The Port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal has reached an unprecedented milestone in its operational history this March, processing a record-breaking 77,236 units of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo. This achievement signifies a robust increase of 21% compared to the same month in the previous year. This surge is part of a broader trend that has seen the port handle 628,937 units from July 2023 through March 2024, marking an 88,200 unit increase or 16% growth compared to the prior period.
Colonel’s Island Terminal, known for its substantial role in supporting the automotive and heavy machinery industries, served approximately 723,515 RoRo units in the last fiscal year alone. The terminal’s success is not just a reflection of increased activity but also strategic infrastructure enhancements. Currently, 23 car manufacturers and 17 heavy machinery producers rely on the efficiency and capacity of this facility to move their products across global markets.
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has invested heavily in expanding the terminal’s capabilities. A significant $262 million infrastructure enhancement program is nearing completion, set to substantially increase the terminal’s operational capacity. These projects include the addition of 122 acres of RoRo storage and 640,000 square feet of new processing space. This expansion is strategically planned to be completed by late summer 2024, ensuring that Colonel’s Island can meet the growing demands of the region’s booming population and industry needs.
Additionally, the GPA is in the process of adding a fourth RoRo berth, which is currently in the engineering phase. This new berth is designed to more efficiently accommodate vessels capable of carrying over 7,000 vehicles, further amplifying the terminal’s throughput capacity. With the monthly average now standing at 69,882 units, the port is on track to handle a projected record of 800,000 units by the end of its fiscal year in June.
Governor Wes Moore and other state officials have praised the port’s significant contributions to the local and state economy, emphasizing its pivotal role in facilitating international trade and bolstering economic growth. The investments into the Port of Brunswick illustrate a committed strategy to not only maintain but also expand its status as a key gateway for automotive and heavy equipment to and from the Southeastern United States.
Credits:
- Port Technology International, “Port of Brunswick sets the record month for autos”, Port Technology International Article.
