UN/LOCODE: USSAV📍 United States
Port of Savannah (UN/LOCODE USSAV)
❖ Coordinates: 32.0835°N, -81.0998°E
❖ Time Zone: America/New_York
❖ UN/LOCODE: USSAV
## About the Port
The Port of Savannah, designated by UN/LOCODE USSAV, represents the largest container port on the East Coast of the United States and the fourth-largest in the nation. Located along the Savannah River in Georgia, this critical maritime gateway handles over 14 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, serving as a linchpin for international trade between North America and global markets. The port's strategic location at coordinates 32.0835407° N, -81.0998342° W positions it approximately 170 miles southeast of Atlanta, making it a vital distribution hub for inland Southeastern U.S. markets.
Operating within the America/New_York timezone, Savannah Port maintains 24-hour operational capacity with three primary container terminals managed by major terminal operators including SSA Container Terminals, MAPFRE Yacht Terminals, and Georgia Ports Authority facilities. The port's deep-water capabilities accommodate post-Panamax vessels up to 18,000 TEU capacity, supported by modern gantry cranes and automated guidance systems that ensure efficient vessel turnaround times averaging 24-36 hours.
## History
The Port of Savannah's maritime heritage traces back to 1733 when James Edward Oglethorpe established the original settlement. However, its transformation into a major seaport began in the early 19th century following Georgia's separation from South Carolina in 1777. The Great Fire of 1842 devastated the original port facilities, but rapid reconstruction positioned Savannah as a crucial cotton export center during the antebellum period.
The port's industrial evolution accelerated dramatically during World War II when the U.S. Navy established the Naval Air Station Savannah, enhancing the port's strategic military significance. Post-war containerization revolutionized operations beginning in 1965 when the Georgia Ports Authority assumed management control. The construction of the Fort Jackson container terminal in 1974 marked Savannah's entry into the modern container age, followed by successive expansions including the development of the Land Rail Interface Facility in 1997.
Major infrastructure milestones include the completion of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project in 2014, deepening the shipping channel from 42 feet to 47 feet depth, enabling direct access for the largest neo-Panamax vessels. This $900 million federal investment positioned Savannah as the only East Coast port capable of fully utilizing new Panama Canal locks without tidal restrictions.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Savannah Port operates across 4,300 acres of waterfront property with four primary container terminals strategically positioned along the Savannah River. The port's infrastructure includes 14 ship-to-shore gantry cranes capable of handling vessels exceeding 18,000 TEU, supported by 40 rubber-tired gantry cranes for yard operations. Modern facilities feature advanced terminal operating systems including Navis N4 terminal execution systems that optimize vessel stowage planning and cargo tracking.
The port's intermodal connectivity represents a critical competitive advantage, featuring direct rail access via multiple Class I railroads including CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, and formerly Amtrak. The Savannah RiverRail facility provides dedicated automobile handling capacity with 1.1 million square feet of ro-ro space, while the nearby Augusta Rail Terminal offers additional 1.8 million square feet of container storage capacity.
Security infrastructure includes comprehensive perimeter fencing, biometric access control systems, and partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the Container Security Initiative. The port maintains full compliance with Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements and operates under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code certification.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Savannah generates economic impact exceeding $12 billion annually for the Georgia economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly throughout the supply chain. As a major foreign trade zone, the port facilitates $23 billion in import and export activities annually, serving as the primary maritime gateway for manufactured goods entering the southeastern United States.
Key economic sectors dependent on Savannah's maritime infrastructure include automotive manufacturing, with BMW Manufacturing Company utilizing the port for component imports and finished vehicle exports. The port's automotive handling capacity exceeds 1.5 million vehicles annually, making it the third-largest auto port in North America.
Agricultural exports from Georgia, including pecans, blueberries, and timber products, utilize Savannah's facilities extensively. The port's cold-chain infrastructure supports perishable cargo movements, with dedicated refrigerated container services ensuring temperature-sensitive freight maintains integrity throughout transit.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Savannah Port maintains extensive trade relationships with over 500 global shipping lines, connecting to 120+ foreign ports across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Key Asian trade partners include Shanghai, Shenzhen, Busan, and Kaohsiung, while European connections feature Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg as primary gateway ports.
The port's cargo portfolio demonstrates remarkable diversity, with electronics, machinery, and consumer goods comprising major import volumes, while agricultural commodities, forest products, and automotive components represent significant export categories. Container traffic accounts for 85% of total volume, with bulk commodities including coal, grain, and petroleum products utilizing specialized bulk handling facilities.
Transshipment operations have grown significantly, with Savannah serving as a major hub for Latin American trade facilitation. The port's proximity to major distribution centers in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville creates optimal positioning for inland transportation networks, supporting just-in-time delivery models essential for modern supply chains. The port's continuous expansion projects, including the planned Savannah Harbor Deepening Phase II initiative, will further enhance capacity and competitiveness in global maritime commerce.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USSAV
Country
United States
Province / Region
Georgia
Latitude
32.083541
Longitude
-81.099834
Timezone
America/New_York
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Savannah?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Savannah is USSAV.
Where is Port of Savannah located?
The Port of Savannah is located in United States, Georgia. Its coordinates are 32.0835°N, -81.0998°E.
What time zone is Port of Savannah in?
Port of Savannah operates in the America/New_York time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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