80 Years of Georgia Ports

Atlas Real Estate Advisors  /   March 19, 2025

This year the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) celebrates 80 years of fostering global trade and economic prosperity.

History

Georgia’s ports date back to 1733, when General James Oglethorpe founded Savannah. The colony quickly became a major exporter of cotton and rice, with Savannah emerging as a key cotton-shipping hub. To strengthen maritime infrastructure, Georgia established the GPA in 1945 to oversee its deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick.

Georgia currently has five ports:

• Port of Savannah (Deepwater)
• Port of Brunswick (Deepwater)
• Appalachian Regional Port (Inland)
• Bainbridge Terminal (Inland)
• Blue Ridge Connector (Inland)

Economic Significance

Georgia’s ports are key drivers of the state’s economy. Deepwater terminals in Savannah and Brunswick ensure the continuous flow of goods to and from global destinations. These vital gateways move retail shipments, refrigerated cargo, cars and machinery, bulk, and breakbulk cargo. The Port of Savannah is the third-busiest (and fastest growing) container gateway in the US.  In the past 5 years, the ports have experienced 18% growth in both imports and exports.

How does this relate to commercial real estate?

This growth translates to a strong demand for industrial and logistics properties in Georgia. Warehouses and distribution facilities, especially near major transportation hubs, ports, and interstate highways, offer significant upside potential given the recent growth of the ports. Acquiring and/or developing these facilities, or acquiring industrially zoned land in these areas, is worth consideration for any commercial real estate developer seeking to diversify their portfolio. 

Contact us today to explore the opportunities that Georgia’s thriving industrial real estate market has to offer.