NS to serve future Colonial Terminals breakbulk facility

Norfolk Southern Railway last week sold 16.7 acres to Colonial Terminals Inc. in Georgia for the development of breakbulk infrastructure along the Savannah River.

The property is located next to an NS rail facility and an existing Colonial Terminals riverfront terminal, according to a joint press release.

To be served by NS, the new facility should allow more than a million tons of throughput and support the development of a new wide-span berth expected to move steel, paper and other forest products, officials at both companies said. The facility will also be capable of handling any general breakbulk cargo.

Breakbulk is a common method of moving goods that cannot fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins. Instead, cargo is transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums and barrels, or by other methods.

The project's first phase will involve construction of the berth and refurbishment of the existing warehouse; the second phase will support a new rail-served warehouse or outside storage complex.

The berth is expected to be permitted in mid-July, with construction slated to begin shortly thereafter. The project is expected to be completed in late 2024 and cost more than $100 million.

For nearly 100 years, Colonial Terminals has built its reputation by delivering product handling services to dry and liquid bulk customers through intermodal marine terminals, said Colonial Terminals President Ryan Chandler.

"Leveraging our strategic infrastructure in partnership with Norfolk Southern to extend our reach into the breakbulk space is a logical next step for our high-service culture," he added.