GPA Announces $5 Billion Investment in Port of Brunswick Over Next Decade

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) held its annual State of the Port of Brunswick report on November 10, 2026, during which CEO Griff Lynch and Chairman Kevin Price outlined market conditions and future growth plans. Among the main announcements was a $5 billion investment in port infrastructure over the next decade, with Lynch highlighting cumulative growth of 277% over the past ten years.

Lynch and Price noted that Georgia is establishing itself as a center of excellence in automotive manufacturing and logistics, driven by investments from global brands. They mentioned Audi's recent announcement to build a plant near Macon with a $4 billion investment and about 4,500 jobs, with construction set to begin in 2027 and production starting in the early 2030s. They also cited Hyundai's Metaplant in Ellabell, located on a 3,000-acre site 30 miles from the Port of Savannah, which will generate 8,500 jobs by 2031 and has already attracted 22 suppliers, as well as Kia's plant in West Point, operating since 2009, and Rivian's $5 billion investment in Stanton Springs North, expected to create 7,500 long-term jobs by 2030. Other brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo use the Port of Brunswick for the shipment and processing of finished vehicles.

In October, the three roll-on/roll-off berths at the Port of Brunswick handled 50 vessels. A fourth berth is currently under construction, with 60% of the work completed and opening scheduled for December 2027, which will help reduce berthing times and add capacity for larger vessels, including new-generation ships with capacity exceeding 10,800 car equivalent units (CEU).

The Port of Savannah complements Brunswick as the main gateway for containerized auto parts and components, handling 40 vessel calls per week and 15,000 truck gate transactions per day. Its on-dock rail facility, Mason Mega Rail, supports 42 double-stack trains per week to inland markets via Norfolk Southern and CSX, while the Atlanta metropolitan area serves as a consumer market and distribution hub with strong road and rail connections.

Price also highlighted GPA's community engagement initiatives with the city of Brunswick, which included support for families affected by wildfires in Brantley County, a Youth COP Academy summer program run with the local police department, an industry day with students, and the YES+ program, launched in 2018, which offers mentorships and internships to recent high school graduates in the region.