Feature, Freight News, Sea

Brunswick Dredging to Restore Channel Depth

[ February 19, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Dredging is underway at the Port of Brunswick as federal crews work to restore the harbor to its authorized depth, a move officials say will improve vessel efficiency and support continued growth at the nation’s busiest auto port.

The federally funded maintenance project, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, addresses shoaling and other natural sediment buildup in the harbor’s inner and outer channels. Current dredging is expected to conclude in March, with additional work planned for later this summer.

“This is terrific news for our customers, who rely on the Port of Brunswick to serve the fast-growing Southeast market,” said Griff Lynch, president and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority. He said deeper water will improve vessel transit efficiency at the port, which specializes in roll-on/roll-off cargo such as automobiles and heavy equipment.

Col. Ronald Sturgeon, commander of the Corps’ Savannah District, said the project will enhance safety and efficiency while supporting economic growth. The agency is also launching a feasibility study focused on future improvements to the Savannah Harbor, he said.

Industry groups say maintaining channel depth is increasingly important as vehicle carriers continue to grow in size. Bruce Fendig, president of the Brunswick Bar Pilots Association, said deeper channels allow vessels to move more safely and reduce delays tied to tidal conditions.

Roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessels capable of carrying between 4,000 and 8,000 car equivalent units are now the most common new builds, with ships capable of carrying up to 10,000 units expected to call regularly on the U.S. East Coast in coming years. Port officials say the ability to handle larger vessels can lower transportation costs for manufacturers and consumers.

The harbor dredging coincides with expansion work at Colonels Island, where a US$100 million fourth berth for ro-ro cargo is under construction and slated for completion in fall 2027. Additional harbor upgrades planned later this year include widening a channel bend and expanding the turning basin to improve ship maneuverability.

Congress has approved US$11.35 million for the federal share of the improvement project, while Brian Kemp and the Georgia legislature have allocated just over US$6 million for the state’s share.

The Port of Brunswick became the nation’s busiest gateway for autos and heavy equipment in 2024, handling more than 900,000 units ofro-ro cargo, according to port officials.

Separately, the Corps of Engineers is preparing to begin a three-year feasibility study examining the potential deepening and widening of the Savannah Harbor. Congress allocated $500,000 in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2026 to launch the effort, which is expected to cost about US$3 million overall.

Port officials said deeper and wider channels in Savannah would reduce tidal restrictions for larger vessels and allow more efficient two-way ship traffic.

Georgia’s ports in Savannah and Brunswick continue to expand under a multiyear investment plan that includes new berths, infrastructure upgrades and supply chain improvements aimed at meeting growing cargo demand.

Tags: Georgia Ports Authority, Port of Brunswick, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers