Georgia Ports Authority is constructing a new $100 million Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) berth at the Port of Brunswick. The project also includes improvements to outdoor vehicle storage, dredging, and other harbor modifications. According to a May 4, 2026 release from Georgia Ports Authority, construction on a fourth berth to dock vessels with an overall length of 975 feet at Colonels Island is 30% complete, with the berth scheduled to open in November 2027. The final piling for the main dock was driven in early April.
For the second consecutive year in 2025, the Port of Brunswick maintained its position as the nation's busiest automobile port, handling 779,000 vehicles plus more than 53,000 units of heavy machinery. Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch stated, "Our vision for the Port of Brunswick is to be a true world-class shipping and logistics hub for our RoRo customers. When Berth 4 opens in November 2027, vessel operators will be able to turn ships faster, save costs and optimize their fleet to compete stronger." In fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), Georgia Ports completed $284 million in self-financed improvements at the Port of Brunswick.
Georgia Ports also opened Phase I of the Southside Railyard, a $22 million project that increased annual rail capacity from 175,000 to 370,000 vehicles. Phase II will be completed in 2029, adding 250,000 units of additional capacity. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed maintenance dredging in Brunswick's inner harbor in March, while outer harbor dredging will be finished in September 2026, restoring the complete channel to its full authorized depth. Congress approved $11.35 million for the federal share, while the state of Georgia allocated just over $6 million.
All major RoRo carriers serving the U.S. East Coast call Brunswick, linking it to key markets in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. The fourth berth under construction will handle a mix of autos, heavy equipment, and project cargo. To reduce potential storm-related flooding damage, GPA raised a 20-acre lot near Berth 4 by an average of three feet at a cost of $11 million, with another 20 acres planned.
Note: This summary draws on SupplyChainBrain's publicly visible headline + subhead + opening paragraph and on sector background on port infrastructure investments.
Key Takeaways:
1. Georgia Ports Authority reports 30% completion on $100M fourth RoRo berth at Brunswick; November 2027 target
2. Port of Brunswick handled 779,000 vehicles + 53,000 heavy machinery units in 2025, retaining busiest U.S. auto port status
3. Georgia Ports completed $284 million in self-financed improvements at Brunswick in fiscal year 2025
4. $22M Southside Railyard Phase I increased annual rail capacity from 175,000 to 370,000 vehicles
5. U.S. Congress and Georgia state approved ~$17.5M combined for harbor dredging and channel improvements
