en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has passed the halfway mark in its approximately $1.6 billion project to fully containerize the Ocean Terminal. GPA stated that the terminal conversion is currently 55% complete. This transformation will increase the annual throughput capacity of the 200-acre facility from 200,000 TEUs to 1.75 million TEUs.

This project is part of GPA's overall development plan, aimed at addressing logistics demands driven by population and manufacturing growth in the southeastern region. GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch noted that the current conversion of the Ocean Terminal helps ensure efficient cargo flow between the terminal and inland markets, which customers rely on.

One of the terminal's two berths has already been upgraded. The second berth is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026, at which point the Ocean Terminal's total berth length will reach 2,650 feet. The currently operational berth serves as a staging area for vessels waiting to enter the Garden City Terminal, an arrangement that effectively reduces container transit time from ship to shore.

GPA is simultaneously advancing the conversion of the entire container yard. The first half of the yard conversion is expected to become operational in the fall of 2027, with all work scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Until the yard is fully completed, the Ocean Terminal will only accommodate smaller vessels. After the full expansion, the terminal will help increase the Port of Savannah's annual capacity to 9 million TEUs.

Construction of truck access roads is another key focus. A critical component is a $29 million overpass that will direct trucks from the terminal gate directly to Interstate 16 and U.S. Highway 17. The Ocean Terminal is designed with 12 inbound truck lanes and 6 outbound lanes, and port officials believe the expanded access will significantly improve efficiency.

While progress is being made on the Ocean Terminal project, cargo throughput at the Port of Savannah in April declined 14% compared to the same period last year. Port officials stated after the May board meeting that this decline was due to a high base set in April 2025, when shippers significantly front-loaded cargo in anticipation of tariff implementation. Amid uncertainties brought by tariffs and geopolitical conflicts to the global shipping industry, GPA leadership remains committed to its long-term growth plan. Griff Lynch stated that GPA plans to invest $5 billion over the next decade to increase capacity.

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