Major Federal Grants Fund Electrical and Rail Upgrades at Savannah and Brunswick Ports
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is making a bold move to boost its sustainability efforts and reduce the environmental impact on local communities. At a recent meeting held on December 2, 2024, Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the GPA, unveiled plans for over $120 million in federal grants aimed at enhancing operations at the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick.
The initiative, focused on improving both the environmental footprint and the resilience of the ports, highlights the importance of community-driven projects that also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of maritime and rail operations. These federal grants will support a range of improvements, from resilient power supply systems to cutting-edge shore power infrastructure and rail enhancements.
Resilient Power for Uninterrupted Operations
A $49.8 million Maritime Administration grant is paving the way for a more robust power infrastructure at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal. The funding will enable the installation of a dedicated on-terminal electrical distribution network, supported by new GPA-owned generators and substations. This setup ensures the uninterrupted supply of electricity, critical for temperature-sensitive cargo such as food and medical supplies.
In the event of a natural disaster or power outage, the new system promises faster power restoration, minimizing disruptions and protecting valuable goods. According to Lynch, this project is also integral to a larger plan to transition from diesel-powered equipment to electric-powered yard machinery, marking a significant shift toward cleaner, more efficient operations. To make this vision a reality, GPA is matching the federal grant with an additional $88.2 million investment.
Shore Power Infrastructure to Cut Carbon Emissions
In another crucial step toward sustainability, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the GPA $48.7 million to implement shore power at four berths—three in Savannah and one in Brunswick. The new electrical infrastructure will enable vessels to plug into power while docked, allowing them to turn off their engines and significantly reduce emissions.
The implementation of shore power is expected to cut 13,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and reduce pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by 250 tons per year. This upgrade aligns with the EPA’s carbon reduction goals and positions GPA as a leader in green maritime practices. Additionally, the EPA grant will fund the purchase of 16 new electric terminal jockey trucks, replacing older, diesel-powered models, further contributing to a reduction in emissions both at the terminal and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Rail Enhancements to Support Growing Demand
A third grant, worth $26.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, will fund Phase II of the Colonel’s Island Rail Improvements project at the Port of Brunswick. This funding, combined with an additional $27.6 million from GPA and its rail partner, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., will complete the construction of a new railyard that will help accommodate the increasing volume of automotive exports and imports.
The Port of Brunswick, which ranks as the second busiest Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) port in the United States, requires additional rail capacity to keep pace with growing demand. When both phases of the project are complete, the new rail infrastructure will allow the port to handle up to 700,000 RoRo units annually, a significant jump from its current capacity. This expansion promises to reduce the environmental impact of truck traffic while providing the necessary infrastructure to support a thriving export industry.
Addressing Environmental and Community Concerns
These infrastructure projects are part of a broader, ongoing effort by the Georgia Ports Authority to minimize its environmental impact and improve quality of life for nearby residents. Lynch emphasized that GPA’s sustainability initiatives are driven by the need to balance port growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Beyond the grant-funded projects, GPA has already taken steps to reduce truck idling, promote the use of cleaner trucks, and expedite vessel services to minimize congestion. GPA has also installed a network of emissions monitors in collaboration with local community associations and the EPA. These monitors will track air quality, providing valuable data to guide future sustainability efforts.
In fact, the Port of Savannah is the largest container port in the U.S. participating in Green Marine, a sustainability certification program for the marine industry. This program involves third-party verification of GPA’s sustainability measures, ensuring that its environmental efforts meet the highest standards.
Positive Growth and Looking Ahead
Despite the significant environmental and infrastructure investments, GPA continues to experience impressive growth. In October 2024, the port handled 494,261 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) and 68,569 units of RoRo cargo, marking the 10th consecutive month of growth in both categories. These results highlight the increasing demand for the port’s services and the successful implementation of its sustainability initiatives.
Looking ahead, GPA projects continued positive growth in both container traffic and RoRo cargo, with the next performance update set for mid-December. As the port works to expand its capacity and reduce emissions, these initiatives are poised to position Georgia Ports as a leader in both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
