Inland Waterways News

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) has acquired the marine operations of Budrovich Contracting Co., Inc., establishing a permanent presence in St. Louis and building on its longstanding relationships in the region.The acquisition builds on a seven-year relationship between Brennan and Budrovich’s Marine Operations team. During that time, the companies have worked together in the region, developing a strong understanding of the needs of local marine and industrial facilities.With the acquisition…

The river Rhine in Germany has fallen to new lows, stranding cargo vessels, the country’s inland navigation agency said on Wednesday, as Europe has entered another heatwave.German companies report growing disruption from Rhine water levels that have hit a series of record lows.Chemical producers, utilities, steelmakers and agricultural traders have warned of higher costs, transport bottlenecks and curbed production.Inland navigation agency WSV said the navigable water depth at the chokepoint of Kaub near Koblenz was 12 centimetres (4.72 inches) on Wednesday…

Thyssenkrupp Steel has suspended shipping of raw materials to the western German city of Duisburg with its own vessels due to low water levels on the Rhine river, the company said on Tuesday.Thyssenkrupp Steel transports about 50,000 tons of iron ore and coal per day roughly 240 kilometres (149 miles) up the Rhine from Rotterdam to its Duisburg steel mill.Commodity traders said already on Monday that low water levels during the current heatwave were preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded on the Rhine…

KONGSBERG has successfully delivered a new Vessel Traffic Services solution for Great Belt VTS, supporting safe and efficient traffic management through one of Europe’s busiest straits and providing information services to vessels passing the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark.The contract was awarded by DALO, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, which is responsible for the procurement, supply, maintenance, development and decommissioning of materiel capabilities…

A recent FreightWeekSTL panel highlighted how expanding awareness of maritime careers, strengthening industry partnerships and increasing access to hands-on experiences are critical to building the next-generation workforce for America’s inland waterways. The session explored how industry leaders, workforce initiatives and emerging professionals are working together to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career opportunities across the river system. The discussion featured Errin Howard…

Logistic Services Inc. (LSI) announced the acquisition of substantially all assets of Five Rivers Distribution, LLC (Five Rivers), strengthening LSI’s inland waterways operations and expanding its presence on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.Five Rivers operates two strategically located multimodal terminals at the ports of Van Buren and Fort Smith, Arkansas. The terminals provide barge, rail, and truck connectivity for a diversified mix of agricultural, industrial, and bulk commodities.

Today’s headlines bring constant news of international shipping hubs across the global supply chain experiencing major volatility and disruption – from Iran sending shockwaves through global energy markets by forcefully obstructing vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz; to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen signaling intent to restart attacks on shipping  in the Red Sea; to China detaining Panama-flagged vessels in an escalation of ongoing disputes over the Panama Canal; and beyond.By contrast, the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry continues to move our nation’s cargo on U.S.

Ports of Indiana has opened a new federally approved bonded storage facility at its Mount Vernon port, marking a major expansion of capabilities and enabling the port to handle its first barge shipment of aluminum.The shipment, totaling approximately 1,650 tons of aluminum, arrived after traveling by ocean vessel from Asia to New Orleans and then by barge to Indiana. The aluminum will be distributed to Midwest manufacturers, where it will be used in a wide range of applications…

Waterways Council, Inc. released a study by HDR, Inc. (Recommendations for Improving the Delivery of Inland Waterway Capital Projects and accompanying infographic) that examines why costs for U.S. inland waterways capital projects (locks and dams) escalate, timelines for completion continue to slip, and economic benefits to the Nation from projects’ execution are consistently delayed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works mission is responsible for constructing the Nation’s inland waterways infrastructure.

It’s been said that American maritime is “having a moment” in Washington, DC.From President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, to introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral SHIPS for America Act in Congress, the U.S. maritime industry has been a subject of focused attention at the highest levels of government, and rightfully so. At their core, these initiatives are driven by recognition that a strong maritime industry is not only vital to the American economy…

Steelpaint GmbH has reported strong growth in orders for corrosion protection coatings on Germany’s inland waterways, with a succession of new contracts awarded by local authorities and hydraulic engineering contractors throughout 2025.Among the raft of new projects is the work WSA Main is carrying out on the Main River at Viereth-Trunstadt. The Main is a major tributary of the Rhine forming one of Europe’s most important inland transport routes between the North Sea and the Black…

Concordia Damen has received a new contract from Reederei Deymann, one of Germany’s largest inland shipping companies, for the extensive refit of a dry cargo vessel Hirschhorn. The vessel recently arrived at the Concordia Damen yard in Werkendam, where the transformation project has now started. The refit involves the complete renewal of the aft ship. Originally equipped with a single engine, single propeller shaft and an outdated living and wheelhouse arrangement, the vessel will undergo a transformation at Concordia Damen’s yard in Werkendam.

Raymarine, a leader in marine electronics, announced that its Pathfinder Radar System has been selected by New Orleans-based Blessey Marine to support the company’s inland tow boat and barge fleet operating across the United States.As required on new and refitted vessels, Blessey Marine’s full fleet will be outfitted with Raymarine Commercial radars and displays in the coming months. These radar systems will help the Blessey Marine fleet transport its customers’ wide array of bulk cargoes safely and efficiently throughout the navigable inland waterways of the U.S.…

American Cruise Lines has announced 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises.

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) and the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) announced on October 1 a transatlantic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on modernizing infrastructure, expanding commercial opportunities, and accelerating knowledge-sharing across the inland waterway freight network. The partnership is designed to strengthen collaboration between American and European inland ports and terminals, while expanding the commercial potential of port and terminal assets.

Cavotec has successfully delivered and commissioned three MoorMaster automated mooring systems at the Iroquois Lock in Ontario, Canada. The systems were officially handed over to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) on June 30, 2025.With this latest installation, Cavotec’s MoorMaster systems support vessel transit at nearly all locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, with only Lock 8 in the Welland Canal remaining to be equipped in 2026. The new systems at the Iroquois Lock will contribute to operational benefits…

HGK Shipping celebrated the naming ceremony for the gas tanker, “GAS 96”, in Rotterdam on October 9, 2025. This is the third gas tanker that combines optimization for operations in shallow waters with a diesel-electric “future-fuel-ready” drive system for Europe’s largest inland waterway shipping company.The “GAS 96” will operate on the Rhine routes between Rotterdam, Antwerp and Cologne with immediate effect and transport gases that have been liquefied under pressure for the chemicals group, LyondellBasell (LYB).

The US Coast Guard is moving forward with the acquisition of the new Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) class, designed to replace the legacy fleet of inland tenders and facilitate commerce vital to the nation’s economic security and strategic mobility.The service has ordered production of the first river buoy tender (WLR) and long lead time material (LLTM) for the second inland construction tender (WLIC), with construction to take place at Birdon America, Inc.’s shipyard in Bayou La Batre…

Low water levels following a drought and heatwave in western Europe are hindering traffic on the Rhine river in Germany after weekend rain caused only a moderate rise in water levels, commodity traders said on Monday.Low water is hampering shipping all along the river south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the chokepoint of Kaub, and vessels are generally only able to sail about half full.Shallow water means vessel operators impose surcharges on freight rates to compensate for vessels not sailing fully loaded…

A heat wave in western Europe has lowered water levels on Germany's Rhine River, hampering shipping and raising freight costs for cargo owners due to additional surcharges as their vessels were unable to sail fully loaded, commodity traders said on Monday.Low water has limited shipping on all of the river south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the chokepoint of Kaub, traders said.At Kaub, cargo vessels could only sail about 50% full, at Duisburg and Cologne between 40-50% full.Shallow water leads vessel operators to impose surcharges on freight rates to compensate for the vessels being unabl

Excitement continues to build for Smart Rivers 2025, an international event focused on innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability in inland waterway transport. Taking place in Memphis, Tennessee September 8-12, 2025, the conference will unite experts from around the world to address the most pressing challenges and forward-looking strategies in river navigation and management.Hosted by the United States section of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC USA)…

On May 15, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Work Plan that allocated funds from the FY25 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. That bill provided funding for the Corps’ Civil Works mission, typically funded in the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.The Corps’ FY25 Work Plan provided nearly $200 million for inland waterways construction projects, of which nearly $50 million will come from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF).

Ingram Marine Group, the largest barge operator on the inland waterways, showcased its operations and planned investments in the bi-state St. Louis region during the opening session of FreightWeekSTL 2025. Hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, the virtual panel session on June 2 featured Dan Lester, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Ingram Infrastructure Group (IIG), part of Ingram Marine Group’s family of businesses. Lester highlighted the company's strategic initiatives to leverage the St.