The Port of Brunswick Emerges as Top U.S. Port for Automotive and Heavy Equipment Cargo

The Port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal has solidified its position as the leading port for automotive and heavy equipment cargo in the United States. In 2024, the terminal processed over 2 million tons of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo, making it a key player in the industry, according to GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch.

Not only did the Georgia facility claim the top spot for RoRo cargo processing nationally, handling 600,000 tons for exports, but it also managed a total of 901,912 units of autos and heavy equipment during the same year. Automotive cargo saw a 13.3% increase, while heavy equipment surged by an impressive 160%. This growth can be attributed to the substantial infrastructure investments made by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), totaling $262 million in improvements in 2024. These enhancements included new warehousing facilities and an additional 122 acres of RoRo cargo storage.

Griff Lynch emphasized the port’s expansion strategy, which includes a new railyard project set to significantly increase capacity. Phase I of the project aims to boost annual rail capacity from 150,000 to 340,000 autos by mid-2025, with Phase II targeting 590,000 units.

Strategic partnerships have also played a vital role in Brunswick’s growth. In April 2024, the port secured a 20-year agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen, consolidating the company’s Georgia logistics operations at Brunswick. This partnership allows the facility to handle both RoRo processing and heavy equipment order fulfillment, preparing machinery for end users before delivery.

Future Expansion and Infrastructure Projects

To cater to future growth, Brunswick has several major infrastructure projects in the pipeline. Construction of a fourth RoRo berth is scheduled to commence in Summer 2025, with completion expected in 2027. This new berth will accommodate vessels carrying over 10,800 car equivalent units (CEU).

Market trends align with Brunswick’s expansion plans, as both exports and imports show strong growth. Auto exports increased by 9% in 2024, while imports rose by 20% compared to the previous year. The port is gearing up for larger vessels, with RoRo carriers expected to deploy 10,800 CEU vessels in the coming years.

Harbor Improvements and U.S. Maritime Trade

To support the arrival of larger vessels, significant harbor improvements are underway in Brunswick. Georgia has allocated over $6 million for harbor enhancements, while Congress has approved nearly $38 million for various projects, including dredging to achieve authorized depths of 36 feet in the inner harbor and 38 feet in the outer harbor.

The success of the Port of Brunswick marks a notable shift in U.S. maritime trade patterns, surpassing the Port of Baltimore in RoRo cargo operations. While the Port of Baltimore has yet to release its 2024 figures, its operations in 2023 were impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Despite this setback, the Port of Brunswick continues to thrive and set new industry standards.