The Port of Savannah concluded fiscal year 2026 with robust performance, reporting June volumes of 483,684 TEUs, an 18 percent increase over June 2025. Concurrently, the Appalachian Regional Port in Northwest Georgia achieved a record 49,319 intermodal containers handled in FY2026, marking a 20 percent rise from the previous fiscal year.
Significant infrastructure developments underpin this growth, including the May opening of the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port, a rail-connected extension serving Northeast Georgia. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) launched the $130 million Brampton Road Connector on July 15, directly linking Garden City Terminal’s Gate 3 to the interstate system, enhancing freight access and reducing local traffic. GDOT is also advancing major improvements to the I-16/I-95 interchange and widening an 18-mile section of I-16.
Governor Brian Kemp praised the ports, saying, “Georgia’s ports have been a key asset in recruiting new business ventures and creating new opportunities for hardworking Georgians.” Griff Lynch, CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, added, “We finished the fiscal year on a strong volume note. Our port and inland infrastructure are all coming together nicely.” Alec Poitevint, Chairman, noted, “Our $5 billion port master plan is working and ready for the future.” The GPA also extended its partnership with the Panama Canal Authority for five years.
In leadership news, Governor Kemp appointed Martin “Trey” E. Kilpatrick III as a new board member and Lauren Curry as Ex-Officio. Dave Cyr was elected Secretary-Treasurer, while Will McKnight, Philip Wilheit Jr., and Joel Wooten were reappointed. Despite challenging global conditions, the Port of Brunswick handled 763,122 Roll-on/Roll-off units in FY2026. The GPA plans nearly $5 billion in future investments, including new container and RoRo berths, and continues its $6 million workforce housing initiative.