon footprint,” said Lynch. “This is a win-win for all port stakeholders.”

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