The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and Wallenius Wilhelmsen have entered into a 20-year terminal agreement, consolidating the company’s port and logistics operations at the Port of Brunswick.
For customers like Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the expansion of infrastructure in Brunswick translates to increased capacity to pursue new business prospects.
To boost capacity in Brunswick, GPA has expanded Ro/Ro storage by an additional 530,000m² and erected multiple warehouses to cater to processing requirements at Colonel’s Island. An additional 1.21 million m² are earmarked for further development. Port officials highlighted that the 20-year contract enables manufacturers to strategise for the long haul.
“We’re excited to welcome the additional business to Colonel’s Island Terminal from WW, where we are developing the nation’s premier gateway for all carriers handling autos and heavy machinery. This move is an important part of our two-pillar strategy, which calls for all Roll-on/Roll-off cargo to be located in Brunswick, and all container trade in Savannah," stated Griff Lynch, CEO and president of GPA.
In Brunswick, Wallenius Wilhelmsen now possesses the capability to conduct a range of services, encompassing assembly, refurbishment, and customizations for various types of construction, agricultural, and mining equipment. The facility will feature specialized paint booths and wash bays to guarantee that machines meet the precise conditions specified by dealers and end customers. By installing customer-requested components on-site, the process accelerates the time to market and eliminates the expense of transporting equipment to a separate facility.
“With the size and scope of our operations, Brunswick is an exceptional location, where we can provide all of our core services – ocean and inland transportation, vehicle and equipment processing, and terminal services. The company’s customers can have peace of mind knowing all their cargo moving through Brunswick is being managed by a single provider," said Mike Hynekamp, chief operating officer of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
A newly constructed fumigation warehouse situated adjacent to the berths ensures compliance with biosecurity requirements for shipments destined for Oceania.
Transferring imports of cars and trucks to Colonel’s Island enhances service for customers in Georgia and positions the vehicles nearer to high-demand markets. This relocation also streamlines the consolidation of auto trucking fleets, rather than dispersing motor carrier capacity across Georgia's two ports.
For breakbulk and project cargo, recent dock enhancements and the establishment of a cutting-edge 9,300 m² warehouse offer both short- and long-term storage solutions at Mayor’s Point Terminal in Brunswick. This modernization initiative will effectively support the transportation of rubber shipments facilitated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessels.
The Georgia Ports Authority is in the final stages of a US$262 million investment in the Port of Brunswick aimed at expanding its capacity and services for Ro/Ro cargo.
Officials from both the port and carrier emphasized that Wallenius Wilhelmsen's long-term lease commitment played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for this substantial investment, underscoring the enduring relationship with GPA. They highlighted the successful partnership forged over several decades, and this investment underscores Wallenius Wilhelmsen's dedication to nurturing this relationship for years to come.
GPA has obtained federal approval to construct a fourth berth, accessible to all Ro/Ro vessels calling at Colonel's Island. Currently in the engineering phase, the project aims to efficiently accommodate larger vessels with a capacity exceeding 7,000 vehicles.
