The port of Brunswick in the US state of Georgia is the US leader in car handling. Following Audi’s recent commitment to the location, the port is also expected to attract other manufacturers.
The Port of Brunswick, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), has recently further consolidated its ‘pole position’ for the import and export of cars in the US. The port’s three terminals handled 50 car carriers in October, according to the operator.
A fourth terminal is currently under construction and is due to be completed by the end of 2027. It is intended not only to increase the port’s capacity and efficiency, but also to be capable of handling the latest generation of car carriers with up to 10,800 CEU – including, for example, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ‘Shaper Class’.
The port plays a key economic role for the ‘Peach State’ of Georgia. This is also evident in the establishment of major companies in the automotive sector, as Griff Lynch, CEO of the GPA, and President Kevin Price explained at their annual ‘State of the Port’ conference in Brunswick. Following the recent announcement by the German car manufacturer Audi that it would build a plant in Georgia, Lynch and Price highlighted the state’s success in attracting global car brands to set up production facilities and establish their supply chains here.
Firstly, they cited the ‘Metaplant’ factory of the South Korean Hyundai Motor Group in Ellabell, situated on a site covering around 1,200 ha, just under 50 km west of the Port of Savannah. The plant is set to create 8,500 new jobs by 2031. Furthermore, the company has so far persuaded 22 suppliers to set up operations nearby.
Another example is the Korean manufacturer Kia, which has been operating its main US car plant in West Point since 2009. Rivian, a California-based company specialising in electric cars, has begun construction of a plant in Stantons Springs: the investment totalling $5 billion is expected to create 7,500 long-term jobs by 2030.
Audi is investing $4 billion in a new plant
Interest in Georgia is also growing in Germany, as was most recently highlighted by the appearance of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner at a campaign rally for US President Donald Trump. The Audi Group is committed to the American market, a commitment that is also reflected in Georgia: near Macon, the German company is planning its first US plant, which is set to become one of the largest production sites in the world and create up to 4,500 jobs. Construction is set to begin as early as next year, with completion planned for the early 2030s. Audi is investing around $4 billion in the project.
Other major global brands – including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo – also use the Port of Brunswick for the handling and clearance of finished vehicles.
“Georgia’s ports create growth opportunities for businesses, strengthen the long-term competitiveness of supply chains at state, regional, national and global levels, and promote the creation of new jobs – both in the port region and across the state,” explained CEO Lynch.
One of the greatest advantages for car manufacturers and logistics service providers is the combination of seaport connectivity, dedicated rail infrastructure, direct access to motorways (Interstate Highways) and proximity to markets in the south-east of the US. The supply chain in Brunswick encompasses the import and export of vehicles, the distribution of finished vehicles, the storage of spare parts, and the manufacturing and refurbishment of vehicles.
“Ecosystem continues to grow”
Another key component of the infrastructure is the Port of Savannah, which acts as a hub for containers, car parts and components. It handles 40 ship calls per week, 15,000 lorries per day and 42 trains carrying double-stack containers (double-stack trains), which travel inland via the railway operators Norfolk Southern and CSX from the “Mason Mega Rail” railway facility located directly at the terminal. The Greater Atlanta area is a key sales market as well as a distribution and transport hub with links to the motorway and rail networks.
“The automotive manufacturing ecosystem here continues to grow steadily,” said GPA President Price. “We are also seeing strong growth in the heavy machinery sector, such as construction and agricultural machinery”
To ensure the long-term development of Georgia’s ports, the GPA is investing around $5 billion in infrastructure expansion over the next ten years. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to support investment projects that will enable the ports to continue to grow and meet future demands – benefiting the entire population of Georgia,” said Alec Poitevint, Chairman of the GPA.
