Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, a global leader in roll-on/roll-off cargo, will expand its operations center in the Savannah Economic Development Authority building, retaining another full floor in the only Class A office building on Hutchinson Island.

SEDA President Steve Weathers made the announcement Tuesday at the monthly meeting of SEDA's board and advisory council.

Wallenius will now occupy the second and third floors of the four-floor building.

Alex Conjour, vice president of ocean operations for Wallenius, said the move will allow them to accommodate some 50 employees at the location.

"More than just a port office, this center supports area operations, customer service and accounting," he said.

"It's a great location with a strong maritime community and a wonderful quality of life," Conjour said. "It makes attracting talented employees that much easier."

For SEDA, the Wallenius move means their 40,000-square-foot office building is close to fully occupied.

"We have another tenant to announce soon for part of the first floor," Weathers said. "At that point, we will be - for all intents and purposes - full."

From their offices in the SEDA building, WWL officials can look out over the Talmadge Bridge and beyond where the massive, orange Wallenius auto-carriers are a staple at Georgia Ports Authority's Ocean Terminal.

Known in the industry as Ro/Ro - or roll-on, roll-off - ships, Wallenius vessels serve the automotive, agricultural and construction equipment industries. The company also specializes in handling complex project cargoes such as rail cars, power generators, mining equipment and yachts.

"Georgia Ports is honored by WWL's choice of Savannah as a hub for its operations," said Curtis Foltz, GPA executive director. "As a Ro/Ro industry leader, its continued commitment to our state has created many opportunities and we look forward to future growth with WWL as a long-term strategic partner."

In other SEDA news

Opportunity was also the buzz word as Weathers recapped recent project activity and its potential impacts on job creation and investment.

"We have recently received interest from manufacturers or partners in various manufacturing industries, including steel and metal fabrication, ceramic tile, telecommunications, energy and plastics," he said.

The six projects represent $1.2 billion in potential investment and 1,800 jobs.

Interest also has come from logistics companies or partners related to logistics and distribution. They are related to cold storage, energy and international distribution, Weathers said.

Those four projects represent $57 million in potential investment and 90 potential jobs.

"Since strategic planning, we have provided information regarding the business climate and industrial property to approximately 30 companies or partners and those listed above have shown the greatest potential for the area. With that in mind, there are several smaller project leads that we are also following up on," he said.