A Georgia Tech study found that shippers save money, gain reliability, and achieve comparable transit times when routing Atlanta-bound cargo through the Port of Savannah rather than West Coast ports. The research analyzed end-to-end transit time and cost from ten Asia ports to Atlanta, concluding that while West Coast ocean transits are shorter, rehandling and congestion add delays. Results showed Savannah routings are 32 percent cheaper and more consistent than West Coast alternatives. The study, conducted by Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute at the Physical Internet Center, underscores Savannah’s advantages in terminal velocity and inland connectivity. Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch said the findings validate Savannah’s competitive position in global supply chains.

 

View Georgia Tech’s news release and video for more information about the study.

The Port of Everett will begin a $6.75 million project in early September to replace the final segment of its aging Marina bulkhead and rebuild the Segment E wharf near Port Gardner Landing. Awarded to Bergerson Construction, the project will replace about 165 feet of wooden bulkhead with steel sheet piles to support State Route 529/West Marine View Drive, a major commuter, freight, and military corridor. The overwater wharf directly above the bulkhead will also be reconstructed with new decking, landscaping, and an ADA-compliant connection to the Port’s waterfront trail system. Construction is scheduled to finish by May 2026, with southbound SR 529 traffic reduced to one lane adjacent to the work site throughout the project. Funding comes from Port revenues, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Washington state capital budget, with environmental mitigation completed earlier this year through the removal of a derelict barge.

The Galveston Wharves is progressing with an update to its long-range master plan, building on the framework of its first plan adopted in 2019. That plan helped nearly double gross revenues from $43.5 million in 2018 to $79.3 million in 2024, supporting major infrastructure investments across cargo and cruise operations. On August 13, the port hosted a public meeting with about 200 attendees to review concepts for future growth in cruise, cargo, and commercial sectors, with feedback emphasizing resilience, infrastructure improvements, and stronger community connections. Consultants identified six key themes from public input, including pride in cruise leadership, traffic and sustainability concerns, and the need for transparency and engagement. A draft plan incorporating capital projects, financial projections, and return on investment is expected in September, with adoption by the Wharves Board to follow.

The Port Authority of Guam Board of Directors has unanimously approved the agency’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, projecting total revenues of $57.1 million, up from $54.2 million in FY 2025. Expenses are set at $56.6 million, which includes $5.7 million for annual debt service, resulting in a projected debt service coverage ratio of 1.99 and net income of $4.6 million (excluding Crane Surcharge and Facility Maintenance Fees). Revenue forecasts factored in an average six percent increase in cargo-related proceeds, and division requests were developed using Zero-Based Budgeting. The budget also funds ongoing capital improvement projects, including maintenance of the EQMR and Warehouse 1 buildings, waterline replacement, and an upgrade to the Enterprise One Financial Management System. Additional priorities include new gantry cranes, wharf upgrades, rail improvements, and procurement of a Terminal Operating System.

The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD) and Port of San Francisco have announced new enhancements to the Fisherman’s Wharf Promenade, part of the broader Fisherman’s Wharf Forward initiative. Recent additions include Berry’s Boba & Matcha, a fully operational Welcome Center kiosk, and a new ground mural featuring Bay-area fish species, created with community participation. Local apparel brand San Franpsycho continues to operate a successful pop-up, while upcoming 2025 projects include a maritime-themed mural at the SkyStar Wheel, a light canopy at Crab Wheel Plaza, and the temporary installation of the Desert Shark sculpture at Pier 45. The Port Commission has extended its grant agreement supporting these projects through 2026, reinforcing the FWCBD’s partnership with the Port on long-term community engagement and waterfront revitalization. In 2024, Fisherman’s Wharf welcomed more than 12.5 million visitors, underscoring its role as San Francisco’s most visited destination.

The Port of Long Beach is accepting applications for its Community Sponsorship Program from Sept. 1 through 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support events and activities focused on the arts, environment, education, social justice, and historic preservation. Eligible events must take place after Dec. 1 and will be evaluated on their ability to inform the public about the Port’s role as an environmental steward, economic driver, and job creator. Applications are reviewed before final decisions are made by the Board of Harbor Commissioners, and selected events should provide promotional and outreach opportunities for the Port. In the previous sponsorship call held in May, Harbor Commissioners awarded 321 sponsorships totaling $968,700.

 

For more information on the Port’s Community Sponsorship Program and how to apply, go to www.polb.com/sponsorships.