Port of Brunswick Expands Auto Shipping Capacity as Georgia Manufacturing Booms

The Georgia Ports Authority is expanding automotive shipping capacity at the Port of Brunswick as a growing number of global automakers establish manufacturing operations across the state, strengthening Georgia’s position as a major hub for vehicle production and logistics.

At its annual State of the Port of Brunswick event on Tuesday, port officials highlighted new automotive investments, rising demand for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping and a nearly $5 billion infrastructure investment program planned over the next decade.

The Port of Brunswick, which the authority identifies as a U.S. leader in automotive imports and exports, has experienced 277% growth over the past decade, according to the authority. Its three RoRo berths at Colonel’s Island handled 50 vessels in October alone.

A fourth RoRo berth is now 60% complete and scheduled to open in December 2027. The expansion will increase capacity and accommodate newer generations of vehicle carriers capable of transporting more than 10,800 car equivalent units (CEUs).

The additional berth is expected to improve vessel turnaround times while providing room for future growth in vehicle imports and exports.

“Georgia Ports are creating opportunities for businesses to grow, enhancing long-term supply chain competitiveness on a state, regional, national and global level, generating new job growth in the port region and throughout the state,” said Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch.

The expansion comes as Georgia attracts billions of dollars in automotive manufacturing investment.

Hyundai Motor Group’s 3,000-acre Metaplant near Savannah is expected to create 8,500 jobs by 2031 and has attracted 22 nearby suppliers. Kia has operated its manufacturing plant in West Point since 2009, while electric vehicle maker Rivian is developing a $5 billion manufacturing facility at Stanton Springs North, expected to create 7,500 long-term jobs by 2030.

More recently, Audi announced plans to establish its first U.S. manufacturing plant near Macon, Georgia. The German automaker intends to invest $4 billion in the facility, creating approximately 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with production expected in the early 2030s.

Other major automakers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, already use Brunswick for finished-vehicle shipments and processing.

Georgia Ports Authority President Kevin Price said the state’s expanding automotive manufacturing base is also supporting growth in other cargo segments.

“The automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to grow here. We’re also seeing strong growth in the heavy machinery market such as construction equipment and farm equipment,” Price said.

While Brunswick handles finished vehicles and heavy equipment, the Port of Savannah serves as a major gateway for containerized automotive parts and components.

According to the authority, Savannah handles approximately 40 vessel calls per week, 15,000 daily truck gate transactions and 42 double-stack trains weekly through its Mason Mega Rail facility, connecting the port to inland markets via Norfolk Southern and CSX.

The Georgia Ports Authority’s nearly $5 billion investment plan includes five additional container ship berths in Savannah and the fourth RoRo berth in Brunswick.

Over the past decade, the authority’s board has approved $4.13 billion in infrastructure improvements.

The investments are intended to position Georgia’s ports for continued growth in automotive manufacturing, vehicle exports and imports, and containerized trade as manufacturers expand their U.S. operations.

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