US-based Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has given the go-ahead to the plan for revamping and realigning the docks at the Port of Savannah ocean terminal.

The board has approved $1.17bn in infrastructure developments, including berth expansions as well as container yard and rail infrastructure improvements, over the past year.

GPA intends to transfer breakbulk cargo carried by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean to Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick during the renovations.

The authority has commenced construction of 360,000m² of dockside warehousing to serve auto processing as well as three additional buildings and 85 acres of auto storage space on the south side of the island.

GPA aims to modify the 200-acre Port of Savannah ocean terminal facility in two phases.

It will start with the reconstruction of the docks, which will offer 2,800 linear feet of berth space capable of accommodating two big ships simultaneously.

Eight new ship-to-shore cranes will be used for the realigned docks.

The overall project will also include expanded gate facilities and enable 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) of annual capacity.

Wharf renovations are expected to be started next January, and the entire terminal is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

GPA board chairman Joel Wooten said: “While we are beginning to see an anticipated market correction, it is important that GPA move forward with projects like the Ocean Terminal enhancements to accommodate business growth.

“Through continued infrastructure improvement, we will ensure the free flow of commerce and our ability to meet expanding customer demand.”