Georgia's Port of Brunswick preps for auto volume growth 

By Bridget Dean, Associate Editor 

At the Georgia Ports Authority's (GPA) Port of Brunswick, the first phase of an expansion of Colonel’s Island terminal is nearing completion. The port handles high volumes of roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo, so it’s imperative that it’s prepared to handle increases related to automotive industry growth. The expansion will enable customers such as Ro/Ro shipping and logistics group Wallenius Wilhelmsen to target new business.   

RailPrime recently reached out to GPA officials to learn more about the nearly finished rail yard expansion project and how the port plans to attract (and manage) increased auto cargo. GPA spokesperson Edward Fulford offered the following responses, which were edited for length and clarity.  

RailPrime: In a recent press release, Port of Brunswick officials said March Ro/Ro cargo was at an all-time high, up 18% compared with the same 2024 period. What contributed to the rise in traffic?  

GPA: Several factors have contributed to growing volumes at the Port of Brunswick. Among them is an increase in population in the U.S. Southeast. As the nation’s fastest growing region, the Southeast is seeing corresponding gains in vehicle demand. The expanding workforce is also drawing manufacturers, including auto and heavy equipment exporters. 

Additionally, GPA recently completed $262 million in capacity enhancements at the Port of Brunswick, allowing the port to take on new business through expanded warehousing, vehicle storage and vehicle processing space.  

Georgia Ports has signed a 20-year agreement with Ro/Ro ocean carrier Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The carrier’s strategic vision is to consolidate its South Atlantic operations in Brunswick, creating a hub to foster continued growth in the region. The business model is to develop the company’s end-to-end services that connect ocean transportation, terminal handling, processing and inland transportation.  

March volumes, specifically, were also impacted by importers front-loading orders to avoid higher tariffs. 

RailPrime: In February, Brunswick emerged as the United States’ leading Ro/Ro port by volume handled. What services does the port offer to its Ro/Ro customers? 

GPA: Colonel’s 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. 

Our Brunswick partners – the processors and the International Longshoremen’s Association – have built a reputation for service that is drawing more business to Georgia. 

Besides being the nation’s busiest Ro/Ro port in 2024, at 1,700 acres Colonel’s Island is also the nation’s largest – providing more space to accommodate business growth than any other U.S. gateway. In late 2024, GPA developed another 122 acres of Ro/Ro cargo storage; 50 additional acres will be completed in August 2025. Colonel’s Island has another 244 acres available for development. 

Brunswick’s position as the most westerly Ro/Ro port on the U.S. East Coast, Georgia’s central location within the Southeast, and Brunswick’s proximity to high-volume markets such as Atlanta, Orlando and Charlotte mean our customers can reach their customers with greater efficiency. 

Colonel’s Island is just 2.5 miles from Interstate 95. It also offers on-terminal rail, with NS and CSX service to markets as deep inland as Dallas.

RailPrime: Which railroads serve the Colonel’s Island Terminal? 

GPA: The Golden Isles Terminal Railroad interchanges with CSX and Norfolk Southern at nearby rail yards. 

RailPrime:  What are the port’s plans for expanding its Ro/Ro services?  

GPA: New infrastructure and strengthened partnerships are paving the way for continued growth in Roll-on/Roll-off capacity and trade. To meet rising demand, GPA will develop additional storage space and an expanding ocean carrier network. A fourth berth for Ro/Ro vessels has been permitted and is expected to begin construction this summer. We expect to complete the new berth in late 2026 or early 2027.  

Berth 4 will more efficiently accommodate vessels carrying 10,800+ car equivalent units (CEU). The typical Ro/Ro vessel today has a range of 4,000 to 8,000 car equivalent units. Ro/Ro carriers are expected to bring 10,800+ CEU vessels to Brunswick in the next two to three years.  

Additionally, current projects will quadruple GPA’s capacity to move autos by rail at the Port of Brunswick. 

RailPrime: What is the construction timeline for the new Colonel’s Island Terminal rail yard, and what will each phase entail? 

GPA: Brunswick’s rail expansion is planned in two phases. Phase I of the new yard on the south side of Colonel’s Island will be complete in May, doubling rail capacity from five to 10 trains per week. This portion will accommodate up to 74 rail cars simultaneously, in addition to the current 76-car capacity at the existing northside yard. 

Phase II will bring the added capacity to 222 rail cars (total 298), with anticipated completion in 2028. Also in Phase II, improvements to the existing Myd Harris Yard will bring rail switching onto the terminal in a benefit to the neighboring community. 

Phase I will increase the port’s annual rail capacity from 150,000 autos to more than 340,000. Phase II will bring annual rail capacity to 590,000 units. More than 90% of vehicles moving by rail in Brunswick are U.S. exports. 

The new capacity comes in response to auto manufacturers seeking to increase their business through Georgia. It will improve our ability to serve inland factories and increase the safety of rail operations. 

RailPrime:  What has the port’s response been to trade uncertainty, specifically on fluctuating auto tariffs?  

GPA: The Georgia Ports Authority maintains a philosophy of steady investment with a view toward long-term growth. By continuing infrastructure improvement during short-term volatility, GPA is able to take advantage of growth opportunities when they arise. 

GPA’s history of infrastructure investment, even in times of economic uncertainty, has played a key role in Brunswick’s ability to grow market share and become the nation’s premier gateway for autos and heavy equipment. For customers such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen and International Auto Processing, expanding Brunswick infrastructure means greater ability to target new business for future growth.