With container volumes up 12.5 percent in 2024 over the previous year, the Port of Savannah is emerging as a port of option for produce growers and shippers–particularly for imports. However, how much activity coming in and out of the port is produce-related?
"Produce accounted for 16,900 total loaded twenty-foot equivalent container units in 2024 (16,109 TEUs import; 792 TEUs export). The Port of Savannah handled approximately 4 million loaded TEUs across all cargo last year," said Georgia Ports Authority's Edward Fulford. "Produce is generally composed of imports through Savannah to supplement domestic commodities that are out of season. Georgia Ports Authority also, of course, sees many imports of products that are not grown in the USA such as bananas."
Growth in refrigerated imports
In all, last year, the Port of Savannah handled more than 73,000 TEUs of refrigerated imports which included perishable cargo/produce, frozen seafood, frozen meat, frozen vegetables, and pharmaceuticals. This is in fact where the volume growth is being seen. "Refrigerated import cargo was a bright spot in 2024 where we grew 12 percent. Counting dry and refrigerated containers, the Port of Savannah grew total volumes 12.5 percent in 2024," said Fulford.
In terms of what's being shipped, right now, the Peruvian grape season is coming to an end and Chile is still in the midst of its season. That leaves the port gearing up for the next key produce item being imported, citrus, from Peru, Chile, and South Africa. "Grapes, citrus, and onions continue to be the main drivers through Savannah, but we also import kiwis, avocados, mangos, bananas, etc.," said Fulford, adding that the port isn't exporting any substantial volumes of produce.
For customers serving the U.S. Southeast market, the port particularly provides an alternative to congested points of entry at other ports. "As the region with the fastest growing population in the U.S., increasing consumer demand is driving growth in fresh produce imports through Georgia," said Fulford. While the port is only centrally located within the southeast region, it also has amenities such as on-terminal rail and direct interstate connections which help provide access to major markets such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Orlando, as well as destinations across Texas.
Cold storage facilities
For that refrigerated cargo, the Savannah region has a healthy ecosystem of cold storage warehousing near its location, including Lineage Logistics, Americold and Georgia Fresh Pack, and Medlog as its newest addition. The latter has plans to open a new refrigerated warehouse in Rincon, Ga., this summer. "CBP/AG will also double their inspection footprint on the terminal as it transitions from about 150,000 square feet of space to 300,000 square feet in a newly remodeled building on the terminal," said Fulford. "This facility will have around 5,000 square feet of refrigerated space for customers who are interested in inspections on-terminal."
This follows multi-millions that have been invested in Georgia Ports to support refrigerated cargo. "We recognize produce as a market segment we can continue to grow if we continue to offer a good service," said Fulford. "With 126 refrigerated racks on the terminal, we have ample capacity to service both import/export reefer cargo. Velocity through the terminal is a key driver to success, so we remain engaged with all parties involved to process this unique commodity as quickly as possible."
For more information:
Edward Fulford
Georgia Ports Authority
efulford@gaports.com
https://gaports.com/