Following the surprising collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Georgia is preparing to accommodate the redirected vehicle cargo temporarily. The Port of Brunswick and the Savannah seaport are making preparations to handle the increased influx of automobiles that can no longer pass through Baltimore. Previously, Baltimore held the distinction of being the busiest port in the nation for handling “ro-ro” cargo, which includes cars, buses, and train cars.
As the logistics industry is working tirelessly to reroute shipments, automakers are engaging in discussions with the Port of Brunswick to relocate car shipments to the area. Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University, emphasized the substantial capacity of Georgia’s ports. However, Golara also acknowledged the potential challenges that may arise from this sudden shift. In a statement obtained by WABE, Golara stated, “Georgia should have ample capacity, but the unexpected nature of this situation may pose difficulties. Additionally, the volume of shipments is quite significant, making it a demanding task for them.”
The Port of Brunswick is no stranger to heavy traffic, as it is the second busiest port in the country for vehicles and similar cargo. In order to anticipate future demands, the port is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate an estimated 1.5 million vehicles, a significant increase from its current capacity of around 900,000. With a substantial investment of over $262 million in recent upgrades, Georgia is well-positioned to manage the increased traffic resulting from the incident in Baltimore.
According to WABE, the Georgia Ports Authority reported that the Brunswick port handled 775,000 auto and heavy machinery units last year. It is predicted that these figures will rise as the port receives shipments that were originally intended for Baltimore. State Sen. Derek Mallow, who represents District 2, including Savannah, shares this expectation of increased cargo for Georgia ports.
Georgia’s infrastructure and capacity are being put to the test as a result of this unexpected shift in shipping routes. Both industry experts and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly despite the challenges posed by the infrastructure. The collapse of Baltimore’s bridge has unexpectedly placed Georgia in the spotlight of the shipping industry, at least for the time being.