Georgia Ports supports over 605,000 jobs statewide

Georgia's ports play a significant role in the state's economy, supporting over 605,000 jobs across the entire state, as revealed by the latest study from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. Governor Brian Kemp praised the ports for their role in job creation and economic activity, both in the coastal region and across Georgia.

The study found that ports accounted for 12 percent of statewide employment, indicating their extensive impact on the state's workforce. Port CEO Griff Lynch emphasized the importance of ports in fueling Georgia's economy through shipments, benefiting businesses, families, and communities. The study also highlighted a 4 percent increase in the ports' total economic impact, reaching $7 billion in FY2025, with ports supporting $181 billion in annual sales across Georgia, equivalent to 12 percent of the state's total economic output.

Port activity generated $10 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. The Port of Savannah, a key containerized trade gateway on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, handled 5.67 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in fiscal 2026, with a network of 40 weekly vessel calls and 42 trains serving inland markets weekly. The Port of Brunswick, known for its Colonels Island Terminal, has become the nation's busiest and fastest-growing auto port, handling approximately 65,000 vehicles and Roll-on/Roll-off units monthly.

Georgia Ports is investing $5 billion to expand its infrastructure, including five container berths in Savannah and a fourth berth for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo in Brunswick.