February 2, 2023

Port of Savannah to increase cold storage capacity by 11% in 2023

The Port of Savannah plans to increase private chilled and frozen warehouse space by 11% in 2023 to more than 2.2 million square feet.

The Georgia Ports Authority last week approved the construction of seven additional refrigerated container racks at the port. The $6.2 million project will increase slots for cold cargo to 3,506 at Garden City Terminal, counting chassis plug-ins. Savannah’s Ocean Terminal provides another 368 refrigerated container plugs.

A $6.2 million project will increase private chilled and frozen warehouse space at the Port of Savannah by 11% in 2023 to more than 2.2 million square feet. Photo: Provided

“Expansion among our cold storage partners in the Savannah market will drive greater volumes of chilled cargo crossing our docks,” GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch said in a news release. “While the Port of Savannah already accommodates the most refrigerated containers on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, enhancing our on-terminal capacity will better support the jobs and opportunity sparked by private investment.”

Products handled at the Port of Savannah range from proteins such as poultry and seafood to blueberries, avocados, citrus, stone fruits and onions.

GPA’s fastest-growing cold chain exports in 2022 were poultry, beef, fish fillets, candy and frozen vegetables. Top-performing chilled imports were grapes, vegetables, fish fillets, potatoes and candy.

“Serving the U.S. Southeast via Savannah reduces overland transportation costs to vital markets such as Atlanta, and ensures perishable goods reach customers faster and fresher,” said GPA Board Chair Joel Wooten. “The growing population of our region, combined with expansions in port and private infrastructure, are strengthening Savannah’s position as a perishable supply chain gateway.”

In addition, four new ship-to-shore cranes are slated to arrive at the Port of Savannah on Feb. 9, according to the GPA. The cranes can handle vessels with a capacity of 20,000+ 20-foot equivalent container units.

The cranes will operate at Container Berth 1 at Garden City Terminal, currently under renovation. When improvements are complete in July, the Port of Savannah will be able to serve seven ships simultaneously.





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