Georgia Port Authority going big with Ro/Ro upscaling of the Port of Brunswick, GA.

Colonels Island south side rail

The global shipping industry has continued to grow in recent years. As companies expand their global reach, the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions is universal, including a wide range of products such as wheeled cargo, which is handled by “roll-on/roll-off” (Ro/Ro) shipping. While an excellent way to handle shipments of cars, motorcycles, trucks, railroad cars, and even military equipment, Ro/Ro faces challenges, including port congestion and the need for infrastructure development.

Ro/Ro vessels require specialized port facilities like ramps and berths, which may not be readily available in all locations. Even in the most well-equipped locations, security and avoiding theft are top priorities. Ro/Ro cargo also faces the risks of damage during loading, unloading, and transit, especially in adverse weather conditions.

While no port can control the weather, the Port of Brunswick on the coast of Georgia is committed to the efficient handling of Ro/Ro units and continues to invest in infrastructure to allow for growth and avoid congestion.

Port Investments Reduce Congestion, Allow Room to Grow

The Port of Brunswick averages around 75,000 Ro/Ro units per month. In 2024, Colonel Island Terminal became the nation’s busiest Ro/Ro port, handling 901,000 units, a 50% increase from the number of units handled by the port in 2020.

At 1,700 acres, Colonels Island Terminal is the largest Ro/Ro port in the U.S. with more existing capacity and room to expand than any other Ro/Ro port in America. Its central location in the Southeast makes Brunswick easily accessible to high-volume markets via on-terminal rail and interstate connections.

“Colonels Island is only 2.5 miles from I-95,” said Edward Fulford, Manager of Media Relations for the Georgia Port Authority (GPA), “Fewer vehicle moves are required, because vehicle storage and processing are done onsite in Brunswick.”

The Port of Brunswick’s southern location means new vehicles avoid road de-icing on-terminal and during transit to dealerships. The Colonels Island Terminal is home to four auto and heavy equipment processors: International Auto Processing, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, BMW, and Mercedes.

“On-site processing means less handling before delivery to dealers,” Fulford said.

Processors are responsible for customizing vehicles before they go to dealerships. They perform services including pre-delivery inspections, quality checks, remedial action, and installation of accessories such as stereos and backup cameras.

One way to minimize port congestion is to provide adequate space for growth. In late 2024, GPA developed another 122 acres of Ro/Ro storage; 50 additional acres will be completed in August 2025. Colonels Island has another 244 acres available for development.

Improving the Port is the GPA’s Strategy

Not only is the port expanding, but efforts are underway to improve the harbor.

“Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and the state legislature have allocated $6 million for special harbor improvements,” Fulford said. “Congress has also approved another $11.35 million federal share of the harbor improvements, which will include a bend widener, expansion of the turning basin, and an expanded meeting area in St. Simons Sound.”

Additional federal funding will support dredging the waterway to its fully authorized depth of 36-feet in the inner harbor and 38-feet in the outer harbor.

Other efforts to increase efficiency at the Port of Brunswick include a new rail yard on the south side of the terminal. Phase One of this massive project will begin by the end of June, growing rail capacity from 150,000 autos to more than 340,000. The second phase will bring rail capacity to 590,000 vehicles.

“Handling cargo from farther-to-reach inland factories is more cost-effective by rail,” Fulford commented. “Brunswick cargo moves on Class I railroads Norfolk Southern and CSX.”

In July, construction begins on a fourth berth for Ro/Ro vessels at the Port of Brunswick and is expected to be completed in 2027. “The expanded berth capacity will better accommodate modern vessel ships carrying 10,800 CEUs (car equivalent units),” Fulford said. “Brunswick terminals handled 733 vessel calls, including 614 from Ro/Ro vessels at Colonels Island, 89 breakbulk carriers at the Mayor’s Point Terminal, and 30 bulk cargo ships.

The GPA has also signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The agreement consolidates Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Georgia logistics operation at the Port of Brunswick, including Ro/Ro in Brunswick and container trade in Savannah.

“No other Ro/Ro port in the U.S. can scale up like Colonels Island,” said Fulford.

Ports Face Similar Challenges, Addressed in Different Ways

Other major ports handling Ro/Ro cargo in the U.S., such as the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York and New Jersey, face similar challenges, such as port congestion or an inefficient inland transport system. These broader issues impact all cargo, including Ro/Ro, often resulting in delays and additional costs.

For the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, congestion has long been an issue. Factors that exacerbate the problem, other than a global pandemic, are seasonal peaks and trade imbalances. This congestion can impact the efficient handling of Ro/Ro shipments by limiting available space and causing delays.

These ports are also investing in infrastructure upgrades, such as rail yards, truck lines, and automated equipment to improve Ro/Ro handling. They are exploring new technologies, like automation and electric scheduling, to improve Ro/Ro operations and reduce congestion.

Switzerland-based Roll-on/Roll-off carrier Sallaum Lines has added the Port of Brunswick to an extensive Atlantic network linking Europe, North and South America, and Africa. (Georgia Ports)

How the Port of Brunswick Became the Largest Ro/Ro Port

The Port of Brunswick has become a leader in the Ro/Ro shipping industry for several reasons. The GPA has a long-range plan and is investing in almost every aspect of the Port of Brunswick to prepare for future growth. They also operate a series of inland ports.

Georgia’s inland ports primarily consist of the Appalachian Regional Port in Crandall, Georgia, and the planned Northeast Georgia Inland Port, formerly the Blue Ridge Connector, near Gainesville. The Bainbridge Terminal is located on the Tri-Rivers System and serves as an inland port for handling cargo, fast and efficient cross-state delivery.

Inland Ports provide fast and efficient cross-state delivery. Each round-trip container moved via the Georgia inland port will offset 710 truck miles on Georgia highways. The Blue Ridge Connector will provide a direct link to the Port of Savannah via Norfolk Southern.

Some of the advantages of inland ports are the ability to access rail service, sometimes more efficient than using sea and road. They avoid heavy congestion at seaports, provide increased capacity, consolidate import and distribution functions and one location, and make more space available for warehousing and distribution facilities away from seaports.