North Gwinnett News

Griff Lynch, the Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), recently addressed attendees at the Gwinnett Chamber’s On Topic Luncheon. The event, sponsored by Porter Steel and held at The 1818 Club, focused on the expanding role of Georgia's ports in the state's economic landscape.

During his speech, Lynch recognized the contributions of the Mason family to port development. He discussed global trade trends, noting that the Southeast is a rapidly growing region due to increased manufacturing and cargo from countries like India, China, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Lynch highlighted India's emergence as a significant trade partner for Georgia due to its proximity compared to China.

The Port of Savannah has become increasingly connected and is now ranked second nationally after New York. In 2024, it handled 5.6 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), marking a 12.5% increase from the previous year. This growth makes Savannah the fastest-growing port on the East Coast. Additionally, GPA's Mason Mega Rail facility moved 579,000 containers in 2024.

Infrastructure challenges accompany this growth. The Savannah River channel currently causes delays for larger vessels with wait times up to 12 hours. GPA plans to reduce these delays with lay berths at each terminal and increase storage capacity from 100,000 to 190,000 TEUs by 2030. Further improvements include additional truck lanes and raising a bridge by 20 feet.

Lynch also emphasized sustainability and workforce development initiatives at GPA. The introduction of shore power aims to reduce carbon emissions by 15,000 metric tons annually. Programs like YES (Youth. Equipment. Safety.) create career pathways in port operations while homeownership assistance programs support workforce stability.

Georgia's ports play a crucial role in supporting business success within the state by generating $40 billion in income annually. Lynch remarked: “The Savannah Port is GEORGIA’s Port.”

For more information about GPA’s initiatives or upcoming events with Gwinnett Chamber visit gaports.com or gwinnettchamber.org/events respectively.