Renovations at the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal are now more than 60 percent complete. The $1.6 billion project will grow the facility’s annual container capacity from 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units to 1.75 million TEUs. “Ocean Terminal is a major part of our strategy to prepare Savannah for future growth. The renovated berth is fully completed and ready for big ships,” said Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch at the GPA Board meeting Tuesday. GPA will work smaller vessels at Ocean Terminal until mid-fall 2027, when the first phase of the container yard renovation is complete. The entire Ocean Terminal yard will be completed by the end of 2028. The truck gate at Ocean Terminal is fully operational and will feature 12 inbound and six outbound lanes. A $29 million port–funded overpass routes departing trucks from Ocean Terminal directly onto U.S. 17 and Interstate 16, bypassing neighborhood streets. “Transforming a 200-acre terminal while keeping the port operating is a tremendous undertaking, and the progress at Ocean Terminal is a testament to the hard work of our GPA team and our partners,” said Georgia Ports Authority Board Chairman Alec Poitevint. Improvements at Ocean Terminal are part of GPA’s port master plan. Over the next 10 years, Georgia Ports plans to invest $5 billion in capacity enhancements to support future supply chain requirements, adding five container berths in Savannah and one RoRo berth in Brunswick.Panama Canal Conditions Improving
The Panama Canal saw improving rainfall in September, raising water levels in Gatun Lake, its main water source. The Panama Canal Authority projects vessel drafts to increase through November, when they are estimated to return to the maximum 50 feet. On September 28th, 2026, the Panama Canal Authority increased the number of neopanamax booking slots by one additional transit based on the improving situation.Carriers Resuming Suez Canal Routes to U.S.
Ocean carriers are testing a return to the Suez Canal, including Maersk’s MECL service and CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service. The Suez route reduces vessel transit time between India and Savannah by 10 to 14 days. The improved velocity means faster inventory fulfillment and lower inventory carrying costs for cargo owners.August Exports up 4 percent…