GPA launches new Savannah Harbor deepening study

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has issued a letter of intent to Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, detailing GPA’s plans to start a Savannah Harbor modification study.

“The shipping channel needs to be deepened and widened to better accommodate the largest ships currently serving Savannah, and to prepare for even larger, more efficient vessels expected to serve the U.S. East Coast,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO, Griff Lynch.

“Channel improvements are the next step in preparing Savannah for the future. Along with five new container berths on the way, the new Gainesville Inland Port, and multiple Georgia DOT projects, the pieces are all coming together in Savannah as the gateway of choice for the Southeast.”

According to GPA, they will work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete the study under the authority of Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act.

The study will consider deepening the channel and adding passing lanes for two-way ship traffic. It was authorized under WRDA 2024, with initial funding of $500,000 awarded in Congress’ fiscal 2026 budget.

The Corps of Engineers will provide technical assistance and will retain final review and approval authority, including oversight of environmental and economic analyses. The Corps’ feasibility study for the previous Savannah Harbor expansion found $7.70 in economic benefit to the nation for every dollar spent on construction.