The Port of Brunswick in Georgia Emerges as Top U.S. Auto Port
The Port of Brunswick in Georgia has experienced a surge in automobile traffic, reaching record numbers in the 2024 fiscal year. This growth has put the port in direct competition with the Port of Baltimore, historically the top U.S. auto port. The Georgia Ports Authority reported that the combined number of auto and heavy machinery units handled by Brunswick and the Port of Savannah exceeded 876,000 in the fiscal year ending June 30, marking a 21% increase from the previous year.
Expansion and Investments Drive Growth
The increase in automobile traffic through the Port of Brunswick can be attributed to several factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. auto sales. As auto sales surged in 2023, Georgia invested $262 million in upgrades and expansions at Brunswick to accommodate the growing demand. These projects are nearing completion and are expected to be finished by fall. Griff Lynch, CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, predicted last October that automobile volumes in Brunswick would soon surpass those of the Port of Baltimore.
Competition and Challenges in the Auto Shipping Industry
The recent auto cargo numbers from Georgia suggest that Brunswick is quickly closing the gap with Baltimore, the current top U.S. auto port. However, challenges such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore resulted in diverted shipments to Brunswick, further accelerating the port’s growth. Lynch mentioned that Georgia’s increased auto traffic in the past year came from diverse sources, including automakers shifting their business from neighboring ports like Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
As Georgia aims to become a hub for electric vehicle production, the Port of Brunswick is expected to handle more auto shipments in the future. With plans for a Hyundai EV plant west of Savannah, there is potential for increased vehicle exports through Brunswick’s docks. Despite projections that the initial focus of the plant will be on the U.S. market, the growth in electric vehicles could drive further traffic through the port.
Container Traffic at the Port of Savannah
In addition to the surge in automobile traffic, the Georgia Ports Authority reported that the Port of Savannah handled 5.25 million container units in the latest fiscal year. Although this marked a 2.3% decline from the previous year, Savannah remains the fourth-busiest U.S. port for cargo shipped in containers. The fluctuations in container volumes were attributed to retailers adjusting their orders to align with inventory levels, but a rebound in recent months indicates a positive outlook for future growth.