Georgia Expands Its Auto Port as Matson Rides the China Freight Surge

The Georgia Ports Authority is expanding vehicle-handling capacity at the Port of Brunswick, as a wave of automaker investment in the state turns the coastal terminal into one of the busiest US gateways for cars and heavy equipment.

Officials told the annual State of the Port event on Tuesday that a fourth roll-on, roll-off berth at Colonel’s Island is 60% complete and due to open in December 2027. It will be able to handle vehicle carriers of more than 10,800 car-equivalent units. Brunswick’s three existing berths handled 50 vessels in October, and the authority says volumes have risen 277% over the past decade. The berth is part of a nearly $5 billion, 10-year infrastructure program that also includes five more container berths at Savannah.

The demand is coming from new factories. Hyundai Motor Co.’s Metaplant near Savannah has drawn 22 suppliers, Rivian Automotive Inc. is building a plant east of Atlanta, and Audi plans its first US factory near Macon. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo already ship through Brunswick. “The automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to grow here,” said Kevin Price, the authority’s president. He added that construction and farm equipment volumes are also growing.

Matson Inc., meanwhile, raised its full-year outlook after its expedited China service drove a 62% jump in ocean transportation operating income in the third quarter. Net income at the Honolulu-based carrier rose to $209.4 million, or 6.96 dollars a share, from 134.7 million dollars, or 4.24 dollars, a year earlier. China container volume climbed 16% to 40,500 forty-foot equivalent units.

“Our China service performed well, with its speed and reliability serving as important differentiators,” Chief Executive Officer Matt Cox said. Matson expects elevated freight rates to persist through year-end and into early 2027. It forecasts fourth-quarter ocean operating income about 50% above a year earlier.